About
Dr. Sandrine Rauscher is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval, QC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. She adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in her practice. As a Nephrologist, she 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.
With a strong educational foundation, Dr. Rauscher graduated with a Medical Degree in 2016. Following medical school, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. She has been practicing as a Nephrologist with over 8 years of specialized experience since 2016. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Nephrology in Quebec, ensuring her expertise remains aligned with current best practices and guidelines.
Dr. Rauscher’s professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for her patients with kidney disease. She is committed to educating patients and their families about kidney health and empowering them in shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, she aims for optimal patient outcomes. Her focus includes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic care. Dr. Rauscher provides nephrology consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized patient care in Laval.
Dr. Sandrine Rauscher provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Rauscher addresses kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Potentially life-threatening if severe.
- Secondary Hypertension: High blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders, or renal artery stenosis.
- Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Rauscher addresses management focuses on slowing progression, treating underlying causes like diabetes and hypertension, and managing complications.
- Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Regular monitoring to track kidney function and progression.
- Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Severe reduction in kidney function, often accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination.
- Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis (Kidney Disease due to High Blood Pressure): Often coexists with other forms of kidney disease.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Rauscher addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Post-renal AKI: Imaging studies are crucial for diagnosis.
- Pre-renal AKI: Caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or sepsis.
- Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Kidney biopsy may be needed for diagnosis in some cases.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Sandrine Rauscher is necessary.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Management of dialysis access complications like infections or thrombosis.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management related to Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, particularly resistant or secondary hypertension linked to kidney problems.
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Addressing common complications of dialysis such as anemia, mineral and bone disorders, cardiovascular issues, and infections.
- Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: May involve kidney biopsy for diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapies.
- Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Development of preventative strategies including dietary modifications and medical therapy.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Home-based therapy allowing for greater lifestyle flexibility.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Rauscher.
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. Rauscher practices primarily at the Nephrology Clinic located at Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval's Chomedey North neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Commercial Corridor, easily accessible via public transportation provided by the Société de transport de Laval (STL). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients seeking convenient access to appointments.
- What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Rauscher?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Rauscher plays a crucial role in the kidney transplant process. This includes evaluating your suitability for a transplant, managing your health while on the waiting list, coordinating with the transplant surgical team, and providing comprehensive medical care after the transplant to manage immunosuppressive medications and monitor for complications or rejection. She works as part of a multidisciplinary transplant team.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Rauscher and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. Rauscher is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis, and medical aspects of kidney transplantation. Urologists are surgical specialists who treat anatomical or structural problems of the kidneys and urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones requiring surgery, bladder issues, prostate problems, cancers of the kidney/bladder/prostate). While both deal with kidneys, Nephrologists manage kidney function and disease medically, whereas Urologists manage surgically and address urinary tract structures.
- When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Rauscher?
- A consultation with Dr. Rauscher is recommended if your doctor detects abnormalities in kidney function tests, you have a strong family history of kidney disease, or you require specialized management for conditions like advanced chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, or are being considered for dialysis or kidney transplant. Any sudden decline in kidney function also warrants urgent nephrology review.
- Are services from Dr. Rauscher covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by a Nephrologist like Dr. Rauscher, such as consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and kidney transplant-related care, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Rauscher'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 does a Nephrologist like Dr. Rauscher specialize in?
- A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Rauscher, is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. This includes managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), hypertension (high blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances, and providing care for patients requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. a Nephrologist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé
1755 boul René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9
Office Phone: (450) 668-1010
Dr. Rauscher 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. Rauscher, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Rauscher's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16110