Pulmonary Medicine
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
The physicians in this practice are available to care for all aspects of pulmonary diseases including those that may require the most sophisticated medical technology that is available today. This includes illnesses ranging from the common colds and sinusitis to respiratory failure requiring intensive care and ventilator assistance. Our time is split between office-based and hospital-based care. We serve as the "hospitalists" for a large number of physicians in the greater Hartford area and keep in close touch with all referring physicians. Pulmonary diseases we care for include such problems as: Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Lung Cancer, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Occupational Lung Diseases, and Respiratory Failure requiring ventilator assistance. We have extensive experience in all aspects of pulmonary evaluation including Bronchoscopy, Thorocentesis, Pleural Biopsy and Radiology evaluations. Our office has Chest X-Ray and Pulmonary Function Testing equipment on site to make office evaluation an easy and time saving process.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Although the proper use of medication is an important foundation of treatment, the care of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease involves more than the use of medication alone. Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a comprehensive educational program which is designed to help patients with chronic lung disease achieve a maximum level of functional independence. We strongly support the efforts of our patients to improve their quality of life through an organized program aimed at education, exercise, and individual therapy. Our intent with our patients who suffer from respiratory disability is to help:
• Decrease respiratory symptoms through education and energy conservation techniques
• Increase a patient's ability to perform the tasks of daily living
• Relieve anxiety and depression through counseling and support
• Improve a patient's ability to return to work
• Increase capacity of exercise and endurance
At our office, we have trained and experienced staff who have worked with patients with chronic pulmonary disability for years. We feel that patients who are well educated and motivated to improve do much better with their illness and we offer this service to our patients as part of a comprehensive approach to the care of pulmonary disease. We also support the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at St. Francis Hospital and can easily arrange for referrals to their formal program. Usually, the majority of the cost of the outpatient program is covered by major insurance carriers.
Respiratory Therapy
In addition to testing, the Center has both respiratory nursing and respiratory therapist expertise to give advice and guidance to respiratory patients. Training in the proper use of inhaled bronchodilators and the use of peak flow meters for obstructive lung disease is offered. X-Ray facilities are on-site to round out complete pulmonary services. A board certified Pulmonary physician is present in the office during normal business hours.