Dr. Darrin Paul Wiebe

As a Respirologist, Dr. Darrin Paul Wiebe diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Wiebe, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Coordinating with pulmonary rehabilitation teams to support patients with chronic lung diseases.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Wiebe. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Darrin Paul Wiebe adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Darrin Paul Wiebe's practice, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Wiebe frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Managing worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Wiebe and the medical team. The clear aim is always quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy and their daily routines without severe respiratory hindrance.
• When trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to managing their personal care and hygiene independently, Dr. Wiebe and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child experiencing fewer asthma attacks and participating more fully in activities and a return to comfort and confidence in their breathing.
• Through Dr. Wiebe's skilled guidance and modern medical techniques, patients suffering from their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses often find they can readily achieve a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms.
• Dr. Wiebe's comprehensive care for living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better is meticulously designed to result in early detection of lung cancer, leading to better treatment options. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed without severe breathing worries.

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Wiebe, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Wiebe is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Wiebe's respiratory clinic in Abbotsford is situated in the Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near The Reach Gallery Museum and is easily accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Wiebe do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Wiebe is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing lung and respiratory system diseases and conditions. This includes asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms (like shortness of breath and cough), and enhance quality of life for those with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools (pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy) and treatments (medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines).

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Wiebe at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Wiebe will involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how symptoms impact daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and previous treatments. Dr. Wiebe will perform a thorough physical examination focusing on the respiratory system. Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Wiebe will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy), and outline treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Wiebe?

In BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally needed to see a Respirologist like Dr. Wiebe for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Wiebe has necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

How is a Respirologist different from a Thoracic Surgeon or an Allergist?

While all three may deal with conditions affecting breathing, their approaches differ. Thoracic Surgeons perform operations on chest organs, including the lungs (e.g., lung cancer surgery). Allergists diagnose and treat allergic conditions (including allergic asthma), often using immunotherapy. Respirologists like Dr. Wiebe focus on the non-surgical diagnosis and medical management of a broad range of lung and respiratory diseases, using medications, inhaler therapies, diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy, and managing conditions like COPD and sleep apnea. They often coordinate long-term care for chronic respiratory illnesses.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Wiebe recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are non-invasive breathing tests measuring how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume, airflow rates, and gas exchange. Dr. Wiebe might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate treatment effectiveness. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Wiebe covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Wiebe are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies ordered by a specialist are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments depending on provincial formularies and private insurance. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any.

Can Dr. Wiebe help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Wiebe are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. After a thorough assessment, Dr. Wiebe develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing inhaler medications, educating patients on inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance quality of life.

103-2493 Montrose Ave
Abbotsford, BC, V2S 0L5

Phone: (604) 621-0841

Dr. Darrin Paul Wiebe is a licensed Respirologist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 59333

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339215/Wiebe%2CDarrin

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Wiebe. Dr. Wiebe and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.