Diagnosis and management of lung conditions (including but not limited to)
Abnormal chest imagining studiesAsthmaBronchitisCOPDCoughHypoventilation SyndromeInterstitial Lung DiseaseLung CancerLung MassesNarcolepsyPleural EffusionPneumoniaPulmonary Embolism (blood clot)Pulmonary HypertensionRestless Leg SyndromeShortness of BreathSleep Apnea
BRONCHOSCOPY
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that looks inside your lungs. Using a bronchoscope with a light and small camera, passing through your nose or mouth to see your trachea, bronchi and bronchioles of your lungs. A bronchoscopy can be used to diagnose, lung disease, tumors, a chronic cough or an infection. A specialized bronchoscopy called Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) uses an ultrasound to aid in the location of specific things in the lungs. These are done as an outpatient in the hospital.
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
Critical Care Medicine is a specialty of either Internal Medicine, usually Pulmonary trained Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology or Emergency medicine that diagnose and treats the extreme of human disease. The critically ill patient is cared for by a team in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. These specialists are often referred to as “Intensivists”. We at Pulmonary Associates of Fredericksburg are proud to partner with Mary Washington Healthcare to staff their hospitals with highly competent and qualified Critical Care Physicians for their ICU’s.
LUNG CANCER SCREENING
Lung Cancer Screening is usually recommended for people that are current or former smokers that are at a higher risk for lung cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly low-dose CT scans for some of these people. Smoking cessation still is the highest priority to reduce the probability of lung issues including, cancer, COPD, Asthma, and chronic cough.
ON-SITE PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that reveals how well the lungs are working. Normal values for PFTs vary from person to person. Test results are compared to the average for someone of the same age, heigh, sex, and race. Previous test results may also be compared. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma.
Reasons to have Pulmonary Function Testing
• Diagnose lung disorders.• Assess treatment for Asthma, COPD, and other chronic lung problems
• Routine Physical
• Assess the potential effects or response to environmental, occupational, or medication exposure.
• Surgical Clearance
• Assess and monitor change in lung function over time.
• Quantify the severity of known lung disease.
• Assess impairment and/or disability.
PFTs Help Measure
• How quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs.• How much air your lungs can hold.
• How well oxygen diffuses in and out of your lungs.
• Inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength.
CLICK HERE FOR "WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TESTING"
ON-SITE SLEEP LAB
Overnight Sleep Lab is located in the Pulmonary Associates building and is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). This accreditation is the gold standard by which the medical community and the public can evaluate sleep medicine services. A good night's sleep is a necessity not a luxury. The kinds of conditions we can diagnose and treat are: Insomnia, Narcolepsy, Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea (OSA), Sleepwalking, and Snoring. Our board-certified sleep specialists have partnered with a local doctor, to provide a comprehensive surgical treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea with the Inspire®, a hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy. Although this is a separate business, some of the physicians of PAF are associated with this sleep lab.
ON-SITE WALKING OXIMETRY TESTING
Six Minute Walk Test & Oxygen Titration Test
Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) measures the distance walked on a flat, hard surface in a period of 6 minutes. The oxygen titration test evaluates your oxygen needs at rest and during exercise/walking. Oxygen titration occurs during the 6MWT (if required). Testing can last up to 30 minutes; however, actual exercise time does not take this long. Some of the test period is to prepare you for the test and observe you after the test.
How to Prepare for the Six-Minute Walk Test & Oxygen Titration Testing
• Patients should wear comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes for walking (running type shoes).• Patients should use their usual walking aids during the test.
• Patients should not have exercised vigorously within 2 hours of beginning the test.
• Patients can take their usual medications before testing.
• Patients should bring their personal portable oxygen equipment to scheduled testing appointment.
• Testing will be conducted on the patient’s personal oxygen equipment if warranted.
OVERNIGHT PULSE OXIMETRY TESTING
An Overnight Pulse Oximetry Study is a safe, simple, convenient, and noninvasive test that can be done at home. It provides basic information that may be useful in screening patients at risk for hypoxemia (below-normal level of oxygen in the blood) and initiating evaluation for common sleep disorders.
What Are the Risks?
Overnight Pulse Oximetry Studies are noninvasive therefore there are no risks or side effects to the patients.
What to Expect?
The test involves applying a plastic clip over the end of your finger that is connected (via a cable) to a small box or wrist unit that records the data overnight. Data is recorded continuously over the course of the night. The plastic clip is usually held in place with a piece of tape, but it is not painful to have on and it can be removed easily. Within the overnight oximeter sensor is a red light that shines through your finger or the surface of your skin that can measure your pulse (or heart rate) and the oxygen content of your blood.
You will be scheduled to pick up an Overnight Oximetry Pulse Oximetry Unit after your Provider writes an order for testing. The equipment MUST be returned by NOON the next day (including units picked-up on Friday) after DAY OF PICK UP and placed in the DROPBOX outside our office located at the left side of the building. You will be provided instructions on test conditions at time of pick-up.
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