For the safety of our patients and staff and to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, our pulmonary function department has made adjustments to its scheduling and hours of operation, and has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols. All staff are screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms, and patients are screened during their registration call and again upon arrival. Patients will be met at the entrance where they will be screened, asked to sanitize their hands, and don a fresh mask. At that point the patient will be given instructions for their visit.
When a lung condition affects your ability to breathe and function normally, know that you can turn to Emerson Hospital’s Pulmonary Medicine & Respiratory Care Department for expert diagnosis, treatment, education and rehabilitative services.
We have a team of pulmonary specialists — physicians with advanced knowledge and skill in diagnosing and treating pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases — along with respiratory therapists, nurses and others with expertise in lung care who are here to help you.
Importantly, we also have a team of pediatric pulmonologists who specialize in treating lung and breathing disorders in children.
The conditions our pulmonary medicine team sees
Emerson Hospital’s pulmonary specialists see the full range of respiratory disorders, including:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Environmental or occupational lung diseases such as asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Lung infections
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough
The pulmonology services we provide
Emerson Hospital’s Pulmonary Medicine and Respiratory Care Department provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, including:
Diagnostic
- Pulmonary function testing
- Asthma challenge testing
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
- Bronchoscopy
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
- Evaluations at the Sleep Disorders Center
Treatment
- Mobilization and pulmonary rehabilitation to increase breathing capacity
- Pulmonary hygiene and suctioning
- Nutrition/dietary counseling
- Medication
- Thoracic surgery
- Family education and participation
Low-dose CT lung cancer screening
Emerson Hospital offers low-dose CT screening (LDCT) to help detect lung cancer at its early stages in current and former smokers. Learn more about this important screening program.
To Book a Pulmonary Test
Your doctor will order your test and fax the paperwork to the Pulmonary Function Lab at 978-287-3752. Once the lab has an order, your appointment can be booked by calling 978-287-3737. Please follow your doctor's instructions prior to your test. In the case of a Methacholine Challenge test, for 48 hours prior, please avoid taking asthma medications, inhalers or antihistamines at the direction of your physician. On the day of your test, please go light on caffeine. If you have any questions, call your physician and/or the Pulmonary Function Lab at the booking number above, and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can. For each appointment, all tests require pre-registration by calling 978-287-3062.
Upon completion of your tests, the results will be sent to the ordering and/or interpreting physician, as well your primary care doctor or any other office that you request, in which case you will fill out a release of patient information form.
Support services and groups
Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program helps patients with respiratory diseases reduce symptoms and improve physical conditioning. We also offer support groups such as the Better Breathers Club and Freedom From Smoking clinics. In addition, Emerson's Steinberg Wellness Center for Mind and Body offers an array of health and wellness programs and classes designed to support people with a wide range of health issues.
For more information about pulmonary medicine at Emerson Hospital, please call 978-287-3740. Other important phone numbers include:
