Description
About Dr. Vivian Wai-Mei Huang
Dr. Vivian Wai-Mei Huang, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the unique health needs of adults, including seniors, in her practice. Dr. Huang is committed to promoting health and wellbeing, fostering trusting relationships with her patients and their families.
Dr. Huang graduated with her Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2007 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized certification in Geriatric Medicine. Her training ensures she is well-equipped to handle complex medical cases with a thorough and compassionate approach. She adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Her clinical philosophy centers on providing warm, personalized, and community-oriented care. She believes in empowering her patients through education and shared decision-making. Fluent in English, Dr. Huang is dedicated to serving Toronto's diverse population, ensuring accessible and respectful healthcare for all members of her community.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Vivian Wai-Mei Huang
Dr. Huang provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
Dr. Huang manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Vivian Wai-Mei Huang
- Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Huang. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Huang's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Huang's practice is located in the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Port Lands area, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Patients can reach her practice easily via TTC, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Huang? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Huang are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.
- Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?
- A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Huang. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.
- What are typical wait times for an appointment?
- Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Huang's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Please bring:
- Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
- The referral letter if you have it.
- A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
- A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
- Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
- A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Huang.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2) or Delirium Prevention & Management), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- What kind of tests might Dr. Huang order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Huang may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.
Contact & Licensing Information
600 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5
Phone: (416) 586-4800 | Fax: (416) 586-4655
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Huang is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Huang-Vivian-WaiMei/0242346-86185