Pulmonary Medicine
The 60th Medical Group Pulmonary Clinic provides evaluation and treatment for a wide range of lung and breathing disorders. Our multi-service, multi-disciplinary team includes specialists in Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Respiratory Therapy who use state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and procedures to support your respiratory health.
Conditions We Evaluate and Treat
We offer comprehensive evaluation and management of many lung conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema
- Bronchiectasis
- Interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis
- Pneumonia and other lung infections
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary vascular disease
- Pulmonary nodules and lung cancer
- Non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease
- Chronic cough
- Unexplained shortness of breath
Pulmonary Services and Procedures
Our clinic provides a full range of diagnostic testing and procedures to evaluate and treat lung disease:
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs) – Spirometry, full pulmonary function testing, body plethysmography, and diffusing capacity (DLCO) to measure how well your lungs move air and exchange oxygen.
- Bronchoprovocation Testing – Exercise-induced bronchoprovocation and methacholine challenge testing to help diagnose asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness.
- Oxygen Therapy Evaluation – Assessment of your need for supplemental oxygen, including six-minute walk testing.
- Bronchoscopy – Flexible bronchoscopy to directly view the airways, obtain tissue samples (brushings or biopsies), and help diagnose lung problems.
- Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS-TBNA) – Bronchoscopy with ultrasound guidance to obtain tissue samples from lymph nodes outside the bronchial tree, often used to diagnose and stage cancer.
- Thoracentesis and Pleural Catheter Placement – Procedures used to remove fluid from around the lungs and, when needed, place a catheter for ongoing drainage.
Before any procedure, you will receive detailed preparation instructions, including when to stop eating or drinking, when to stop certain medications, and whether you need someone to drive you home.
Preparing for Pulmonary Testing
Your exact instructions will depend on the test ordered, but general guidelines include:
General Pulmonary Function Laboratory Instructions
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
- Children are not permitted in the lab during testing.
- If you are sick or recovering from a recent respiratory illness, call the Pulmonary Clinic to see if you should reschedule.
- Call the clinic as soon as possible if you need to cancel.
On the Day of Testing
- Do not use alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco products (including chewing tobacco) on the day of your test.
- Rescue inhalers should not be used unless absolutely necessary. If you must use one, contact the clinic to see if your test should be rescheduled.
Exercise-Induced Bronchoprovocation (EIB)
- Do not exercise on the day of your test.
- Do not eat within 3 hours of testing.
- Wear appropriate exercise clothing (military PT gear or similar gym attire; duty uniforms are not approved for testing).
Methacholine Challenge
- Do not exercise on the day of your test.
- Do not eat within 3 hours of testing.
- Certain medications, drinks, and foods must be held for specific time periods before testing (for example, caffeine the day of study; short-acting and long-acting inhalers, antihistamines, and inhaled steroids for specified hours or days). Your care team will provide an individualized list of medications and timeframes.
Six-Minute Walk Test
- Used to assess your need for supplemental oxygen.
- If you already use home oxygen, continue to use it until you arrive for your appointment.
- Bring your rescue inhaler with you.
Home Oxygen Equipment
If your provider orders home oxygen, the Pulmonary Clinic and Referral Management Office will help coordinate your care.
Coverage and Vendors
- TRICARE coverage for oxygen: See TRICARE’s “Oxygen” page for what is covered.
- Medicare coverage and suppliers: Medicare lists covered oxygen equipment, accessories, and approved suppliers.
- Order status (TRICARE Prime): Log in to your TRICARE online account (Humana Military) to track the status of your home oxygen order.
Helpful Links
Referral Process for Home Oxygen
Contact the Referral Management Office at 707-423-7641 five to seven business days after your clinic visit. The team can assist you with questions and help you connect with your home oxygen vendor.
Getting Pulmonary Care
- Talk with your Primary Care Manager (PCM) about any breathing concerns, chronic cough, or suspected lung disease.
- Your PCM may place a referral to the Pulmonary Clinic or directly schedule appropriate testing.
- Some services may require a referral, authorization, or pre-approval based on your TRICARE benefit.
For questions about referrals, authorizations, or network options, please contact the Referral Management Office or TRICARE.