Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties, LLC
Your primary care, emergency room, or referring physician has asked that
you see a pulmonologist. A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes
in conditions involving the lungs.
Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties, LLC has six board certified critical
care physicians who rotate through the Lincoln hospitals for a week at a
time. You may see one of our pulmonologists routinely in the clinic and
see a different one during your stay in the hospital. You may see more
than one of our physicians should you be in the hospital longer than one
week. Our physicians confer with one another to insure your regular
pulmonologist is aware of your hospitalization and the activities
surrounding your care. Consequently, when your physician is covering one
of the hospitals, he/she is not available for appointments in clinic
(approximately every third week).
Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties, LLC physicians also provide critical
care services to patient’s who have been admitted to the Intensive Care
Unit. The physician Intensivist will work with all of your physicians,
nurses, and other medical professionals to diagnose your needs and
develop a comprehensive care plan. The Intensivist does not replace your
regular physician or any of the specialists you have chosen to care for
you, rather to supplement the care by providing the critical care
medicine prospective.
There are certain tests that may be ordered by your pulmonologists to
help in the diagnosis of lung disorders as well as help in developing a
treatment plan. These tests may include the following.
Chest X-ray – A chest x-ray is a diagnostic procedure which may be
ordered to see your lungs and the surrounding tissues. A chest x-ray can
determine whether there is fluid in your lungs, infections, foreign
bodies, etc.
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) – A PFT measures the air moving in and out
of your lungs. They are useful in determining how effectively your lungs
are working. A PFT may help in explaining symptoms of shortness of
breath, the type of lung problem you are having, how smoking may have
affected your lungs, and whether breathing problems are a risk during
general anesthesia.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation – This can be beneficial for patients with
congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung
diseases, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, thoracic cage abnormalities,
or respiratory system disease. It can also help those who are
experiencing disabling symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and
/or mucous production. Even patients with severe pulmonary diseases can
benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation.
Bronchoscopy – A bronchoscopy is a useful procedure that allows the
physician to look directly at your lungs with a small, flexible scope.
The physician may choose to do this procedure as a therapeutic mean to
assist with clearing secretions when you are unable to clear them on
your own and /or it may be used to help aid in further diagnoses of
symptoms.
Thoracentesis (TAP) - A TAP may be ordered when there is a build up of
fluid in your lung space. This procedure involves draining fluid from
between the wall of the lung and your chest, thus allowing you to
breathe easier.
Computed Tomography Scan (CT) – A CT scan is a test that may be ordered
to assist the physician with indicating potential problems with the soft
tissue, organs and bones.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding services performed by
one of our pulmonologist during your hospital stay, fell free to contact
our office at (402) 483-8600. |
