Dr. Caroline Couture – Internist / Geriatrician | Gaspé, QC

Dr. Caroline Couture is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Gaspé, QC, she serves the surrounding communities with warmth and a strong sense of community. Her approach emphasizes personalized care and building trusting relationships with her patients, ensuring they feel valued and understood. She adheres to the highest standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that her practice meets rigorous professional guidelines.

Dr. Couture graduated with her Medical Degree in 2010 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Her certifications include specialized training in managing complex adult health issues, enabling her to address a broad spectrum of medical conditions with expertise and compassion. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with advancements in her fields of practice.

With a warm and community-focused philosophy, Dr. Couture is dedicated to serving the residents of Gaspé and nearby areas. She speaks both French and English, facilitating clear communication and culturally sensitive care. Her goal is to support her patients in maintaining their independence and quality of life through attentive, respectful, and comprehensive medical services.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Dr. Couture 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.

• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Couture. 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. Couture'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. Couture's practice is located near the central Gaspé neighborhood of Gaspé, within the CISSS de la Gaspésie at the Hôpital de Gaspé. The facility is conveniently situated close to local points of interest and is accessible via public transportation options available in the area. The practice is committed to providing accessible care; the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In QC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Couture 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. Couture. 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. Couture's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.

Does Dr. Couture handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Couture will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

CISSS de la Gaspésie, Hôpital de Gaspé
215 boul York O
Gaspé, QC G4X 2W2

Phone: (418) 368-3301 | Fax: (418) 368-3650

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Couture 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=10631