Dr. Zafar Iqbal – Internist / Geriatrician | Prince George, BC

Dr. Zafar Iqbal, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Prince George, BC, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm, community-focused approach. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), emphasizing quality, safety, and compassionate care. Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice - internal medicine, with a focus on aging adults and complex health conditions.

Dr. Iqbal graduated with a MB BS from the University of Karachi in 1991 (Pakistan) and has completed extensive post-graduate training and certifications in internal medicine and geriatric care. His credentials include board-certified expertise and ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in adult and senior health management.

With a warm, community-oriented philosophy, Dr. Iqbal is committed to providing accessible, patient-centered care. He speaks English, Hindi, and Urdu, ensuring effective communication with diverse patient populations in Prince George. His approach emphasizes building trusting relationships and fostering a supportive environment for his patients' health and well-being.

Dr. Iqbal provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.

Dr. Iqbal 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.

• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Iqbal. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Iqbal'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 British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Iqbal's practice is located in Downtown Prince George, in the Central neighborhood, close to major commercial corridors. Patients can easily access the clinic via the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Iqbal? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Iqbal are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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. Iqbal. 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 is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?

A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Iqbal uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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. Iqbal.

515-1669 Victoria St, Victoria Medical Building
Prince George, BC V2L 2L5

Phone: (250) 564-3133 | Fax: (250) 564-3163

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Iqbal is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327348/Iqbal%2CZafar