Dr. Marcel Couture

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

Common Chronic Conditions

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Helping you live well with diabetes by providing ongoing education, support for self-management behaviors, access to diabetes education programs, and strategies to prevent or delay long-term complications, empowering you to take control of your health.
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Diagnosis, treatment (e.g., levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs or referral for hyperthyroidism), and long-term monitoring of common thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, to ensure hormonal balance, manage symptoms effectively, and screen for complications like thyroid nodules or goiter. Includes initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities (e.g., ultrasound for nodules) and coordination with endocrinology for complex cases.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Comprehensive care for individuals with asthma and related allergies, focusing on patient empowerment, self-management skills, and emergency preparedness for asthma attacks.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing long-term management strategies for chronic gout to prevent recurrent attacks and complications (e.g., tophi, chronic gouty arthropathy, kidney stones), including detailed lifestyle advice (dietary modifications - reducing purine-rich foods such as red meat/organ meats/shellfish, limiting alcohol especially beer and spirits, avoiding sugary drinks/high-fructose corn syrup; hydration; weight management if overweight/obese) and initiating/managing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) such as allopurinol or febuxostat to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels (typically <360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi present). Monitoring for medication side effects, adherence, and regular serum uric acid levels.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Long-term management of PMR involves a very slow and gradual tapering of corticosteroids over 1-2 years (or longer), carefully monitoring for clinical relapse (recurrence of symptoms) and adjusting steroid dose accordingly. Also includes monitoring for and managing potential corticosteroid side effects (e.g., osteoporosis - bone protection with calcium/vitamin D, bisphosphonates if needed; hyperglycemia; hypertension; weight gain; mood changes; skin fragility).
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: A supportive, holistic, and patient-centered primary care approach to helping individuals manage the complex and often debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia (widespread pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction - 'fibro fog', mood disturbances), aiming to improve daily function, reduce pain interference, and enhance overall quality of life.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly medical care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery, appropriate antibiotic stewardship (avoiding unnecessary antibiotics for viral illnesses), and prevent complications.
• 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.

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

• Coordination with Allied Health Professionals & Community Health Services: Facilitating access to a broad network of allied health and community services to support your overall health plan, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term management needs.
• Management of Common Chronic Pediatric Conditions (e.g., Asthma, Eczema, Allergies): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including action plans and inhaler technique), eczema (atopic dermatitis), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and food allergies (initial assessment and referral if needed), focusing on symptom control, trigger avoidance, and improving quality of life.
• Hypertension & Lipid Disorder Management (High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol): Developing personalized strategies to control hypertension and lipid levels effectively, involving patient partnership in shared decision-making and goal setting.
• 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.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Assessing new or sudden onset headaches or dizziness to differentiate between common causes (e.g., tension headache, migraine, benign positional vertigo) and more serious underlying conditions, providing initial management and referral if indicated.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Couture. 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 des Îles, 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 Couture frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• The focus for patients with concerns about possible medication interactions between prescriptions from different doctors at Dr Couture's practice is achieving their children developing a consistently positive attitude towards healthcare interactions and feeling remarkably comfortable, safe, and trusting during medical check-ups, immunizations, and even minor procedures with Dr Couture, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like successfully maintaining their cherished personal independence in all complex daily routines, intricate personal care tasks, and instrumental activities of daily living, which is especially crucial for aging seniors or individuals managing disabilities.
• Dr Couture often sees patients whose getting a comprehensive skin check for new or changing spots, especially with a history of significant sun exposure or family history of skin cancer limits their enjoyment of participating fully, actively, and joyfully in all extended family activities, special gatherings, milestone celebrations, and holiday traditions. The goal of care is to achieve experiencing fewer and less severe complications from a chronic underlying illness (like heart failure or chronic kidney disease) due to Dr Couture's diligent, guideline-based monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments and restore their active lifestyle.

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

Dr Couture's practice at CISSS des Îles is situated in a family medical practice in the central Cap-aux-Meules neighborhood of Cap-aux-Meules. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr Couture?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr Couture's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr Couture. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr Couture, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr Couture?

Always bring your health card to your appointment with Dr Couture. A complete list of all medications you're currently taking (prescription, non-prescription, natural health products) is crucial for Dr Couture to review. For new patients, any past medical records or a health summary you can provide are beneficial. If you're diabetic, bringing your blood sugar log and meter can be helpful. Preparing a list of your symptoms or questions in advance can also make your appointment more productive and ensure all your concerns are addressed.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Quebec if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

You can check the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, which often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly, or use the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF) if applicable. Finding a family doctor may take time and effort.

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

When you first meet Dr Couture as a new patient, expect to spend time discussing your complete health profile. He will likely ask about your past medical history, significant family illnesses, all current medications (including vitamins and supplements), allergies, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, and any specific health concerns or goals you have. This comprehensive intake helps Dr Couture understand your overall health status and begin to formulate a long-term care plan. It's also an excellent time to ask any questions you may have about his approach to medicine or clinic procedures.

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, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. He manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care he provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l&#x27;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 or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with CISSS des Îles if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

CISSS des Îles
430 ch Principal
Cap-aux-Meules, QC, G4T 1R9

Phone: (418) 986-2121

Dr. Marcel Couture 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: 90071

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=90071

Family doctors like Dr Couture 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.