Dr. Dhiviya Umapathy – Pulmonologist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Dhiviya Umapathy is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Dr. Umapathy is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Umapathy is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Umapathy focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. The goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for patients with breathing disorders. Dr. Umapathy serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Dhiviya Umapathy earned a Medical Degree in 2010. Following this, Dr. Umapathy completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). Dr. Umapathy brings valuable clinical experience in respiratory medicine to her practice. Dr. Umapathy's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Umapathy is dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in respiratory medicine to provide optimal patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Umapathy's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care; a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being. Dr. Umapathy offers consultations in French.

As a Pneumologue (Respirologue), Dr. Dhiviya Umapathy 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: Evaluating and managing a wide range of less common ILDs, including those associated with connective tissue diseases, drug-induced ILD, and unclassifiable ILDs.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Monitoring lung function and managing inflammation in patients with sarcoidosis affecting the lungs.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

Airway Diseases

• Bronchiectasis: Care for individuals with persistent cough, copious sputum, and frequent respiratory infections due to bronchiectasis.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.

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

• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Diagnosing the cause of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and managing them, which may include therapeutic thoracentesis (fluid drainage) in an outpatient setting if appropriate.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Utilizing bronchoscopic techniques for accurate diagnosis of various lung pathologies.
• COPD Management and Education: Multifaceted approach to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, focusing on symptom relief, smoking cessation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Care for individuals with permanently damaged and widened airways to reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Umapathy. 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. Dhiviya Umapathy adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, 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. Umapathy frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly, Dr. Umapathy outlines a path to early detection of lung cancer, leading to better treatment options, aiming to restore not just respiratory health but also the ability to comfortably feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Umapathy when they first notice pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough. Through personalized respiratory care, the goal is to achieve successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, enabling them to once again enjoy concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms without hesitation.
• Through Dr. Umapathy's skilled guidance and modern medical techniques, patients suffering from unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough often find they can readily achieve slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness.
• Overcoming or effectively managing concerns about a shadow or spot found on their lung X-ray or CT scan is a common journey for patients under Dr. Umapathy's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling feeling more confident in managing their respiratory condition day-to-day, so that daily routines and pleasures like sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Umapathy practices at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, located in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Site of International Balloon Festival and is accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

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

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume (how much air the lungs can hold), airflow rates (how quickly air can be moved in and out), and gas exchange (how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood). Dr. Umapathy 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 the effectiveness of treatment. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Umapathy at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu?

The first visit with Dr. Umapathy will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact their daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Umapathy will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system (listening to the lungs, observing breathing patterns). Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Umapathy will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with the patient to establish health goals.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Umapathy is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like 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 the quality of life for people with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Umapathy are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). After a thorough assessment, Dr. Umapathy develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing appropriate inhaler medications (relievers and controllers), educating patients on correct inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation if beneficial. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Umapathy covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Umapathy are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, 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. It's always best for patients to inquire with Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu
920 boul du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3A 1B7

Phone: (450) 359-5000

Dr. Dhiviya Umapathy is a licensed Pneumologue (Respirologue) in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 10566

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=10566

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Umapathy. Dr. Umapathy 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.