Dr. Isabelle Richard – Internist / Geriatrician | Rouyn-Noranda, QC

Dr. Isabelle Richard, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Rouyn-Noranda, QC, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in all patient interactions. Her role emphasizes comprehensive adult care, particularly within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the unique needs of seniors and complex adult patients.

Dr. Richard graduated with her Medical Degree in 2013 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She holds certifications in these specialties, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in patient care. Her education and training enable her to provide expert diagnosis, management, and coordination of complex medical conditions.

Her clinical philosophy is warm and community-centered, emphasizing personalized care and open communication. She is fluent in French, which allows her to connect deeply with her French-speaking patients and their families. Dr. Richard is dedicated to serving the Rouyn-Noranda area with compassion, professionalism, and a strong commitment to improving her patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Richard provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Dr. Richard manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Richard. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Richard's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Dr. Richard's practice is conveniently situated near the central neighborhood of Rouyn-Noranda, within the CISSS de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue (CISSS AT). The location is easily accessible via local public transit routes, making it convenient for patients coming from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The facility is close to local points of interest such as the Rouyn-Noranda City Hall and the Library, offering a welcoming community environment. The practice is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for those arriving by car.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Richard? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?

In QC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Richard are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Richard. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?

A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Richard uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease, Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card).
• The referral letter if you have it.
• A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
• A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
• A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Richard.

CISSS AT
4 9e Rue
Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 2B2

Phone: (819) 764-5131 | Fax: (819) 764-2946

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Richard is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=13037