Your first visit starts with your story
People arrive at a pulmonology appointment for many reasons.
You may have a cough that has not gone away. You may feel short of breath during activity, have trouble controlling asthma or COPD symptoms, or need help understanding an abnormal chest scan. Your primary care clinician may also refer you for lung function testing, sleep concerns, or follow-up after a respiratory illness.
Whatever brought you to the appointment, the first visit is usually focused on understanding the full picture. Your pulmonologist will want to learn what you are experiencing, how it affects your life, what testing has already been completed, and what questions you want answered.
What does a pulmonologist treat?
A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in disorders of the chest including the respiratory system, the lungs and airways.
Pulmonologists evaluate and manage conditions such as asthma, COPD, Lung Cancer, acute/chronic cough, pulmonary fibrosis, lung nodules, sleep-related breathing disorders, and other causes of shortness of breath. They also use diagnostic tools such as pulmonary function testing, chest imaging, oxygen testing, sleep studies, and bronchoscopy when appropriate.
The exact structure of your visit will depend on why you were referred and which records or test results are already available.
What does a pulmonologist treat?
A little preparation can make the conversation more useful. Before your appointment, gather:
- Your current medication and supplement list
- Every inhaler you use, including rescue inhalers
- Recent imaging reports and access to the actual images when available
- Previous pulmonary function or sleep study results
- Hospital or urgent-care records related to your breathing
- Your insurance information and referral, if required
- Notes about your symptoms and questions
Do not stop taking medication before the appointment unless your healthcare team has specifically instructed you to do so. If testing is scheduled, the office should tell you whether you need to avoid any inhalers, food, caffeine, smoking, or strenuous exercise beforehand.
What questions will the pulmonologist ask?
Expect a detailed conversation about your symptoms and health history.
Your physician may ask:
- When did the problem begin?
- Is it constant, or does it come and go?
- What makes it better or worse?
- Does it occur during activity, at rest, or while sleeping?
- Do you cough up mucus?
- Have you noticed wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, or dizziness?
- Have you had pneumonia, asthma, blood clots, or another lung condition?
- Do you smoke or vape now, or have you in the past?
- Have you been exposed to dust, chemicals, mold, smoke, or other irritants?
- Which treatments have you already tried?
- Is the problem affecting sleep, exercise, work, or daily activities?
Be as specific as you can. Details such as timing, triggers, previous infections, and changes in activity tolerance can help guide the evaluation.
What happens during the examination?
Prior to seeing the physician you will have spirometry (lung function testing and oxygen testing). Please bring any walking assist devices (walkers, canes, etc) needed with you.
You will meet with the physician for consultation and exam.
A normal examination does not necessarily mean that nothing is wrong. Many respiratory conditions require a combination of history, examination, testing, and imaging to understand.
Will you have a breathing test?
Initial spirometry is done to establish baseline lung function. But the need for full pulmonary function testing will be discussed with you during physician consultation.
Pulmonary function tests are a group of noninvasive breathing tests that measure:
- How much air your lungs can hold
- How quickly you can move air out
- How well oxygen moves from your lungs into your blood
Spirometry is one of the most common tests. You breathe into a mouthpiece while a machine measures the amount and speed of the air you exhale. Testing may be repeated after an inhaled medication to see whether airflow changes.
An initial pulmonary stress test (oxygen walk test) is done to establish baseline oxygen status.During this type of test, the clinical team monitors your oxygen level and symptoms while you walk. If required please bring any walking assist devices
Pulmonary function tests can provide useful information about how your lungs are working, but the results do not stand alone. Your pulmonologist interprets them alongside your symptoms, examination, imaging, and medical history. The American Thoracic Society offers an overview of pulmonary function tests.
Could additional testing be recommended?
Based on your visit, your pulmonologist may recommend:
- A chest X-ray or CT scan
- Laboratory testing
- Additional pulmonary function testing
- A sleep study
- Exercise or walking tests
- Bronchoscopy
- A referral to another specialist
These tests may take place during a separate appointment or at another facility. Your physician should explain what each test is intended to evaluate and how the result could affect your care.
What happens after the evaluation?
Before you leave, you should understand the next step.
That may include trying a medication, adjusting an inhaler, completing testing, obtaining prior imaging, scheduling a follow-up visit, or coordinating care with another physician.
Consider asking:
- What are the main possibilities you are considering?
- What does each recommended test evaluate?
- Should I continue my current medications?
- Which symptoms should prompt me to call?
- When and how will I receive my results?
- When should I return?
It is reasonable to take notes or bring someone who can help you remember the conversation. No audio video recording is permitted. FaceTime or equivalent is acceptable during physician consultation. Please disclose this to staff prior to visit starting.
The goal is a clearer path forward
Your first pulmonology visit may not answer every question immediately. It should, however, give you a clearer understanding of what your physician is evaluating and what will happen next.
Breathe Lung and Longevity provides pulmonary evaluation and diagnostic services in Lone Tree, Colorado. To request an appointment, visit [SCHEDULING LINK] or contact the office.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms, medical condition, or treatment decisions. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of information in this article. Reading this article does not establish a physician-patient relationship. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.
