The 20 Best Empyema Doctors Near Me in Columbia, IL

Find the Top Empyema Experts and Specialists

Last Updated: 04/28/2026

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MediFind found 195 doctor with experience in Empyema near Columbia, IL. Of these, 173 are Experienced, 21 are Advanced and 1 are Distinguished.

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195 providers found
    Advanced in Empyema
    Advanced in Empyema

    Urology Of St. Louis

    Saint Louis, IL 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Christopher Vulin is a Urologist practicing medicine in Saint Louis, Illinois. Dr. Vulin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 30 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Enlarged Prostate (BPH), Ureteroscopy, and Prostatectomy.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Family Medicine

    SSM Health Medical Group

    Columbia, IL 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    "Sean Lattimore, DO, is a board certified family medicine physician. He graduated medical school from Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Firelands Community Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Lattimore went on to practice family medicine within the southern Illinois region before joining SSM Health Medical Group. Dr. Lattimore practices family medicine for patients of all ages and has clinical interests in sports medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy, simple skin procedures, mole removal and simple fracture care. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Lattimore believes in taking care of the whole family and helping them to live healthy lives. He is very involved with sports medicine and is the team doctor for the Gateway Grizzlies and local high schools within the southern Illinois region. "" I take a wholistic approach to taking care of patients and families. I look at myself as an educator to help patients take care of themselves and so they can understand the why to the what we recommend. I keep it simple and I am a straight shooter in my discussion with patients and families."" - Sean Lattimore, DO". Dr. Lattimore is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His clinical expertise encompasses Cirrhosis, Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, and High Cholesterol. Dr. Lattimore is board certified in American Osteopathic Board Of Family Physicians , Drug Enforcement Administration , Illinois Department Of Financial & Professional Regulation , Missouri Dept Of Health/Narcotics&Dangerous Drugs , and Missouri State Board Of Registration.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Family Medicine

    SSM Health Medical Group

    Columbia, IL 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    "Michael Kirk, MD, FAAFP, is board certified in family medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his residency in family medicine at Medical College of Georgia. Before joining SSM Health Medical Group, Dr. Kirk practiced at Progressive Family Care where he provided outpatient care to both pediatric and adult patients. He has over 28 years of experience and provides care to patients of all ages. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and is also a medical real estate developer. ""My mission is to serve as the patient's advocate for health care and promotion, and to provide guidance for the patient's health care needs."" - Michael Kirk, MD, FAAFP". Dr. Kirk is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and High Cholesterol. Dr. Kirk is board certified in American Board Of Family Medicine , Drug Enforcement Administration , Illinois Department Of Financial & Professional Regulation , Missouri Dept Of Health/Narcotics&Dangerous Drugs , and Missouri State Board Of Registration.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Experienced in Empyema
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Family Medicine

    Mercy Clinic Illinois LLC

    1019 Valmeyer Rd, 
    Columbia, IL 
     (0.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Carrie Daigle is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Columbia, Illinois. Dr. Daigle is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and High Cholesterol.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Internal Medicine | Pediatrics
    Experienced in Empyema
    Internal Medicine | Pediatrics

    Mercy Clinic Illinois LLC

    1019 Valmeyer Rd, 
    Columbia, IL 
     (0.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Nancy Birner is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Columbia, Illinois. Dr. Birner is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and High Cholesterol.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Experienced in Empyema

    PC Associates LLC

    200 Admiral Trost Rd Ste 1A, 
    Columbia, IL 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Christopher Schenewerk is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Columbia, Illinois. Dr. Schenewerk is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Childhood Pancreatitis, Vertigo, Familial Hypertension, and Hypertension.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Otolaryngology
    Experienced in Empyema
    Otolaryngology
    Columbia, IL 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    David Lesko is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Columbia, Illinois. Dr. Lesko is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His clinical expertise encompasses Thyroid Nodule, Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, White Sponge Nevus, and Thyroidectomy. Dr. Lesko is board certified in Drug Enforcement Administration and Illinois Department Of Financial & Professional Regulation.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Internal Medicine

    Caduceus Corporation Pulmonary And Sleep Medicine

    11200 Tesson Ferry Rd, Suite 100, 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (9.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Joseph Ojile is an Internal Medicine provider practicing medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Ojile is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Central Sleep Apnea, and Emphysema.

    Advanced in Empyema
    General Surgery
    Advanced in Empyema
    General Surgery

    R & R 1 LLC

    2071 Goose Lake Rd, 
    Sauget, IL 
     (9.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    James Fernandez is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in Sauget, Illinois. Dr. Fernandez is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Otitis, Empyema, and Sinusitis.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Family Medicine

    SSM Health Medical Group

    1296 Jeffco Blvd., 
    Arnold, MO 
     (9.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    "Kristina M. Anderson, MD, is a board certified family medicine physician. She graduated medical school and completed her residency at the University of Missouri - Columbia. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Anderson believes in a wholistic approach to treating patients of all ages and has clinical interests in women's health, pediatrics, chronic diseases, preventive care, steroid/joint injections and skin biopsies. Dr. Anderson regularly participates and is very active in medical missions that provide health care services to those in need in Haiti. "" My goal is to provide quality, evidence based care to individuals and families through personalized, compassionate care. I find joy in taking care of any concern that comes my way in patients of all ages. Caring for the whole person and the whole family is the best part of my job"" - Kristina M. Anderson, MD". Dr. Anderson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young. Dr. Anderson is board certified in American Board Of Family Medicine , Drug Enforcement Administration , Missouri Dept Of Health/Narcotics&Dangerous Drugs , and Missouri State Board Of Registration.

    Advanced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine | Internal Medicine
    Advanced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine | Internal Medicine
    11200 Tesson Ferry Road, Suite 1, 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (9.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Jeffrey Harris is an Internal Medicine specialist and an Intensive Care Medicine provider practicing medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Harris is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Asthma, Asthma in Children, and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. Dr. Harris is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine , American Board Of Internal Medicine/Pulmonary Disease , Drug Enforcement Administration , Missouri Dept Of Health/Narcotics&Dangerous Drugs , and Missouri State Board Of Registration.

    Advanced in Empyema
    Otolaryngology
    Advanced in Empyema
    Otolaryngology

    Msa Alliance LLC

    2900 Frank Scott Pkwy W Ste 930, 
    Belleville, IL 
     (10.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Larry Dobbs is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Belleville, Illinois. Dr. Dobbs is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Ethmoiditis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Empyema, and Sinusitis.

    Advanced in Empyema
    Family Medicine
    Advanced in Empyema
    Family Medicine

    Illini Family Medicine S.C.

    2900 Frank Scott Pkwy W Ste 980, 
    Belleville, IL 
     (10.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Adele Roth is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Belleville, Illinois. Dr. Roth is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. She is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Colitis, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Familial Hypertension, and Hypertension.

    Distinguished in Empyema
    Distinguished in Empyema

    St. Luke's Urology - South

    12345 W Bend Dr Ste 200, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (10.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Frederick Walters is a Urologist practicing medicine in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Walters is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 42 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses UPJ Obstruction, Neurogenic Bladder, Prostate Cancer, Ureteroscopy, and Reconstructive Urology Surgery.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine | Sleep Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine | Sleep Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine

    SLUCare Physician Group - Sleep Services

    3545 Lafayette Ave., 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (12.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Dr. Joseph Espiritu directs the SLUCare Sleep Disorders Center, where he conducts sleep studies for evaluation and management of sleep disorders using methods such as polysomnograms, home sleep apnea tests, multiple sleep latency tests, and maintenance of wakefulness tests. Beyond sleep medicine, Dr. Espiritu treats patients with obstructive lung diseases, such as COPD and asthma. His research interests include using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, as well as CPAP adherence. Dr. Espiritu is a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a fellow with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American College of Chest Physicians. He is a member of the Missouri Sleep Society. Outside of medicine, Dr. Espiritu sings bass with the Old Cathedral Choir at the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France. Dr. Espiritu is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Asthma, Cerebral Hypoxia, and Asthma in Children. Dr. Espiritu is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine , American Board Of Internal Medicine/Critical Care Medicine , American Board Of Internal Medicine/Pulmonary Disease , American Board Of Internal Medicine/Sleep Medicine , Drug Enforcement Administration , Missouri Dept Of Health/Narcotics&Dangerous Drugs , and Missouri State Board Of Registration.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine | Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine | Internal Medicine

    SLUCare Physician Group

    1225 S. Grand Blvd., Second Level, 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (12.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Dr. Setu Patolia specializes in pulmonary and critical care medicine. He treats patients with lung cancer, asthma, benign and malignant obstruction of airways, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pleural diseases. Dr. Patolia uses the latest advancements for diagnosis and treatment, including endobronchial ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound. His research interests include endoscopic treatment of lung cancer. Dr. Patolia is an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Thoracic Society, the American College of Chest Physicians, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology. Dr. Patolia is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Collapsed Lung, Pneumonia, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Patolia is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine , American Board Of Internal Medicine/Critical Care Medicine , American Board Of Internal Medicine/Pulmonary Disease , Drug Enforcement Administration , Missouri Dept Of Health/Narcotics&Dangerous Drugs , and Missouri State Board Of Registration.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine

    Office

    4921 Parkview Pl Ste 8B, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (13.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Murali Chakinala is an Intensive Care Medicine provider practicing medicine in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Chakinala is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pulmonary Hypertension, Arteriovenous Malformation, Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease, Acute Interstitial Pneumonia, and Lung Transplant.

    Experienced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine | Sleep Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine
    Experienced in Empyema
    Intensive Care Medicine | Sleep Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine

    SSM Health Medical Group - Pulmonology

    1035 Bellevue Ave., Suite 500, 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (14.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Dani Tazbaz, MD, is board certified in pulmonology, internal medicine, critical care and sleep medicine. He graduated from Aleppo University Faculty of Medicine, in Aleppo, Syria, and completed his residency at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital in Chicago, IL. After completing his residency, Dr. Tazbaz became a fellow at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital in the division of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. After completing his fellowship, he practiced with the Shawnee Health Services and the Alton Multispecialists in southern Illinois. Dr. Tazbaz has a special interest in Bronchoscopy, COPD, Asthma and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and provides care to patients 18 years of age and older. Dr. Tazbaz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Emphysema, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Bullae, and Lung Metastases. Dr. Tazbaz is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine/Critical Care Medicine , American Board Of Internal Medicine/Pulmonary Disease , American Board Of Internal Medicine/Sleep Medicine , Drug Enforcement Administration , Illinois Department Of Financial & Professional Regulation , Missouri Dept Of Health/Narcotics&Dangerous Drugs , and Missouri State Board Of Registration.

    Advanced in Empyema
    Advanced in Empyema

    Urology Of St. Louis

    326 Fountains Parkway, 
    Fairview Heights, IL 
     (14.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    James Rybak is a Urologist practicing medicine in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Dr. Rybak is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 37 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Kidney Stones, Boils, Perirenal Abscess, Ureteroscopy, and Bladder Reconstruction.

    Advanced in Empyema
    Advanced in Empyema

    Urology Of St. Louis

    326 Fountains Parkway, 
    Fairview Heights, IL 
     (14.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Jacob Ark is a Urologist practicing medicine in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Dr. Ark is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 47 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, UPJ Obstruction, Nephrectomy, and Ureteroscopy.

    Showing 1-20 of 195

    Last Updated: 04/28/2026

    What is the definition of Empyema?

    Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).

    When should I see an Empyema doctor near Columbia, IL?

    There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

    • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
    • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
    • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
    • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
    • You want a second opinion.  

    What should I consider when choosing an Empyema doctor near Columbia, IL?

    It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

    How does MediFind rank Empyema doctors near Columbia, IL?

    MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

    What types of insurance are accepted by Empyema doctors near Columbia, IL?

    Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

    How can I book an appointment online with an Empyema doctor near Columbia, IL?

    MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Empyema doctor search results page. 

    Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Empyema doctor?

    Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

    How can I prepare for my appointment with an Empyema doctor near Columbia, IL?

    Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

    • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
    • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
    • Family history of disease 
    • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
    • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
    • List of questions and concerns 
    • Your insurance card 

    You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

    What questions should I ask my Empyema doctor?

    Here are some sample questions: 

    • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
    • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
    • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
    • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
    • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

    How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Empyema doctor may know about?

    MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

    MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

    Can I filter my search to show male or female Empyema doctors near Columbia, IL?

    Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Empyema doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

    Can I filter my search to find an Empyema doctor that offers video calls?

    Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Empyema doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

    Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

    By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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