Pulmonologist
I have severe COPD. I have read in some of your forums about having a Pulmonologist, My PCP. Has never mentioned seeing one, never really talked to me about any of these things he put me on Trilogy and told me to stay away from dogs cats and dust, What do I do?
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I would ask him for a referral to a pulmonologist. I am not sure how I got so lucky, but my PCP is a pulmonologist and an internist. SO, I am covered. A pulmonologist will be able to discuss your condition and what to do to keep it under control. Most PCPs are general practitioners and have to cover everything for all their patients. That is an awful lot of knowledge to maintain and stay on top of. That is why there are specialists. Just ask him to refer you to one and go from there. Good luck and God Bless!
Hi CM1598, and thanks for your post. I see our fellow community member,, has already provided a suggestion for you concerning a specialist (pulmonologist), as compared to a primary physician (PCP).
I agree with him. You can certainly remain with your PCP but, I would also urge you to seek out a specialist/pulmonologist. Pulmonologists have special education and training in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. This type of physician should be able to treat you specifically for your particular level of disease.
I will wish you 'good luck!', and ask that you check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)I was looking through some of my medical records at my doctor's office, and saw that he had written a referral for me to see a Pulmonologist three years before an appointment was ever made. Somebody dropped the ball! Finally I did see one, and would have benefited had the original referral been taken care. The inhalers, and pulmonary tests that were finally ordered help stop the ongoing inflammation, and lung destruction. I think some doctors just call in prescriptions for antibiotics, or prednisone, but being seen in person would be important. You can get specific instructions on who to contact, or where to be seen at a walk-in, or doctor's office.
Hi again, twovillages, nice to see you posting here. I am sorry this happened to you. You have made an excellent point and provided a welcome explanation about the difference (in care and treatment), between general practitioners and specialists. This is not to criticize or 'knock' any type of doctor or specialty, at all.
Your experience truly demonstrates the difference in level of care provided by various types and specialties of physicians. It's always good to be one's own best self advocate!
It sounds like you are doing much better now, under the pulmonologist's care.
Again, we value your input and feedback on this important concern for many of our community members.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I would recommend getting a referral to your pulmonologist regardless if your primary care physician recommended or not. One of the things that I learned in pulmonary therapy is that you need to be your best advocate for your care. This is harder for a lot of us that are over 50, because when we grew up the medical community actually pushed advice, recommendations, and treatments. Now the situation has evolved where you must be your advocate, your doctor will not be.
Let me be clear though, I'm not telling you to dump your doctor. Especially not if you like and trust your doctor, cuz that's pretty hard to find. But you can't leave it up to your pcp, you need to push them.
