A pulmonologist is a doctor who focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. Pulmonologists are experts in conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other lung infections. They also treat more complex issues such as interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and sleep-related breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. Pulmonologists help patients breathe better and improve their lung function through medication, therapies, and lifestyle recommendations. They work with patients of all ages, although some may specialize in adults or children. 

You may be referred to a pulmonologist if your primary care doctor suspects you have a lung or breathing problem that requires specialized care. This referral could be for symptoms like shortness of breath, a persistent cough that won’t go away, wheezing, or chest pain. If your doctor thinks you have a condition like asthma, COPD, or a lung infection that isn’t improving with regular treatment, a pulmonologist can offer more in-depth testing and care. They also help manage chronic lung diseases to improve your quality of life and prevent complications. 

Pulmonologists are specialists who focus only on lung and respiratory diseases, unlike general practitioners who treat a wide range of health issues. Some lung problems might also be treated by allergists or immunologists, especially if allergies are involved. However, pulmonologists are trained to handle more complicated or severe lung conditions. For example, they can diagnose and treat lung diseases that may require advanced tests or procedures, like bronchoscopy or lung biopsies, which other doctors may not be trained to do. This makes them the go-to experts for anything related to breathing and lung health. 

Pulmonologists use several tests to check lung function and diagnose problems. Common tests include: 

• Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast. This test helps diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD. 

• Chest X-ray provides images of the lungs to check for infections, lung damage, or other issues. 

• CT scan gives detailed images of the lungs and chest to look for tumors, blood clots, or lung scarring. 

• Bronchoscopy is when a small camera is inserted into the lungs to check for blockages, infections, or abnormal tissue. 

• Lung function tests measure how well the lungs move air in and out, and how efficiently they deliver oxygen to the blood. 

• Blood tests check the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood to see how well your lungs are working. 

Signs of pulmonary issues can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include: 

• Shortness of breath 

• Chronic cough 

• Chronic mucus production 

• Wheezing 

• Chest pain 

• Bluish lips or fingertips 

• Coughing up blood 

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.  

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.  

You can find a Pulmonologist in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

Pulmonologist near New York, NY
Pulmonologist near Los Angeles, CA
Pulmonologist near Chicago, IL
Pulmonologist near Houston, TX
Pulmonologist near Phoenix, AZ
Pulmonologist near Philadelphia, PA
Pulmonologist near Atlanta, GA
Pulmonologist near Boston, MA
Pulmonologist near Dallas, TX
Pulmonologist near San Jose, CA

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. 

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. 

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 Pulmonologist search results page. 

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.   

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. 

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? 

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. 

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Pulmonologist 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. 

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Asthma
Asthma in Children
Bronchiectasis
Bronchitis
Chronic Cough
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Cystic Fibrosis
Interstitial Lung Disease
Long Haul COVID
Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
Occupational Asthma
Pleural Effusion
Pneumonia
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary Hypertension
Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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

Reviewed on: 11/07/24  

By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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