Internal Medicine at Chinook Medical Centre — by physician referral
What This Covers
This page covers non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, also called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and persistently elevated liver enzymes found on blood work — common findings that benefit from a structured assessment to determine their cause and significance.
Common Reasons for Referral
- Fatty liver identified on ultrasound or other imaging
- Persistently elevated liver enzymes on blood work
- Fatty liver disease with additional risk factors (diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol)
- Uncertainty about whether further liver testing or monitoring is needed
- Liver findings that haven’t been fully explained by initial workup
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Fatty liver and mildly elevated liver enzymes usually cause no symptoms and are typically found incidentally on blood work or imaging done for other reasons. When symptoms do occur, they can include fatigue or mild discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
Risk factors: excess weight (particularly abdominal), type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, and metabolic syndrome.
When Urgent Medical Attention May Be Needed
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), severe abdominal pain, confusion, or swelling with fluid in the abdomen are emergencies — seek immediate care rather than waiting for a scheduled referral.
What Dr. Srini May Assess
The likely cause of elevated liver enzymes or fatty liver, related metabolic risk factors (weight, blood sugar, cholesterol), and whether further liver-specific testing or specialist referral is warranted.
Tests That May Be Considered
Blood tests for liver function and related metabolic markers, and imaging such as ultrasound. In some cases, more specialized liver testing may be arranged.
General Treatment and Monitoring Approach
Often centers on managing underlying metabolic risk factors — weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol — alongside periodic monitoring of liver blood work; individualized based on findings.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Bring a current medication list, any prior liver blood work or imaging reports, and note any alcohol use, as this is a routine part of assessing liver findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fatty liver serious?
It varies. Many people with fatty liver have a mild, stable course, while others are at higher risk of progression — assessment helps determine which applies to you.
Can fatty liver be reversed?
For many people, weight loss and management of underlying risk factors (like blood sugar and cholesterol) can improve or resolve fatty liver, particularly when caught early.
Does fatty liver mean I drink too much alcohol?
Not necessarily — non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is linked to metabolic factors like weight and blood sugar rather than alcohol use, though alcohol history is still routinely reviewed.
Do I need a referral?
Yes — a referral from a family physician or nurse practitioner is required.
How to Obtain a Referral
Already a Chinook Medical Centre patient? Ask your doctor whether a referral to Dr. Srini is right for you.
Don’t have a family doctor? Become a patient at Chinook Medical Centre — once established with one of our family physicians, they can assess whether a specialist referral is needed.
For referring physicians and nurse practitioners: Download the referral form below, complete it, and fax it to us at 403-384-9798. For questions, call 403-384-9799.
Download the Dr. Srini Internal Medicine Referral Form (PDF)
Manage Your Prescriptions
If your treatment plan includes medication, Chinook Guardian Pharmacy is located on-site, right in the same building — making it easy to fill prescriptions, ask questions, and stay on track with refills.
Sources
Canadian Liver Foundation patient resources.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Srinivasan Narasimhalu, MD, FRCPC. This page is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. If you have symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider or, for urgent symptoms, seek immediate care.
