What To Expect In Your First Pulmonology Appointment
Each year, millions of people in the U.S. visit a pulmonologist for evaluation and treatment of respiratory conditions. Common reasons include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung infections, sleep apnea, chronic cough, and unexplained shortness of breath. Pulmonologists also manage complex cases like interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung nodules that may require advanced diagnostics and long-term care.
When it’s time for your first visit with a pulmonologist, it’s normal to feel nervous. Luckily, our team of experts are here to help you feel comfortable during your visit. At The Lung Docs, we have made it our priority to ensure you feel at ease for your first appointment. Keep reading to learn what you can expect.
Meeting Your Pulmonologist
Once you find the Lung Docs location that works best for you and scheduled your first appointment, it’s time time to arrive! You’ll be greeted by our friendly front desk team, who will guide you through any necessary paperwork and welcome you to our facility.
During your visit, you will meet a trusted pulmonologist in Chattanooga TN, Dr. Mike Czarnecki or Pace Rothery, PA-C. Our physicians bring years of experience to every appointment and understand that thoughtful care begins with listening. They take the time to hear your concerns, answer your questions clearly, and ensure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Discussing Your Medical History & Symptoms
Your appointment with one of our pulmonologists starts with your health history. We will ask about your current symptoms and the lifestyle factors that may be affecting your breathing. We encourage you to share any detail, no matter how small—these can provide valuable insight into your lung health. Whether it’s a lingering cough, chest pain, frequent lung infections, or concerns about a specific lung condition, even the most minor symptoms can help your pulmonologist make a more accurate diagnosis and create a care plan tailored to your needs.
Think of this as an open conversation with your doctor. Together, we can build a clear picture of what’s going on with your lungs. Discussing your history and symptoms is this is the first step to designing a lung care plan that meets your needs.
In-Clinic Tests & Assessments
Your medical history is important, but that's not enough to kickstart your lung health journey. We can't make an accurate diagnosis without tests. Depending on your symptoms, you may only need basic breathing tests, like spirometry, to measure how well your lungs are working.
If you have nodules on your lungs, we often recommend a Nodify Lung blood test, a test that helps us assess the risk of cancer in lung nodules. It is a blood-based test, specifically measuring biomarkers to help classify the nodule's risk and guide appropriate next steps for management, such as CT surveillance or biopsy.
We also have quick test kits if you’re being evaluated for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1A). We use this test to check your gene type and serum level. It helps figure out whether you have an inherited condition that contributes to your symptoms.
Creating Your Care Plan
Once your tests and assessments are complete, our pulmonologists will review the results with you. We take the time to explain what the results mean in clear and straightforward language. Together, we’ll decide on the next steps, which could include:
Follow-up testing such as imaging, pulmonary function tests, or lab work
Prescription medications to manage symptoms or treat underlying conditions
Lifestyle changes like smoking cessation, diet adjustments, or exercise recommendations
Referral to pulmonary rehabilitation for guided breathing exercises and physical conditioning
Monitoring and symptom tracking to assess progress over time
Advanced treatments if needed, such as oxygen therapy, CPAP/BiPAP for sleep apnea, or biologic therapies
Specialist referrals for related conditions e.g., cardiology, allergy/immunology
Regular follow-up visits to review results and adjust the care plan as needed
If results show signs of lung cancer, Chattanooga patients can trust our team to provide guidance and connect them with specialists. At The Lung Docs, you’re never just a patient. You’re a partner in your own care. We want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Your Path to Better Breathing
Your first pulmonology appointment is an important step toward better breathing. At The Lung Docs, we’re here to ease your worries and help you take charge of your lung health. If you’re ready to schedule your first appointment, reach out to our friendly team today. We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic and helping you breathe your best.
Chattanooga’s leading lung doctor, Dr. Mike Czarnecki, MD, is renowned for delivering exceptional care and innovative treatments in pulmonary medicine. Whether you need a quick check-in to discuss symptoms or want to make sure your medications are optimized, a telehealth appointment can help you stay on top of your health from anywhere you go this holiday season. Click here to contact us to book an appointment.
