Dr. Nicole Marie Beatrice Laferriere – Internist / Geriatrician | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Nicole Marie Beatrice Laferriere is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Thunder Bay, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, offering compassionate and personalized care that emphasizes patient well-being and community connection. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, ethical, and effective medical services for her patients.

Dr. Laferriere graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1999. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized education in Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in her field, enabling her to address the unique health needs of adult and senior patients with confidence and expertise.

Her clinical philosophy is warm and community-focused, emphasizing building trusting relationships with her patients and their families. She is dedicated to serving the Thunder Bay area and speaks English fluently. Dr. Laferriere strives to deliver holistic care that respects each patient's individual circumstances, promoting health, independence, and quality of life within her community.

Dr. Laferriere 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.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.

Dr. Laferriere 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.

• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• 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.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Laferriere. 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. Laferriere'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 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Laferriere's practice is located in the vibrant Port Arthur Central neighborhood of Thunder Bay, ON, situated in the Downtown North Core and Waterfront area. The location provides convenient access to the Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) and is easily reachable via Thunder Bay Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Laferriere? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Laferriere are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)) 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) 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. Laferriere. 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.

Does Dr. Laferriere handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Laferriere will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

What are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Laferriere's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4

Phone: (807) 684-7200

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Laferriere is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Laferriere-Nicole-Marie-Beatrice/0158996-73452