20,580
Pulmonologists
100%
Accepting patients
84%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 20,580 pulmonologists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (84%). 77% accept Medicare.
Pulmonologists specialize in diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. They diagnose and treat asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, sleep disorders related to breathing, and other conditions affecting the airways and lung tissue.
After medical school, pulmonologists complete a three-year internal medicine residency followed by a two- to three-year fellowship in pulmonary medicine. Many also train in critical care medicine (ICU management), making them "pulmonary and critical care" specialists. Some subspecialize further in interventional pulmonology, pulmonary hypertension, or lung transplant medicine.
Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Conditions like COPD affect over 16 million Americans, and many more are undiagnosed. Pulmonologists have the specialized tools and training to diagnose subtle lung problems that standard chest X-rays and office exams may miss.
See a pulmonologist for a chronic cough lasting more than eight weeks, shortness of breath that worsens over time, COPD management, severe or hard-to-control asthma, recurrent pneumonia, abnormal chest imaging (nodules, masses, scarring), coughing up blood, occupational lung exposures (asbestos, silica), or sleep-disordered breathing that a sleep study has confirmed.
The first visit includes a review of your symptoms, smoking history, environmental exposures, and current medications. The pulmonologist will listen to your lungs and may order pulmonary function tests (PFTs), which measure how well your lungs move air and exchange oxygen. PFTs involve breathing into a mouthpiece in various patterns. You may also need imaging or a bronchoscopy depending on your symptoms.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Pulmonary function test: $150-500 · Chest CT: $300-3,000 · Bronchoscopy: $1,500-5,000
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a set of breathing tests that measure how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air in and out, and how efficiently your lungs transfer oxygen to your blood. The most common test is spirometry, where you blow into a mouthpiece as hard and fast as you can. The tests are painless and take 30 to 60 minutes.
Lung damage from COPD cannot be reversed, but treatment can slow progression, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. Quitting smoking is the single most effective intervention. Inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation (supervised exercise programs), and supplemental oxygen help manage symptoms. Early diagnosis matters because lung function declines faster without treatment.
See a pulmonologist if your asthma requires more than two rescue inhaler uses per week, if you have been hospitalized for asthma, if your symptoms are not controlled despite using maintenance inhalers, or if you need biologic medications for severe asthma. Mild, well-controlled asthma can usually be managed by your primary care doctor.
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Pulmonology visits are covered as specialist visits. PFTs and imaging require prior authorization in many plans. Inhalers can be expensive, with brand-name combination inhalers costing $200 to $500 per month without insurance. Ask about generic alternatives and manufacturer copay programs. Pulmonary rehabilitation is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans with a physician order.