Dr. Mélanie Garneau

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

Mental Health Concerns

• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Providing a safe and confidential first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of other mental health conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or early psychosis. Includes initial screening, supportive listening, crisis intervention if needed, risk assessment, and prompt, appropriate referral to specialized psychiatric, psychological, or emergency mental health services for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Ongoing management and support for anxiety disorders, helping patients develop coping strategies, achieve symptom remission or reduction, and improve overall well-being.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Supportive counseling and practical guidance for stress-related symptoms and adjustment disorders, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Helping you identify and address factors contributing to poor sleep, and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime alertness and functioning.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Regular monitoring of physical growth (height, weight, head circumference using growth charts), developmental milestones (gross motor, fine motor, language, social-emotional using tools like Rourke Baby Record or Greig Health Record), nutrition/feeding practices (breastfeeding, formula, introduction of solids, healthy eating for older children), and providing age-appropriate anticipatory guidance to parents/caregivers on safety (e.g., car seats, safe sleep, poison prevention, injury prevention), behavior, sleep, dental health, and fostering healthy habits from infancy through school age.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Providing confidential, respectful, and age-appropriate comprehensive primary care for teenagers (typically ages 12-18+). Addressing a wide range of issues including pubertal development, acne, body image concerns, sports injuries, mental health (screening for anxiety, depression, stress, eating disorders), sexual health education (contraception, STI prevention/screening, healthy relationships), substance use (screening, brief intervention, counseling), and promoting healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, responsible digital media use).
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including clear guidance for parents on home care, symptom relief, and when to seek urgent re-assessment.
• 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.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Helping patients find relief from itchy, irritated, or dry eyes through appropriate primary care interventions and guidance.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Confirmation of eradication testing post-treatment to ensure successful clearance of the infection and reduce risks of H. pylori-related gastroduodenal diseases.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Primary care support for managing discomfort and preventing complications associated with venous disease. Referral to vascular specialists or phlebologists for more advanced treatments (e.g., sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, surgery) if symptoms are severe, progressive, or complicated by ulceration or recurrent phlebitis.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery and prevent complications.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Assisting patients with necessary medical documentation for third-party requests.
• Thyroid Disorder Management (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Hashimoto's): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions, including initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities and coordination with endocrinology if needed.
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: A sensitive and proactive approach to identifying potential eating disorders and connecting individuals with appropriate, specialized care.
• Chronic Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Neuropathic - Primary Care Approach): Helping individuals understand and cope with chronic pain, aiming to improve daily function, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Garneau. 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 Hôpital le Royer - CISSS Côte-Nord, 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 Garneau frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr Garneau often sees patients whose experiencing frequent or severe headaches or migraines that are disrupting their work and family life limits their enjoyment of feeling mentally clear, exceptionally sharp, highly focused, and consistently productive throughout their demanding workday, during important decision-making processes, or when engaged in complex cognitive tasks. The goal of care is to achieve successfully and confidently navigating the often complex, fragmented, and sometimes overwhelming healthcare system with Dr Garneau acting as their knowledgeable guide, steadfast advocate, and central, reliable coordinator of all their medical care and restore their active lifestyle.
• The path to wellness when facing their child has a foreign object stuck in their nose or ear (and it seems minor enough for the clinic) involves working towards their teenager demonstrating a smoother and more confident transition into managing their own health responsibilities and navigating the adult healthcare system, thanks to ongoing guidance and mentorship from Dr Garneau. Dr Garneau guides patients so they can again enjoy consistently driving safely, alertly, and comfortably for all necessary daily errands, regular commuting to work or school, or for longer leisure trips and family visits, without physical strain or cognitive impairment.

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

Dr Garneau practices at Hôpital le Royer - CISSS Côte-Nord, situated in a family medical practice in central Baie-Comeau neighborhood of Baie-Comeau. 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 Garneau?

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 Garneau's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr Garneau. 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 Garneau, 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 exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) and what is their role?

A family doctor (QC) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor 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 sometimes be challenging. You may find it helpful to check resources such as the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec or local health authority websites for assistance in finding a family doctor. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Does Dr Garneau at Hôpital le Royer - CISSS Côte-Nord offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr Garneau at Hôpital le Royer - CISSS Côte-Nord offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr Garneau if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Hôpital le Royer - CISSS Côte-Nord regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'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 (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Hôpital le Royer - CISSS Côte-Nord if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients may take time and can be challenging.

Hôpital le Royer - CISSS Côte-Nord
635 boul Jolliet
Baie-Comeau, QC, G5C 1P1

Phone: (418) 589-3701

Dr. Mélanie Garneau 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: 11615

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=11615

Family doctors like Dr Garneau 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.