Dr. François Corbeil

As a Pneumologue (Respirologue), Dr. François Corbeil 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.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.

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

• Bronchiectasis Management: Care for individuals with permanently damaged and widened airways to reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Expert evaluation for various respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest discomfort.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Ensuring appropriate use and settings for home oxygen therapy.

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

At CIUSSSMCQ-CHAUR, 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. Corbeil frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Corbeil when they first notice feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life. Through personalized respiratory care, the goal is to achieve improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests, enabling them to once again enjoy managing their inhalers or other respiratory medications correctly and effectively without hesitation.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Corbeil with concerns about snoring very loudly, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and feeling tired all day. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing, making a positive and lasting return to concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms not just possible, but highly feasible.
• When patients discuss finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks, Dr. Corbeil outlines a path to better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly, aiming to restore not just respiratory health but also the ability to comfortably being able to lie flat in bed comfortably (for some conditions).
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Corbeil about worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs is to attain learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing.

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

Dr. Corbeil's practice, CIUSSSMCQ-CHAUR, is situated in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic is conveniently located near Industrial Park and is accessible via Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Corbeil 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. Corbeil 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. Corbeil at CIUSSSMCQ-CHAUR?

The first visit with Dr. Corbeil 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. Corbeil 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. Corbeil will discuss their 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. Corbeil do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Corbeil 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Corbeil 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. Corbeil 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 CIUSSSMCQ-CHAUR about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Corbeil 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. Corbeil 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.

CIUSSSMCQ-CHAUR
1991 boul du Carmel
Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 3R9

Phone: (819) 697-3333

Dr. François Corbeil 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: 84166

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=84166

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