When to See a Pulmonologist and How to Find One

What does a pulmonologist treat?

Pulmonologists evaluate and manage diseases of the lungs, airways, and respiratory system 1Ref 1National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2023).Venous Thromboembolism — Pulmonary Embolism (PE).Overview of pulmonary conditions managed by lung specialists including PE, and the role of the specialist in evaluation and follow-up, including:

- Asthma — particularly severe or difficult-to-control asthma - COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) — emphysema and chronic bronchitis - Sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders - Interstitial lung disease — ILD, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis - Pulmonary hypertension — elevated blood pressure in the lungs - Chronic cough — when cause is unclear or not improving - Lung nodules or masses — follow-up after imaging - Recurring pneumonia or bronchitis - Occupational lung disease — conditions caused by workplace exposures

When should you see a pulmonologist vs. your primary care doctor?

Your primary care clinician is the right first call for most breathing symptoms — they can diagnose and manage common conditions like mild asthma, acute bronchitis, and post-COVID breathlessness. A pulmonologist becomes appropriate when 1Ref 1National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2023).Venous Thromboembolism — Pulmonary Embolism (PE).Overview of pulmonary conditions managed by lung specialists including PE, and the role of the specialist in evaluation and follow-up2Ref 2Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (2024).Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2024 Report).Indications for specialist (pulmonologist) referral in patients with COPD or suspected chronic airway disease; role of spirometry in evaluation:

- Your breathing symptoms are not responding to initial treatment - Your asthma or COPD is difficult to control or frequently worsening - You have had an abnormal chest CT or X-ray requiring follow-up - You have been told you might have a serious lung condition (fibrosis, sarcoidosis, lung nodule) - You need spirometry or advanced pulmonary function testing - Your primary care clinician recommends a specialist

How to find a pulmonologist near you

Your primary care clinician's referral is usually the fastest path — they know which local pulmonologists are accepting patients and can often get you an earlier appointment than a cold call.

Your insurance's provider directory — search for 'pulmonology' or 'pulmonologist' by zip code. Call to confirm the clinician is accepting new patients.

Academic medical centers and large health systems typically have pulmonology practices and may offer subspecialty expertise (ILD clinics, difficult asthma programs) if your condition warrants it.

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) lists board-certified pulmonologists and pulmonary medicine specialists at chestnet.org 3Ref 3American College of Chest Physicians (2024).American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) — About.CHEST (American College of Chest Physicians) is the professional society for pulmonologists and chest medicine specialists; board certification in pulmonary disease.

What to expect at your first pulmonology appointment

A new pulmonology visit typically includes 1Ref 1National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2023).Venous Thromboembolism — Pulmonary Embolism (PE).Overview of pulmonary conditions managed by lung specialists including PE, and the role of the specialist in evaluation and follow-up:

• A detailed history of your breathing symptoms, exposures, and prior respiratory illnesses
• Review of any prior chest imaging, lab work, or specialist notes
• Physical exam, including listening to lung sounds and checking oxygen saturation
• Spirometry — a breathing test that measures how much air you can move and how fast. It is painless and takes about 15 minutes.
• Discussion of findings and a plan, which may include additional imaging, bronchoscopy, sleep study, or medication adjustment

Bring all prior chest X-ray and CT scan reports (and images if available), a list of current medications, and a description of when your symptoms started and what triggers them.