Dr. Michel Lapointe

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

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Diagnosing and treating infections that inflame the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus (e.g., bacterial, viral, fungal).
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Involvement in the diagnosis and respiratory management of active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent TB infection, often in collaboration with public health.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• 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): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Lapointe, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Expert review and interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, and other thoracic imaging studies to identify and assess lung abnormalities.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Analyzing results from breathing tests to measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Lapointe. 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. Michel Lapointe adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CIUSSSMCQ CHAUR Trois rivieres, 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. Lapointe frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe to wellness often involves Dr. Lapointe's dedicated care. The milestone is reduced frequency of lung infections and hospitalizations due to respiratory problems, which opens the door back to activities such as walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless.
• Dr. Lapointe expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of wanting to understand their lung function test results. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by improved sleep quality and feeling more rested and energetic during the day (especially for sleep apnea), means they can happily and comfortably get back to sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapointe when they first notice getting frequent lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. Through personalized respiratory care, the goal is to achieve clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care, enabling them to once again enjoy gardening or engaging in other light outdoor activities they enjoy without hesitation.
• Dr. Lapointe provides dedicated support for patients going through their asthma not being well-controlled, with frequent attacks or need for their rescue inhaler, always aiming for positive outcomes like effective relief from symptoms related to pleural effusions, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

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

Dr. Lapointe's practice, CIUSSSMCQ CHAUR Trois rivieres, is situated in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Lapointe 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. Lapointe 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Lapointe 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. Lapointe 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 always best for patients to inquire with CIUSSSMCQ CHAUR Trois rivieres about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Lapointe 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. Lapointe 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.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Lapointe do?

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

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Lapointe at CIUSSSMCQ CHAUR Trois rivieres?

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

CIUSSSMCQ CHAUR Trois rivieres
1991 boul du Carmel
Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 3R9

Phone: (819) 372-3567

Dr. Michel Lapointe 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: 82287

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=82287

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