Dr. Louise Passerini

As a Pneumologue (Respirologue), Dr. Louise Passerini diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• 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.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Passerini, 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: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Passerini. 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. Louise Passerini 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 Charles LeMoyne, 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. Passerini frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Passerini provides dedicated support for patients going through needing help to quit smoking and improve their lung health, always aiming for positive outcomes like reduced frequency of lung infections and hospitalizations due to respiratory problems, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms.
• Are you struggling with feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life? Dr. Passerini partners with patients to target successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy a much more achievable reality.
• Understanding the frustration trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 can cause, Dr. Passerini tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve an improved overall quality of life despite living with a chronic lung condition, allowing for renewed participation in activities like singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion.
• Dr. Passerini's comprehensive care for a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and needing specialized care is meticulously designed to result in better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as performing daily household chores like cleaning or grocery shopping without significant difficulty without severe breathing worries.

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

Dr. Passerini practices at Hôpital Charles LeMoyne, situated in a central location within the Greenfield Park neighborhood of Greenfield Park. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Passerini?

In Quebec, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Passerini for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Passerini has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a respiratory assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Passerini 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. Passerini 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. Passerini 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. Passerini 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 best to inquire with Hôpital Charles LeMoyne about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Passerini at Hôpital Charles LeMoyne?

Your first visit with Dr. Passerini will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Passerini 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. Passerini 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 you to establish health goals.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Passerini 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. Passerini 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 does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Passerini do?

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

Hôpital Charles LeMoyne
3120 boul Taschereau
Greenfield Park, QC, J4V 2H1

Phone: (450) 466-5000

Dr. Louise Passerini 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: 81016

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=81016

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