Dr. Nathalie Lebel – Internist / Geriatrician | Baie-Comeau, QC

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Nathalie Lebel serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Baie-Comeau, QC, she serves the surrounding communities. Her practice is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include General Internal Medicine, with a focus on complex adult and senior health issues.

Dr. Lebel graduated with a Medical Degree in 2016 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including specialized residency and certifications relevant to Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her comprehensive training ensures she is well-equipped to diagnose and manage a wide range of adult health conditions, emphasizing thorough and evidence-based approaches.

Her clinical philosophy centers on clear and educational communication, ensuring patients understand their health conditions and treatment options. She is dedicated to serving the Baie-Comeau community, speaking both French and English, and prioritizes compassionate, respectful care tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Dr. Lebel provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Dr. Lebel manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lebel. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Lebel's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Dr. Lebel's practice is located near the central Baie-Comeau neighborhood of Baie-Comeau, within Hôpital le Royer, Médecine interne. The facility is conveniently situated close to local points of interest such as downtown Baie-Comeau and public parks. Patients can access the location easily via local public transit routes. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing convenient access for those arriving by car.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lebel? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?

In QC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lebel are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Lebel. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Lebel will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Lebel may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

Hôpital le Royer, Médecine interne
635 Boul Jolliet
Baie-Comeau, QC G5C 1P1

Phone: (418) 589-3701 | Fax: (418) 589-3099

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lebel is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16078