Dr. Sylvie Fournier – Nephrologist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Sylvie Fournier is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at Hôpital Haut-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in all aspects of patient care. 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.

Dr. Fournier graduated with a Medical Degree in 1986. Following medical school, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. She has been practicing as a Nephrologist since 1991, accumulating over 33 years of specialized experience. She holds the necessary certifications to practice Nephrology in Quebec, having completed rigorous postgraduate training in this field and maintained current licensure through the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her certifications include her license number 86355, reflecting her credentials and adherence to provincial standards.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and enhancing the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. She is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. Dr. Fournier utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to optimize patient outcomes. Her approach emphasizes 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, patient-centered care. She provides nephrology consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and comfort for her patients in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Dr. Sylvie Fournier provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:

Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)

Dr. Fournier addresses disorders that affect the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidneys, often leading to proteinuria, hematuria, and impaired kidney function.

• Nephrotic Syndrome: Common causes include Minimal Change Disease, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and Membranous Nephropathy.
• Lupus Nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease.
• Nephritic Syndrome: Indicates inflammation of the glomeruli.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Dr. Fournier addresses management focuses on slowing progression, treating underlying causes like diabetes and hypertension, and managing complications.

• Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease due to Diabetes): A common complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys' filtering units.
• Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Can cause fatigue, weakness, and reduced quality of life.
• Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis (Kidney Disease due to High Blood Pressure): Often coexists with other forms of kidney disease.

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

Dr. Fournier addresses nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating complex cases.

• Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
• Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Requires careful diagnosis of the cause and precise management of fluid and electrolyte intake.
• Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Imbalances in the body's pH level, either too acidic (acidosis) or too alkaline (alkalosis).

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Sylvie Fournier is necessary.

• Management of Dialysis Complications: Proactive care to improve quality of life and outcomes for dialysis patients.
• Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Focus on blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and use of kidney-protective medications.
• Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Preventing fractures and cardiovascular complications related to bone disease.
• Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Evaluation for underlying causes of recurrent kidney stones.
• Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Evaluation and management of various glomerular diseases like IgA nephropathy, FSGS, lupus nephritis, and membranous nephropathy.
• 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. Fournier.

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. Fournier's primary nephrology clinic is located at Hôpital Haut-Richelieu, situated in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, with proximity to public transportation options such as Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional environment dedicated to comprehensive kidney care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots to accommodate all patients.

Are services from Dr. Fournier covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Fournier 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. Fournier'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 is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Fournier and a Urologist?

The key difference lies in their approach: Dr. Fournier, 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 does a Nephrologist like Dr. Fournier specialize in?

A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Fournier, 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.

What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Fournier?

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Fournier 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). She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Fournier?

For most consultations with Dr. Fournier that are medically necessary and covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist (like an internist or endocrinologist) is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively. In urgent situations, your referring doctor will facilitate an expedited consultation. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (450) 359-5079.

What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Fournier might discuss?

If your kidney function declines significantly, Dr. Fournier 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. Fournier will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle and medical condition.

What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Fournier?

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Fournier 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.

Hôpital Haut-Richelieu
920 boul du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3A 1B7

Office Phone: (450) 359-5000 | Office Fax: (450) 359-5079

Dr. Fournier 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. Fournier, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Fournier's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=86355