Dr. Alex Halme – Internist / Geriatrician | Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, QC

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Alex Halme offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, QC, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in all patient interactions. Dr. Halme’s role centers on providing comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of adults, including older adults and seniors, fostering a trusting relationship built on compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Halme graduated with a Medical Degree in 2019 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His certifications include advanced training in managing complex adult health conditions, ensuring he remains current with the latest clinical guidelines and best practices. His dedication to continuous learning reflects his commitment to delivering the best possible care to his patients.

With a warm and community-oriented philosophy, Dr. Halme is committed to serving the residents of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. He speaks both French and English fluently, allowing him to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations. His goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care that respects each individual's dignity and promotes overall well-being.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.

Dr. Halme 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.

• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Halme. 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. Halme'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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Dr. Halme’s practice is conveniently located near the central Sainte-Anne-des-Monts neighborhood of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, within the CISSS Gaspésie · Hôpital de Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. The facility is situated close to local points of interest and is accessible via public transit options. The practice is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Halme? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?

In QC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Halme are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)) 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) 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. Halme. 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 happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Halme will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Halme may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

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 Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms or Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup), 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 (Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

CISSS Gaspésie · Hôpital de Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
50 rue du Belvédère
Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, QC G4V 1X4

Phone: (418) 763-2261 | Fax: (438) 600-1117

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Halme is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=19637