Dr. Daniel Blum – Nephrologist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Daniel Blum is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at Hôpital général Juif in Montréal, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). As a Nephrologist, he specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers comprehensive care for a wide range of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.

He graduated with a Medical Degree in 2019. Following medical school, Dr. Blum completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He has been practicing as a Nephrologist with over 5 years of specialized experience since 2019. He has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Nephrologist in Québec, ensuring he is fully qualified to deliver expert kidney care.

Dr. Blum’s professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. He is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health and empowering them in shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, he aims for optimal patient outcomes. His approach emphasizes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. Dr. Blum collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic and patient-centered care. He provides nephrology consultations and treatments in French, ensuring effective communication and personalized care for his patients in Montréal.

Dr. Daniel Blum provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

Dr. Blum addresses nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating complex cases.

• Resistant Hypertension: Evaluation focuses on identifying secondary causes and optimizing medication regimens.
• Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Management involves identifying the cause (e.g., medications, kidney disease, hormonal issues) and correcting the imbalance.
• Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Imbalances in the body's pH level, either too acidic (acidosis) or too alkaline (alkalosis).

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Dr. Blum addresses a progressive loss of kidney function over months or years, affecting the body's ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.

• Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Severe reduction in kidney function, often accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination.
• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Regular monitoring to track kidney function and progression.
• Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Managed with dietary restrictions, phosphate binders, vitamin D supplements, and calcimimetics.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Dr. Blum addresses requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to address the underlying cause and support kidney recovery.

• Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Management involves treating the specific kidney injury, supportive care, and sometimes dialysis.
• Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A form of AKI that can occur after exposure to iodinated contrast media used in imaging procedures.
• Pre-renal AKI: Caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or sepsis.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Daniel Blum is necessary.

• Management of Dialysis Complications: Addressing common complications of dialysis such as anemia, mineral and bone disorders, cardiovascular issues, and infections.
• Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Development of preventative strategies including dietary modifications and medical therapy.
• Comprehensive Nephrology Consultation: Evaluation for patients with abnormal kidney tests, proteinuria, hematuria, or suspected kidney disorders.
• Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Specialized care for kidney complications arising from diabetes, aiming to prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.
• Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Diagnosis and treatment of complex imbalances in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and acid-base status.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Genetic counseling and family screening coordination.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Blum.

All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. A referral from a physician or another specialist is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Blum's primary nephrology clinic is located at Hôpital général Juif, situated in Montréal's vibrant Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently close to the Université de Montréal, making it accessible for patients in the area. Easily reachable via Société de transport de Montréal (STM) services, including Métro and Bus routes, the location offers excellent public transit options. The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional environment for comprehensive kidney care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring ease of access for patients arriving by car.

What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Blum?

Dr. Blum is involved in the medical aspects of kidney transplantation. This means his role includes assessing if a transplant is a good option for you, helping manage your kidney disease before transplant, and providing ongoing medical care after the surgery. This post-transplant care is vital for the long-term success of the new kidney and involves medication management and regular check-ups.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Blum?

You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Blum if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, have significant risk factors (like diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension with signs of kidney impact), or experience symptoms such as persistent swelling, changes in urination, blood or protein in urine, or unexplained fatigue that your family doctor suspects is kidney-related. A referral from your primary care physician or another specialist is typically required.

Are services from Dr. Blum covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by a Nephrologist like Dr. Blum, such as consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and kidney transplant-related care, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and medical care related to kidney transplantation are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Blum's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.

What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Blum and a Urologist?

A Nephrologist like Dr. Blum is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis, and medical aspects of kidney transplantation. Urologists are surgical specialists who treat anatomical or structural problems of the kidneys and urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones requiring surgery, bladder issues, prostate problems, cancers of the kidney/bladder/prostate). While both deal with kidneys, Nephrologists manage kidney function and disease medically, whereas Urologists manage surgically and address urinary tract structures.

How does Dr. Blum help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Blum, as a Nephrologist, has expertise in managing hypertension, especially if it's severe, resistant to standard treatments, or caused by kidney disease. He can investigate underlying causes, optimize medication regimens, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to effectively control blood pressure, which is crucial for protecting kidney health and overall cardiovascular well-being.

What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Blum might discuss?

Dr. Blum can explain various dialysis options if needed. The two main types are hemodialysis, where blood is cleaned outside the body by a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, where a solution is put into your abdomen to clean the blood internally. Both have different schedules and requirements, and Dr. Blum would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Blum?

For most consultations with Dr. Blum that are medically necessary and covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist (like an internist or endocrinologist) is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively. In urgent situations, your referring doctor will facilitate an expedited consultation. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (514) 340-8147.

Hôpital général Juif
D070-3755 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E2

Office Phone: (514) 340-8222 | Office Fax: (514) 340-8147

Dr. Blum is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Blum, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Blum's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=19127