About
Dr. Robert Charbonneau is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at CHU de Québec - Université Laval in Québec, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that patients receive safe, evidence-based treatment. As a Nephrologist, he specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers comprehensive care for a wide range of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.
Dr. Charbonneau graduated with a Medical Degree in 1981. Following medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine, then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. With over 39 years of experience practicing as a Nephrologist since 1985, he has developed a deep expertise in kidney health. He has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Nephrology in Québec, including certification from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His qualifications ensure that patients benefit from the latest advancements in kidney care, delivered by a highly trained specialist.
He is committed to preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for his patients. Dr. Charbonneau emphasizes educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them in shared decision-making. He utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to achieve optimal patient outcomes. His approach focuses on early detection, prevention of progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. Collaboration with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists ensures holistic patient care. Dr. Charbonneau provides nephrology consultations and treatments in French, dedicated to the kidney health and well-being of residents in Québec.
Dr. Robert Charbonneau provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Charbonneau addresses kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
- Secondary Hypertension: Treating the underlying cause can often improve or resolve the hypertension.
- Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Abnormally low or high potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart rhythm and muscle function.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Charbonneau addresses management focuses on slowing progression, treating underlying causes like diabetes and hypertension, and managing complications.
- Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis (Kidney Disease due to High Blood Pressure): Effective blood pressure management is key to slowing progression.
- Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Regular monitoring to track kidney function and progression.
- Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Discussions about dialysis options and kidney transplantation.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Charbonneau addresses can be primary (originating in the kidneys) or secondary to systemic diseases like lupus or vasculitis.
- Nephritic Syndrome: Indicates inflammation of the glomeruli.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Treatment aims to reduce proteinuria and manage symptoms.
- IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): Clinical course varies; some progress to kidney failure. Treatment may include blood pressure control and immunosuppression.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Robert Charbonneau is necessary.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Coordination with vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists for access creation and maintenance.
- Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Focus on blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and use of kidney-protective medications.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Includes patient training, ongoing monitoring, and management of peritoneal dialysis-related issues.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: Education on self-management strategies for CKD.
- Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Management of CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) through dietary advice, phosphate binders, and vitamin D analogues.
- Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Evaluation for underlying causes of recurrent kidney stones.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Charbonneau.
All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. A referral from a physician or another specialist is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Charbonneau practices primarily at the nephrology clinic located within the CHU de Québec - Université Laval, situated in the Vieux-Québec (Upper Town) neighborhood of Québec. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Place Ste-Foy (Mall) and well-connected via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional environment for comprehensive kidney care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. Patients can expect a welcoming atmosphere dedicated to thorough and compassionate nephrology services.
- How does Dr. Charbonneau help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Charbonneau can assess complex cases of hypertension, identify if it's related to kidney problems (renal hypertension), and tailor treatment plans that may include specialized medications or adjustments to existing ones to achieve target blood pressure levels and slow down any kidney damage.
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Charbonneau specialize in?
- Dr. Charbonneau is a Nephrologist, a physician with specialized training in kidney health and disease. He manages the full spectrum of kidney disorders, from early detection and prevention to advanced therapies like dialysis and post-transplant care. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- Are services from Dr. Charbonneau covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Charbonneau is covered under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This includes appointments, prescribed kidney function tests, management of dialysis, and care before and after a kidney transplant. Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and medical care related to kidney transplantation are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Charbonneau's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.
- What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Charbonneau?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Charbonneau manages numerous conditions affecting the kidneys. These frequently include different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, high blood pressure affecting the kidneys, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, kidney stones (medical management), and advanced kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant). He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Charbonneau and a Urologist?
- The key difference lies in their approach: Dr. Charbonneau, as a Nephrologist, is an expert in the medical treatment of kidney diseases and functional kidney problems (e.g., how well kidneys filter blood, manage electrolytes, and produce urine). A Urologist is a surgeon who deals with physical problems of the urinary system, including surgical removal of kidney stones or tumors, and issues with the bladder, ureters, and male reproductive organs. They often collaborate on patient care.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Charbonneau might discuss?
- If your kidney function declines significantly, Dr. Charbonneau may discuss renal replacement therapies, primarily hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves filtering your blood using an external machine, usually at a dialysis center (or sometimes at home). Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) and a special solution to filter blood inside your body, and is typically done at home. Dr. Charbonneau will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle and medical condition.
CHU de Québec - Université Laval
11 Côte du Palais
Québec, QC G1R 2J6
Office Phone: (418) 525-4444 | Office Fax: (418) 691-5757
Dr. Charbonneau is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Charbonneau, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Charbonneau's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=81270