Pulmonologists (Lung Doctors) in St. Joseph, MO

How to choose a pulmonologist

A pulmonologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions of the lungs and airways. People see one for asthma that's hard to control, COPD, a cough that won't go away, lung nodules found on a scan, pneumonia that keeps coming back, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis and sleep apnea [2]. Most people see one after a referral from their primary care doctor.

Start with the kind of care you need. Many pulmonologists also work in other areas:

• General pulmonologists handle most needs: breathing tests, asthma and COPD care, and follow-up on lung nodules.
• Critical care doctors treat very sick patients in the hospital ICU. Many pulmonologists split their time between the clinic and the ICU.
• Sleep medicine doctors diagnose and treat sleep apnea and other sleep problems. Many pulmonologists are also trained in sleep medicine.
• Interventional pulmonologists do advanced scope procedures in the airways, such as biopsies of lung nodules.

If you're not sure, a general pulmonologist is the right first stop. They'll refer you on if you need a subspecialist.

Check credentials. The American Board of Internal Medicine certifies doctors in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine and sleep medicine. You can look up any doctor's certification for free on the ABIM website [1]. Our listings show the credentials doctors report in the federal NPI registry, but we don't verify board certification.

Ask about testing. Most lung care starts with tests. Ask whether the practice does breathing tests (pulmonary function tests) and sleep studies in the office, or sends you elsewhere. For sleep apnea, ask if they offer home sleep tests.

Know if you qualify for lung cancer screening. Experts recommend a yearly low-dose CT scan for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and still smoke or quit within the past 15 years [3]. Medicare covers this screening once a year for people who qualify [4].

Confirm insurance before you book. Practices change the plans they accept, so call the office or check your insurer's directory. HMO plans usually need a referral first. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary specialist visits; you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your deductible [5].

Know when not to wait. Breathing trouble that comes on suddenly or makes it hard to talk, or someone who stops breathing, needs emergency care, not an appointment [6]. Call 911.