Chronic lower respiratory diseases are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. Conditions like COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and sleep apnea affect tens of millions of Americans, yet many patients manage these conditions through primary care alone — sometimes adequately, sometimes not. If you’ve been searching for a lung doctor near me, it likely means your breathing problems have outgrown what a general practitioner can handle, or you want a specialist’s opinion on a new or worsening respiratory concern.
Pulmonologists are internal medicine physicians with additional fellowship training in lung and respiratory diseases. They interpret complex pulmonary function tests, manage ventilator-dependent patients, and treat everything from stubborn asthma to rare interstitial lung diseases. Our telehealth guide covers how virtual visits work generally — and as you’ll see below, some pulmonology care translates well to telehealth while other aspects require in-person evaluation.
What Does a Pulmonologist Treat?
A pulmonologist handles diseases and disorders of the lungs, airways, and respiratory system. After completing internal medicine residency, pulmonologists complete a two- to three-year fellowship focused on pulmonary medicine. Many also train in critical care, making them “pulmonary/critical care” specialists who manage ICU patients as well. Common conditions they treat include:
- Asthma — particularly severe, uncontrolled, or occupational asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Pulmonary fibrosis — scarring of lung tissue
- Sleep apnea — often diagnosed through sleep studies ordered by pulmonologists
- Lung cancer — evaluation, biopsy, and coordination with oncology
- Pulmonary hypertension — high blood pressure in the lung arteries
- Chronic cough — persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks that hasn’t responded to initial treatments
- Pneumonia complications — recurrent or severe pneumonia, post-COVID lung damage
Some pulmonologists further subspecialize in areas like interventional pulmonology (airway procedures and biopsies), lung transplant medicine, or occupational lung disease.
When to See a Pulmonologist
Many respiratory conditions are managed effectively by primary care physicians. A referral to a pulmonologist becomes appropriate when standard treatments aren’t working or when the diagnosis is unclear. The American Lung Association suggests seeing a pulmonologist if:
- Your asthma requires frequent oral steroid courses or emergency visits
- You have a chronic cough lasting more than eight weeks
- You experience shortness of breath with routine activities like climbing stairs
- You’ve been diagnosed with COPD and your symptoms are progressing
- Chest imaging shows an abnormality that needs further evaluation
- You snore heavily, stop breathing during sleep, or feel excessively tired despite adequate sleep hours
- You’ve had recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis
- You were hospitalized for a respiratory illness and need follow-up care
When to seek emergency care: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience sudden severe shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain with breathing difficulty, or bluish discoloration of your lips or fingertips.
Telehealth vs In-Person Pulmonology Visits
Telehealth works well for certain types of pulmonology appointments. Medication reviews, symptom check-ins, CPAP compliance follow-ups for sleep apnea, and reviewing test results are all strong candidates for virtual visits. Some pulmonologists also offer initial consultations via telehealth to assess whether in-person testing is needed.
However, pulmonology depends heavily on diagnostic testing that can’t be done remotely. Pulmonary function tests (spirometry, diffusion capacity), bronchoscopy, chest CT interpretation, and sleep studies all require specialized equipment and facilities. Lung auscultation — listening to breath sounds with a stethoscope — remains a cornerstone of respiratory assessment that telehealth cannot replicate.
A practical approach: use telehealth for the initial consultation to discuss your symptoms and history, then schedule in-person testing as recommended. This hybrid model saves time and can reduce the total number of office visits needed.
Remote monitoring technology has also expanded in pulmonology. Patients with COPD or asthma can use smart spirometers at home to track lung function trends and share data with their pulmonologist between visits. CPAP and BiPAP machines for sleep apnea transmit usage data wirelessly to the provider’s dashboard, allowing compliance monitoring and pressure adjustments without an office visit. These tools complement telehealth visits by providing objective clinical data between appointments.
How to Find a Pulmonologist Near You
Insurance provider directory. Your most reliable starting point. Search for in-network pulmonologists filtered by location and, if possible, subspecialty. Being in-network protects you from surprise billing and keeps costs at your plan’s negotiated rates.
Primary care referral. Your doctor knows your medical history and can match you with a pulmonologist experienced in your specific condition. This also ensures a smooth transfer of medical records and a referral letter that gives the specialist a head start.
Hospital systems. Academic medical centers typically have large pulmonology departments with subspecialists for complex conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and lung transplant evaluation. If your condition is rare or severe, an academic center may offer access to clinical trials and the latest treatments.
Professional directories. The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) both maintain physician directories. The American Board of Internal Medicine verifies board certification in pulmonary disease.
Telehealth platforms. For remote consultations or second opinions, platforms like Sesame can connect you with pulmonologists for one-time video visits at transparent pricing.
Average Cost of a Pulmonology Visit
Pulmonology costs depend on the visit type and testing involved. Based on CMS fee schedules and typical commercial insurance rates:
- Initial consultation: $250 to $500 without insurance; $30 to $75 copay with insurance
- Follow-up visit: $100 to $300 without insurance; $20 to $60 copay with insurance
- Pulmonary function tests (spirometry): $40 to $300 without insurance
- Full PFT panel: $200 to $1,000 without insurance
- Chest CT scan: $300 to $3,000 without insurance (independent imaging centers are typically much cheaper than hospitals)
- Sleep study (polysomnography): $600 to $5,000 without insurance; home sleep tests run $200 to $500
- Bronchoscopy: $1,500 to $8,000+ without insurance
Costs vary dramatically by facility type. Hospital outpatient departments typically charge two to five times more than independent practices for the same services. If you’re paying out of pocket, asking about cash-pay rates and comparing imaging center prices can save thousands. Our healthcare costs guide explains the broader cost landscape in American healthcare.
Inhaler costs deserve special mention. Many COPD and asthma patients rely on multiple inhalers, and brand-name inhalers can cost $200 to $600 per month without insurance. Generic alternatives are becoming more available, and programs like GoodRx can reduce costs substantially. Your pulmonologist should be aware of cost-effective inhaler options and willing to switch prescriptions when a more affordable equivalent exists.
What to Expect at Your First Pulmonology Visit
A first appointment with a pulmonologist typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The doctor will review your medical history in detail, including any prior respiratory diagnoses, medications, environmental exposures (occupational dust, chemicals, secondhand smoke), and family history of lung disease. They’ll listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, check your oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter, and assess your breathing pattern.
Most pulmonologists will order or perform spirometry during the initial visit — a quick breathing test where you blow into a tube as hard and fast as possible. This measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can exhale it. Based on findings, additional tests such as a full pulmonary function test, chest CT, or sleep study may be scheduled. Bring a list of your current medications, any recent imaging on disc or accessible through a patient portal, and a symptom diary if you’ve been tracking patterns.
Questions to Ask Your Pulmonologist
Make your appointments count by coming prepared with specific questions:
- What is my specific lung condition, and what stage or severity level am I at?
- What diagnostic tests do I need, and what will they show?
- Is my current medication regimen optimized, or should we adjust?
- What lifestyle changes (smoking cessation, exercise, environmental modifications) would make the biggest difference?
- What does my prognosis look like with proper treatment?
- Should I be getting annual lung cancer screening? (Relevant for current or former smokers)
- Are there pulmonary rehabilitation programs you recommend?
- Can follow-up appointments be done via telehealth?
Bring your current inhaler list, any recent chest imaging on a CD or patient portal, and a log of your symptoms including triggers and timing patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a pulmonologist?
HMO insurance plans typically require a referral from your primary care physician. PPO plans usually allow self-referral to specialists. Medicare patients can generally see a pulmonologist without a referral. Check your specific plan’s requirements before booking.
What’s the difference between a pulmonologist and a respiratory therapist?
A pulmonologist is a physician (MD or DO) who diagnoses and treats lung diseases, prescribes medications, and orders tests. A respiratory therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional who administers breathing treatments, manages ventilators, and performs pulmonary function tests under a physician’s orders. Both play important roles in lung care, but the pulmonologist directs the treatment plan.
Can a pulmonologist help with long COVID breathing problems?
Yes. Pulmonologists have become key providers for patients experiencing persistent shortness of breath, reduced lung function, or abnormal imaging after COVID-19 infection. They can perform specialized testing to identify the specific cause of ongoing symptoms and recommend targeted treatment, including pulmonary rehabilitation.
How long does it take to get an appointment with a pulmonologist?
Wait times vary by location and urgency. In urban areas with multiple pulmonologists, you may get an appointment within one to three weeks. In underserved or rural areas, waits of six to eight weeks are not uncommon. Urgent cases can often be expedited, especially with a referral that flags the severity of symptoms.
What to Do Next
Pulmonary rehabilitation deserves special mention for patients with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or recovery from severe pneumonia. These structured programs combine supervised exercise, breathing techniques, education, and nutritional counseling — and they’re among the most evidence-supported interventions in pulmonary medicine. The American Lung Association strongly recommends pulmonary rehab, yet fewer than 5% of eligible COPD patients participate. Ask your pulmonologist about local programs, especially if your symptoms limit your daily activities.
If breathing difficulties are interfering with your daily activities or standard treatments aren’t controlling your symptoms, it’s time to see a pulmonologist. Check your insurance directory first, then ask your primary care doctor for a referral and any relevant medical records to send ahead. For patients in areas with limited pulmonology access, a telehealth consultation can help determine the urgency of your situation and guide next steps. Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe — early pulmonary evaluation often prevents the progressive decline that makes lung conditions so difficult to manage later.