At PMC, our board-certified physicians and specialists work to diagnose and treat a wide range of pulmonary-related disorders, including respiratory sleep disorders.
Services
Consultations
most of our patients are referred by their primary care physician or specialist. We occasionally accept self-referrals but generally encourage collaboration with primary care to ensure appropriate comprehensive care.
Bronchoscopy
Our physicians are all fellowship trained in performing fiberoptic bronchoscopy. This procedure is performed with sedation provided by an anesthesiologist. The bronchoscope is a thin, flexible tube through which your physician can examine your air passages and lungs. This procedure allows the doctor to not only see the air passages but also to take biopsy samples of lung and bronchial tissue. Material to assess infection can also be obtained.
Endobronchial Ultrasound
this highly specialized procedure is similar to standard bronchoscopy but uses a special scope with an ultrasonic probe. It is performed under a light general anesthetic. This procedure allows the physician to take biopsies of lymph nodes near the bronchial tubes and windpipe. These lymph nodes would not be visible or accessible with standard bronchoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure is often crucial in the evaluation of lung masses and can avoid the need for an open surgical biopsy.
Chest X-Rays
are useful in the evaluation of many lung disorders. We provide onsite digital chest x-rays that can be completed in minutes and are immediately available for our physicians to review.
Chest CT Scanning
chest is not performed in our offices, however, CT scans are often a very valuable tool for pulmonary assessment. Our physicians are especially trained to interpret your CT scans. We will review any prior scans you may have had performed and order any additional scans from area imaging centers if required.
Home Sleep Testing
we can provide a home sleep testing unit to help diagnose your sleep disorder. Sometimes a full in-lab overnight sleep study is needed for diagnosis or initiation of treatment. We utilize the Richardson Methodist Sleep Disorders Center for these studies. The lab is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Thoracentesis
drainage of fluid around the lung using a small catheter. A local anesthetic is used to comfortably perform this procedure.
PULMONARY FUNCTION STUDIES
Part of the assessment of a respiratory problem often includes measurement of lung function. We provide a full range of pulmonary testing onsite including spirometry, lung volumes and diffusion capacity. These tests are administered by our trained therapists. Each of these studies involves breathing through a disposable mouthpiece with a protective filter. You will be coached through the procedure by our therapist. If you normally use a “rescue” inhaler for asthma, you will be instructed to avoid using it for 8 hours before testing if possible.
Pulmonary function studies are a group of non-invasive tests that measure how well your lungs work. Part of the assessment of your respiratory problems may include these studies. Testing generally requires anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
Spirometry
is the most basic test and measures how completely and efficiently you can forcefully expel air from your lungs.
Lung Volumes
are a more precise test and measure the total volume and distribution of air in the lungs, including the air that remains in the lungs after a normal breath.
Diffusing Capacity
measures how easily oxygen is absorbed from the lungs and enters your bloodstream.
Oximetry
the measurement of blood oxygen level at rest, exercise, and sleep.
In-Patient Services:
Our physicians are the Directors of Pulmonary and Critical Care departments at Methodist Richardson and Medical City McKinney. They treat critically ill patients in the intensive care unit including those requiring mechanical ventilation (life support) and suffering from life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. 24/7 coverage is provided by our doctors and our highly skilled critical care physician assistant and nurse practitioners. In addition to ICU care, general pulmonary medicine consultative services and procedures are provided by the group.
