Dr. France Desbiens

Dr. France Desbiens provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Pediatric Common Issues

• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Primary care coordination for childhood asthma, eczema, and allergies, ensuring optimal health, growth, and development, with close collaboration with pediatric specialists when necessary for severe or complex cases.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Supporting new parents in caring for their infant, addressing common concerns (colic, reflux, sleep patterns), and promoting bonding and healthy attachment.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): Providing initial guidance and evidence-based parenting strategies, and coordinating timely referrals to appropriate pediatric specialists (e.g., developmental pediatricians, child psychologists/psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists) if further evaluation, diagnosis, or specialized intervention is indicated.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Performing opportunistic or targeted skin examinations, especially for patients with risk factors (e.g., history of sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, fair skin), to screen for suspicious moles or lesions that could indicate skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma - BCC, squamous cell carcinoma - SCC, melanoma). Utilizing dermoscopy if trained to improve diagnostic accuracy. Performing skin biopsies (punch, shave, excisional) of concerning lesions or providing timely referrals to dermatology for further evaluation, biopsy, and management if skin cancer is suspected.
• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Prompt primary care for bacterial skin infections to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid potential complications. Severe or rapidly progressing cellulitis may require hospital admission for IV antibiotics.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Helping patients manage the symptoms of psoriasis (scaling, plaques, itchiness) and reduce skin inflammation through effective topical therapies and supportive care.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Evaluating common benign (non-cancerous) skin growths like skin tags (acrochordons), seborrheic keratoses ('age spots'), cherry angiomas, dermatofibromas, epidermal cysts, and lipomas. Providing reassurance regarding their benign nature and offering in-office removal (e.g., cryotherapy, snip excision, curettage, simple excision for cysts/lipomas if trained/equipped) for cosmetic reasons, if causing irritation, or for diagnostic certainty if there's any ambiguity.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Proactive, team-based care (often involving dietitians, diabetes educators, pharmacists) for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, aiming to achieve optimal glycemic control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve overall quality of life.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Working collaboratively with patients to manage their kidney health through regular check-ups, proactive interventions, and coordination with specialist renal services when appropriate.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Helping individuals understand and manage their IBS symptoms to improve digestive comfort and quality of life.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Diagnosing and providing ongoing treatment for common forms of anemia to maintain energy levels and overall health.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr Desbiens. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Diagnosing and managing various forms of eczema/dermatitis (atopic, contact, seborrheic), mild plaque psoriasis, and other common rashes, focusing on trigger identification, skincare recommendations (emollients, gentle cleansers), topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antihistamines for itch relief.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Coordinated management of diverse chronic illnesses within a primary care setting.
• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Ongoing management of stable cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and atrial fibrillation (AFib), often in collaboration with cardiologists, focusing on medication optimization (e.g., anticoagulants for AFib), risk factor reduction, symptom monitoring, and patient education.
• Well-Child & Well-Adolescent Visits (Growth & Development): Age-appropriate developmental screenings, health supervision, and lifestyle counseling for children and teenagers, ensuring they meet key milestones.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Offering essential travel health services and advice to protect your health while abroad, tailored to your destination and activities.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Desbiens. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Médecin de familles in QC and the ethical and professional standards set by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CISSS Laurentides-Centre multiservices d'Argenteui, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr Desbiens frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For those challenged by wanting to discuss options for medical assistance in dying (MAID) for a terminal condition (in provinces where applicable), Dr Desbiens offers strategies to reach developing a deeply trusted, respectful, and enduring long-term therapeutic relationship with their dedicated and accessible primary care physician, {preferred_name}, built on open communication and mutual respect, which can mean rediscovering the joy of feeling confident enough in their stable health and physical abilities to make spontaneous, last-minute plans, embrace unexpected opportunities, or enthusiastically try new, unfamiliar activities or experiences.
• Patients with wanting to understand their personal risk factors for heart disease or stroke and how to reduce them can find relief and achieve seeing tangible and encouraging improvements in their important biomedical markers and lab results, such as normalized blood sugar levels (HbA1c), optimal LDL cholesterol and triglyceride profiles, well-controlled blood pressure readings, or improved kidney function tests, reflecting better disease management with {preferred_name} under Dr Desbiens's care, often allowing them to resume consistently maintaining a regular, enjoyable, and suitably challenging active lifestyle through various forms of exercise, preferred team or individual sports, invigorating outdoor adventures, or mindful movement practices like yoga or tai chi without former limitations.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Desbiens, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr Desbiens practices at CISSS Laurentides-Centre multiservices d'Argenteui, situated in a family medical practice in the central Lachute neighborhood of Lachute. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with CISSS Laurentides-Centre multiservices d'Argenteui if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

How can I find a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?

To find a family doctor in QC accepting new patients, check the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, which often has a "Find a Doctor" tool. You can also use the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF). Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. Finding a family doctor may take time.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor in QC if they are accepting new patients. However, finding one who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

Does Dr Desbiens at CISSS Laurentides-Centre multiservices d'Argenteui offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr Desbiens at CISSS Laurentides-Centre multiservices d'Argenteui offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr Desbiens if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with CISSS Laurentides-Centre multiservices d'Argenteui regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

What if Dr Desbiens works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr Desbiens?

Dr Desbiens practices as part of CISSS Laurentides-Centre multiservices d'Argenteui, which means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals. While the goal is to promote continuity with Dr Desbiens, for some issues, you might be seen by another trusted team member. This collaborative approach enhances access to care. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr Desbiens for complex or ongoing issues.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr Desbiens?

An initial visit usually involves a thorough discussion about your health. Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history, current medications, ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Dr Desbiens will want to understand your health needs. A physical exam may be performed during this first visit, or it might be scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) and what is their role?

Your family doctor (Médecin de famille) is your primary healthcare provider, trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and ensure access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care they provide is fundamental to effective family medicine.

CISSS Laurentides-Centre multiservices d'Argenteui
145 boul de la Providence
Lachute, QC, J8H 4C7

Phone: (450) 562-3761

Dr. France Desbiens is regulated by the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec) in QC and is a registered member in good standing with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Registration Number: 93312

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=93312

Family doctors like Dr Desbiens are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.