Top 25 Pulmonologists Across the US
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What is a Pulmonologist?
Learn about this specialty, training requirements, and when to schedule a visit.
A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. These medical experts have extensive training in managing conditions ranging from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and sleep-related breathing disorders. Pulmonologists work to help patients breathe easier and manage respiratory disease through medications, breathing therapies, procedures, and coordinated care with other specialists.
Training and Qualifications
Becoming a pulmonologist requires extensive education and training:
- 4 years of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree
- 3 years of internal medicine residency training
- 2-3 years of specialized fellowship in pulmonary disease
- Total of 9-10+ years of training beyond a bachelor's degree
- Many pulmonologists complete combined pulmonary/critical care fellowships (3 years) to manage ICU patients
- Some pursue additional fellowship training in interventional pulmonology or sleep medicine
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Pulmonary Disease. The certification exam requires completion of an accredited fellowship program and demonstrates expertise in respiratory medicine. Many pulmonologists also hold certification in Critical Care Medicine. Board certification must be maintained through ongoing education and periodic recertification.
When Should You See a Pulmonologist?
You should consider seeing a pulmonologist if:
- You have chronic shortness of breath that limits daily activities or worsens over time
- You experience a persistent cough lasting more than 3-4 weeks
- You have wheezing or chest tightness that doesn't respond to initial treatments
- You've been diagnosed with COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis needing specialized care
- You have asthma that's difficult to control despite multiple medications
- You're coughing up blood (hemoptysis), even small amounts
- You have unexplained abnormalities on a chest X-ray or CT scan
- You experience excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
- You have a history of smoking and are concerned about lung health
- You've been diagnosed with or are being evaluated for lung cancer
- You have an occupational lung disease or exposure to asbestos, silica, or other lung irritants
- Your primary care doctor recommends pulmonology evaluation
Key Facts
Common Conditions Treated
Pulmonologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that pulmonologists help patients manage.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A progressive lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by increasing breathlessness due to airflow obstruction. Most commonly caused by long-term cigarette smoking, it affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of disability.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists diagnose COPD through pulmonary function tests (spirometry) and imaging. Treatment includes bronchodilator inhalers, inhaled corticosteroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy when needed, and smoking cessation support. Managing COPD effectively can slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
Asthma
A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, respiratory infections, or irritants. While common and often controllable, severe asthma can be life-threatening.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists use pulmonary function tests and allergy testing to confirm asthma diagnosis and identify triggers. Treatment involves controller medications (inhaled corticosteroids) to prevent symptoms, rescue inhalers for acute episodes, biologic therapies for severe asthma, and comprehensive action plans to help patients manage their condition.
Lung Cancer
Cancer that begins in the lungs, most often in cells lining the air passages. It is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Types include non-small cell lung cancer (most common) and small cell lung cancer. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists play a crucial role in lung cancer diagnosis through bronchoscopy with biopsy, imaging interpretation, and staging. They perform lung cancer screening for high-risk patients using low-dose CT scans. While oncologists lead cancer treatment, pulmonologists manage respiratory complications and coordinate multidisciplinary care.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
A group of lung diseases characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, making lungs stiff and breathing difficult. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has no known cause, while other forms result from environmental exposures, autoimmune diseases, or medications.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists diagnose pulmonary fibrosis through high-resolution CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and sometimes lung biopsy. Treatment includes antifibrotic medications to slow progression, supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, and evaluation for lung transplant in advanced cases. Managing underlying causes when identified is essential.
Sleep Apnea
A serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form, occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway. Central sleep apnea involves the brain not sending proper signals to breathing muscles.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists with sleep medicine training diagnose sleep apnea through sleep studies (polysomnography). Treatment includes continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, weight loss counseling, positional therapy, and in some cases, surgical options. Effective treatment reduces cardiovascular risks and improves quality of life.
Pneumonia
An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. Can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Pneumonia ranges from mild to life-threatening and is most serious in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists manage severe or complicated pneumonia, including hospital-acquired pneumonia, pneumonia requiring ICU care, and pneumonia that doesn't respond to initial antibiotics. They identify the causative organism through bronchoscopy when needed, optimize antibiotic therapy, and manage complications like lung abscesses or pleural effusions.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
A group of disorders causing progressive scarring of lung tissue, affecting the interstitium (tissue and space around the air sacs). Includes over 200 different conditions with various causes including autoimmune diseases, environmental exposures, and unknown factors.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists diagnose ILD through high-resolution CT imaging, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy with lavage, and sometimes surgical lung biopsy. Treatment varies by type but may include immunosuppressive medications, antifibrotic drugs, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplant evaluation for progressive disease.
Pulmonary Embolism
A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from the legs (deep vein thrombosis) to the lungs. This is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists help diagnose pulmonary embolism through CT angiography and ventilation-perfusion scans. They manage treatment with blood thinners (anticoagulants), coordinate care for massive PE requiring intervention, and evaluate patients for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) following PE.
Bronchiectasis
A chronic condition where the airways (bronchi) become damaged and widened, leading to mucus buildup and recurrent infections. Can result from severe respiratory infections, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies, or other conditions.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists diagnose bronchiectasis through CT imaging and pulmonary function tests. Treatment includes airway clearance techniques, inhaled medications, prompt treatment of infections, and management of underlying causes. Regular monitoring and comprehensive care plans help reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.
Pleural Effusion
A buildup of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura (membranes that line the lungs and chest cavity). Can result from pneumonia, heart failure, cancer, liver disease, or other conditions. The fluid accumulation can make breathing difficult.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Pulmonologists diagnose pleural effusion through chest imaging and thoracentesis (removing fluid for analysis). Treatment depends on the cause and may include draining the fluid, treating underlying conditions, pleurodesis to prevent recurrence, or placement of a tunneled pleural catheter for ongoing drainage in recurrent cases.
Important Note
This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Pulmonologists treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified pulmonologist for a proper evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a pulmonologist.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive medical history including smoking history, occupational exposures, environmental factors, and family history of lung disease
- Review of current medications, previous respiratory treatments, and allergy history
- Physical examination including listening to lung sounds, checking oxygen levels, and assessing breathing effort
- Review of any previous chest X-rays, CT scans, or pulmonary function tests
- Discussion of symptoms including onset, triggers, severity, and how they affect daily activities
- Pulmonary function testing (spirometry) may be performed during the first visit
- First pulmonology visit typically lasts 45-60 minutes
Diagnosis & Testing
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): Comprehensive breathing tests measuring lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange to diagnose and monitor lung diseases
- Spirometry: Basic breathing test measuring how much air you can exhale and how quickly, essential for diagnosing asthma and COPD
- Chest X-ray: Initial imaging to evaluate lung structure and identify obvious abnormalities
- CT scan of chest: Detailed imaging to detect lung nodules, cancer, interstitial lung disease, and other conditions
- Bronchoscopy: Procedure using a thin, flexible tube with camera to examine airways and obtain tissue samples or remove foreign objects
- Sleep study (polysomnography): Overnight test monitoring breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns to diagnose sleep apnea
- Arterial blood gas (ABG): Blood test measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to assess lung function
- Six-minute walk test: Measures exercise capacity and oxygen needs during exertion
Treatment Options
- Inhaler therapy: Bronchodilators to open airways, inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, combination inhalers for COPD and asthma
- Oxygen therapy: Supplemental oxygen for patients with low blood oxygen levels, either at rest or during activity
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: Supervised exercise and education program to improve breathing, strength, and quality of life for chronic lung disease patients
- CPAP/BiPAP therapy: Positive airway pressure devices for sleep apnea and some respiratory conditions
- Biologic medications: Advanced therapies for severe asthma targeting specific inflammatory pathways
- Smoking cessation: Comprehensive support including medications, counseling, and resources to quit smoking
- Bronchoscopic procedures: Interventions to open airways, remove mucus plugs, or treat tumors
- Lung transplant evaluation: Assessment for transplantation in advanced lung disease when other treatments are insufficient
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your pulmonologist provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Pulmonologist
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a pulmonologist.
Credentials to Verify
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Pulmonary Disease
- Completed accredited fellowship training in pulmonary medicine (2-3 years minimum)
- Active, unrestricted medical license in your state
- Additional certification in Critical Care Medicine if treating ICU patients
- Sleep medicine certification if treating sleep disorders
- Hospital privileges at reputable medical centers with pulmonary capabilities
- Member of professional organizations like American Thoracic Society (ATS) or American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST)
Important Considerations
- Subspecialty expertise matching your condition (interventional pulmonology for advanced procedures, sleep medicine for sleep disorders, lung cancer screening)
- Hospital affiliation and quality - look for centers with comprehensive pulmonary services and advanced capabilities
- Experience with your specific condition, especially for complex diseases like pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer
- Accepts your insurance plan and is in-network
- Office location and accessibility for regular visits and pulmonary function testing
- Availability of pulmonary rehabilitation and comprehensive lung disease programs
- Communication style and willingness to explain your condition and treatment options thoroughly
- Coordination with other specialists (oncologists, rheumatologists, allergists, sleep specialists)
- Access to clinical trials for advanced or difficult-to-treat conditions
- Patient reviews and recommendations from other patients or referring physicians
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple pulmonologists before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a pulmonologist can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$200-$400
Follow-up Visit
$100-$250
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Most health insurance plans cover pulmonology visits with specialist copay (typically $30-$75)
- Pulmonary function tests are usually covered when medically necessary
- Diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy may require prior authorization
- Sleep studies often require pre-authorization and may have specific coverage criteria
- CPAP equipment is typically covered for diagnosed sleep apnea, though coverage levels vary
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is covered by most insurance for qualifying conditions (COPD, post-lung surgery)
- Many plans require referral from primary care physician for specialist coverage
- Out-of-network pulmonologists may result in higher out-of-pocket costs
- High-deductible plans require meeting deductible before coverage begins
Medicare Information
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary pulmonology visits, diagnostic tests, and procedures. Medicare typically covers 80% of approved costs after the Part B deductible is met. Pulmonary rehabilitation is covered for COPD and other qualifying conditions (up to 36 sessions, with extension available). Medicare covers CPAP therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea with compliance requirements. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT is covered for eligible high-risk patients.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your pulmonologist is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Pulmonologist
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a pulmonologist.
What is my specific lung condition, and what caused it to develop?
What stage or severity is my lung disease, and what does that mean for my prognosis?
What are all my treatment options, including medications, therapies, and procedures?
How do I properly use my inhalers, and can you demonstrate the correct technique?
What lifestyle changes should I make to improve my lung health, especially regarding smoking and environmental exposures?
What symptoms should prompt me to seek emergency care versus calling your office?
Do I qualify for lung cancer screening, and how often should I be screened?
Would pulmonary rehabilitation benefit me, and how do I enroll?
How often will I need follow-up visits and pulmonary function testing?
Are there any clinical trials or new treatments available for my condition?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Know when symptoms require immediate attention versus a scheduled appointment.
While most conditions can wait for a scheduled appointment with a pulmonologist, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing that prevents you from speaking in full sentences - seek emergency care immediately
- Coughing up significant amounts of blood (more than a few streaks) or blood clots
- Sudden, severe chest pain, especially with shortness of breath - this could indicate pulmonary embolism
- Bluish discoloration of lips, face, or fingernails (cyanosis) indicating critically low oxygen levels
- Asthma attack not responding to rescue inhaler after several doses - this is a medical emergency
- Sudden inability to breathe or feeling of suffocation
- High fever with severe cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing suggesting serious pneumonia
- Rapid breathing, confusion, or altered consciousness with respiratory symptoms
- Worsening COPD symptoms with severe breathlessness, confusion, or drowsiness
EMERGENCY
Call 911 or nearest ER
URGENT
Doctor or urgent care
NON-URGENT
Regular appointment
Pulmonologist vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs.
Pulmonologist vs. Allergist/Immunologist
A pulmonologist specializes in all lung and respiratory diseases including COPD, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. An allergist/immunologist focuses on allergic conditions and immune disorders, including allergic asthma and environmental allergies. For asthma, allergists often manage allergic triggers while pulmonologists handle severe, complex, or non-allergic asthma. Many patients with allergic lung conditions benefit from seeing both specialists.
Pulmonologist vs. Thoracic Surgeon
A pulmonologist diagnoses and treats lung conditions using medications, therapies, and minimally invasive procedures like bronchoscopy. A thoracic surgeon performs surgical operations on the lungs, chest, and esophagus, including lung cancer surgery, lung transplant, and chest wall procedures. Pulmonologists often diagnose conditions and refer to thoracic surgeons when surgery is needed, then manage post-operative care.
Pulmonologist vs. Primary Care Physician
A primary care physician provides general health care and can manage mild respiratory conditions like uncomplicated asthma or simple upper respiratory infections. A pulmonologist is a specialist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex lung conditions, performing specialized pulmonary tests and procedures, and managing patients with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and other serious respiratory diseases.
Pulmonologist vs. Critical Care Specialist (Intensivist)
Many pulmonologists are also board-certified in critical care medicine and work in intensive care units managing patients on ventilators and with respiratory failure. Critical care specialists (intensivists) focus on the sickest patients requiring ICU-level care regardless of the organ system involved. Pulmonologist/intensivists specialize in respiratory critical care, while some intensivists come from other backgrounds like anesthesiology or surgery.
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about pulmonologists is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and authoritative organizations.
Last updated: March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pulmonologists
What is the difference between a pulmonologist and an allergist?
A pulmonologist specializes in all diseases of the lungs and respiratory system, including COPD, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and complex respiratory conditions. An allergist/immunologist focuses on allergic conditions and immune system disorders, including allergic asthma, hay fever, and food allergies. For asthma, both specialists may be involved - allergists often manage allergic asthma triggered by allergens, while pulmonologists typically handle severe asthma, asthma with COPD overlap, or asthma unresponsive to standard treatments. Many patients with allergic asthma see both specialists.
Do I need a referral to see a pulmonologist?
It depends on your insurance plan. HMO plans typically require a referral from your primary care physician to see a pulmonologist for coverage. PPO and POS plans often allow you to see specialists without a referral, though you may pay lower copays with a referral. Medicare doesn't require referrals for specialists. Even if not required, getting a referral is helpful as your primary doctor can share relevant medical records, chest X-rays, and test results with the pulmonologist.
What is pulmonary function testing and why is it important?
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well your lungs work. Spirometry, the most common test, measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly. Full PFTs also measure total lung capacity, how well oxygen transfers from lungs to blood, and airway responsiveness. These tests are essential for diagnosing conditions like asthma and COPD, monitoring disease progression, assessing treatment effectiveness, and evaluating fitness for surgery. The tests are painless, though they require your best effort for accurate results.
What happens during a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a procedure where the pulmonologist inserts a thin, flexible tube (bronchoscope) with a light and camera through your nose or mouth into your airways. You'll receive sedation for comfort and local anesthesia to numb your throat. The procedure allows direct visualization of airways, collection of tissue samples (biopsy), removal of mucus plugs or foreign objects, and placement of stents. It typically takes 30-60 minutes. You'll need someone to drive you home due to sedation. Temporary sore throat and hoarseness are common afterward.
How is COPD different from asthma?
While both cause breathing difficulties, COPD and asthma are different conditions. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is usually caused by smoking, develops gradually over years, causes permanent lung damage, and primarily affects people over 40. Asthma is often allergic in nature, can develop at any age, involves reversible airway narrowing, and symptoms come and go. However, some patients have features of both conditions (asthma-COPD overlap). A pulmonologist uses pulmonary function tests to distinguish between them, as the conditions require different treatment approaches.
What are the warning signs of lung cancer?
Warning signs of lung cancer include: a persistent cough that worsens over time, coughing up blood (even small amounts), chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing, hoarseness or voice changes, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, recurring respiratory infections (bronchitis or pneumonia), and fatigue. However, early lung cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening with low-dose CT scans is recommended for high-risk individuals (current or former heavy smokers ages 50-80). If you have any concerning symptoms, especially with a smoking history, see a pulmonologist promptly.
When should I get tested for sleep apnea?
Consider testing for sleep apnea if you experience: loud, chronic snoring; witnessed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep; waking up gasping or choking; excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate sleep time; morning headaches; difficulty concentrating or memory problems; irritability or mood changes. Risk factors include obesity, large neck circumference, male gender, age over 40, and family history. Sleep apnea is serious - it increases risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and accidents from drowsiness. A pulmonologist or sleep specialist can order a sleep study to diagnose the condition.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation and who benefits from it?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that includes supervised exercise training, breathing techniques, education about lung disease, nutritional counseling, and psychological support. It's designed to improve physical conditioning, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life for people with chronic lung diseases. Patients with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and those recovering from lung surgery benefit most. Programs typically run 6-12 weeks with sessions 2-3 times per week. Studies show pulmonary rehab reduces hospitalizations, improves exercise capacity, and helps patients manage their condition more effectively.
How often will I need to see my pulmonologist?
Visit frequency depends on your condition and its stability. Patients with well-controlled asthma may only need annual or semi-annual visits. Those with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or other chronic conditions typically need quarterly visits or more frequently if experiencing symptoms or medication changes. Patients recently diagnosed or starting new treatments may need monthly visits initially. Sleep apnea patients need regular follow-up to assess CPAP compliance and effectiveness. Your pulmonologist will recommend a schedule based on your specific condition and adjust it as needed.
Should I see a pulmonologist if I'm a smoker with no symptoms?
If you're a current or former smoker, seeing a pulmonologist can be beneficial even without symptoms. Lung diseases like COPD and lung cancer often develop silently for years before symptoms appear. A pulmonologist can assess your lung function with spirometry, determine your eligibility for lung cancer screening (low-dose CT), provide smoking cessation support, and establish a baseline for monitoring. Early detection of COPD allows for interventions that can slow disease progression. If you've smoked for 20+ pack-years, you may qualify for annual lung cancer screening, which can detect cancer at treatable stages.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
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