About
Dr. Joëlle Fragasso-Marquis is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at Centre de services ambulatoires Laval, Néphrologie in Laval, QC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring high-quality and ethical medical services. As a Nephrologist, she specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers comprehensive care for a wide range of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.
Dr. Fragasso-Marquis earned her Medical Degree in 2014. Following her medical training, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, and subsequently, a specialized fellowship in Nephrology. She has been practicing as a Nephrologist for over 10 years, gaining extensive experience in managing complex kidney disorders. She holds all necessary certifications to practice Nephrologist in Quebec, having completed rigorous postgraduate training and maintaining active certification status.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and enhancing the quality of life for her patients. She is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, Dr. Fragasso-Marquis aims for early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic, patient-centered care. She provides nephrology consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her diverse patient population.
Dr. Joëlle Fragasso-Marquis provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Fragasso-Marquis addresses management of high blood pressure, especially when it's difficult to control or related to kidney disease, and disorders of body salts and minerals.
- Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Requires careful diagnosis of the cause and precise management of fluid and electrolyte intake.
- Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
- Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Kidneys play a key role in regulating acid-base balance. Disorders can be respiratory or metabolic.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Fragasso-Marquis addresses disorders that affect the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidneys, often leading to proteinuria, hematuria, and impaired kidney function.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A disease characterized by scarring in some glomeruli, often leading to nephrotic syndrome and progressive kidney damage.
- Lupus Nephritis: Requires aggressive immunosuppressive therapy to prevent kidney failure.
- Nephritic Syndrome: Characterized by hematuria (blood in urine), hypertension, oliguria (reduced urine output), and some degree of proteinuria and edema.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Fragasso-Marquis addresses management focuses on slowing progression, treating underlying causes like diabetes and hypertension, and managing complications.
- Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Focus on controlling risk factors (blood pressure, blood sugar), lifestyle modifications, and avoiding kidney-damaging medications.
- Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Intensive management of complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolyte imbalance) and preparation for renal replacement therapy.
- Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Can cause fatigue, weakness, and reduced quality of life.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Joëlle Fragasso-Marquis is necessary.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Coordination with vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists for access creation and maintenance.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: Identification of underlying causes and implementation of supportive care to promote kidney recovery.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management related to Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, particularly resistant or secondary hypertension linked to kidney problems.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Monitoring for complications, managing symptoms, and discussing new therapeutic options.
- Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Focus on blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and use of kidney-protective medications.
- Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Diagnosis and treatment of complex imbalances in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and acid-base status.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Fragasso-Marquis.
All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. A referral from a physician or another specialist is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Joëlle Fragasso-Marquis practices primarily within the Centre de services ambulatoires Laval, Néphrologie, located in the Chomedey East neighborhood of Laval. The clinic offers comprehensive kidney care services in a modern, professional environment. Situated close to Parc des Prairies, the facility is easily accessible via public transportation through the Société de transport de Laval (STL). The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking nearby, including some accessible spots. Patients can expect a welcoming setting dedicated to high-quality, personalized nephrology care in Laval.
- What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Fragasso-Marquis?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Fragasso-Marquis manages numerous conditions affecting the kidneys. These frequently include different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, high blood pressure affecting the kidneys, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, kidney stones (medical management), and advanced kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant). specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Fragasso-Marquis?
- Dr. Fragasso-Marquis is involved in the medical aspects of kidney transplantation. This means her role includes assessing if a transplant is a good option for you, helping manage your kidney disease before transplant, and providing ongoing medical care after the surgery. This post-transplant care is vital for the long-term success of the new kidney and involves medication management and regular check-ups.
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Fragasso-Marquis specialize in?
- Dr. Fragasso-Marquis is a Nephrologist, a physician with specialized training in kidney health and disease. She manages the full spectrum of kidney disorders, from early detection and prevention to advanced therapies like dialysis and post-transplant care. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Fragasso-Marquis and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. Fragasso-Marquis is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis, and medical aspects of kidney transplantation. Urologists are surgical specialists who treat anatomical or structural problems of the kidneys and urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones requiring surgery, bladder issues, prostate problems, cancers of the kidney/bladder/prostate). While both deal with kidneys, Nephrologists manage kidney function and disease medically, whereas Urologists manage surgically and address urinary tract structures.
- Are services from Dr. Fragasso-Marquis covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Fragasso-Marquis is covered under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This includes appointments, prescribed kidney function tests, management of dialysis, and care before and after a kidney transplant. Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and medical care related to kidney transplantation are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Fragasso-Marquis's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.
- How does Dr. Fragasso-Marquis help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Dr. Fragasso-Marquis, as a Nephrologist, has expertise in managing hypertension, especially if it's severe, resistant to standard treatments, or caused by kidney disease. She can investigate underlying causes, optimize medication regimens, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to effectively control blood pressure, which is crucial for protecting kidney health and overall cardiovascular well-being.
- When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Fragasso-Marquis?
- You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Fragasso-Marquis if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, have significant risk factors (like diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension with signs of kidney impact), or experience symptoms such as persistent swelling, changes in urination, blood or protein in urine, or unexplained fatigue that your family doctor suspects is kidney-related. A referral from your primary care physician or another specialist is typically required.
Centre de services ambulatoires Laval, Néphrologie
1515 Boul Chomedey
Laval, QC H7V 3Y7
Office Phone: (450) 668-1010 | Office Fax: (450) 978-2970
Dr. Fragasso-Marquis is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Fragasso-Marquis, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Fragasso-Marquis's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14074