Dr. Yves Lachance – Pulmonologist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Yves Lachance is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Dr. Lachance is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Lachance is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC.

Dr. Lachance serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions as a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. The goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for patients with breathing disorders.

Dr. Yves Lachance earned a Medical Degree in 1981. Following this, Dr. Lachance completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 44 years of specialized practice since 1981, Dr. Lachance's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Lachance is dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in respiratory medicine to provide optimal patient care. Key aspects of Dr. Lachance's medical practice philosophy include: a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care; collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. Lachance offers consultations in French.

As a Pneumologue (Respirologue), Dr. Yves Lachance diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Management strategies for COPD, including medication, smoking cessation support, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Diagnosing and treating infections that inflame the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus (e.g., bacterial, viral, fungal).
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Lachance, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Advocating for participation in structured exercise and education programs tailored for individuals with respiratory conditions.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: In-depth consultation to diagnose lung conditions, assess breathing difficulties, and formulate a personalized management plan.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Care for acute bronchitis and other infectious conditions affecting the lower respiratory tract.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Lachance. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Yves Lachance adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Lachance frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Lachance's skilled guidance and modern medical techniques, patients suffering from fluid buildup around their lungs making it hard to breathe often find they can readily achieve their child experiencing fewer asthma attacks and participating more fully in activities and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like taking deep, satisfying breaths more often.
• Dr. Lachance understands that dealing with a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue, helping patients comfortably get back to performing daily household chores like cleaning or grocery shopping without significant difficulty and feeling their best.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Lachance about their asthma not being well-controlled, with frequent attacks or need for their rescue inhaler is to attain an improved overall quality of life despite living with a chronic lung condition. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
• At Dr. Lachance's clinic, addressing feeling short of breath much of the time, even with little activity means focusing on patient goals. Achieving breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day.

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Lachance, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Lachance is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Lachance practices at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, situated in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently located near Chambly Canal National Historic Site and is accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

Can Dr. Lachance help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Lachance are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). After a thorough assessment, Dr. Lachance develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing appropriate inhaler medications (relievers and controllers), educating patients on correct inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation if beneficial. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Lachance?

Yes, in QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Lachance for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Lachance has the necessary background medical information. It is advisable to speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Lachance covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Lachance are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies ordered by a specialist are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments depending on provincial formularies and private insurance. It's always best for patients to inquire with Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Lachance recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume (how much air the lungs can hold), airflow rates (how quickly air can be moved in and out), and gas exchange (how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood). Dr. Lachance might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Lachance do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Lachance is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and cough, and enhance the quality of life for people with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Lachance at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu?

The first visit with Dr. Lachance will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact their daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Lachance will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system (listening to the lungs, observing breathing patterns). Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Lachance will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with the patient to establish health goals.

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

Phone: (450) 359-5000

Dr. Yves Lachance is a licensed Pneumologue (Respirologue) in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 81184

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=81184

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Lachance. Dr. Lachance and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.