How to Find a Good Pulmonologist

An Exhaustive, Actionable Guide to Finding a Great Pulmonologist

The air we breathe is the foundation of our existence, yet for millions of people, a simple inhale is a struggle. When a cough becomes chronic, a wheeze turns into a constant companion, or shortness of breath interrupts your daily life, the need for specialized care becomes urgent. A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system—the lungs, bronchi, and airways. But with your health on the line, simply finding “a” pulmonologist isn’t enough. You need to find a good one—a doctor who is not only an expert in their field but also a partner in your care.

This isn’t about generic advice. This is a definitive, step-by-step guide designed to empower you with the tools and confidence to navigate the complex healthcare system and select a doctor who will provide the highest quality of care. We will move past the superficial and delve into the practical, detailing a proven process for identifying, vetting, and ultimately choosing the right pulmonologist for you. From leveraging your existing network to conducting a deep dive into professional credentials and assessing a doctor’s communication style, every stage of this journey is crucial.

Step 1: Understanding the Landscape and Your Needs

Before you can find a good pulmonologist, you must first understand why you need one and what a “good” one looks like for your specific situation. This initial self-assessment is the compass that will guide your entire search.

What Does a Pulmonologist Actually Do?

A pulmonologist is a specialist with extensive training in respiratory medicine. They are not just for people with severe, life-threatening conditions. Their expertise covers a vast range of diseases and disorders, including:

• Asthma: Managing and controlling both mild and severe forms.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

• Sleep Apnea and other Sleep Disorders: Diagnosing and treating breathing issues that occur during sleep.

• Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchiectasis: Treating these long-term, genetic lung conditions.

• Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs): A group of diseases characterized by lung scarring, such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

• Lung Cancer: Participating in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancers.

• Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

• Pneumonia and other severe lung infections.

If your primary care physician (PCP) has indicated you might have one of these conditions, or if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like a chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it’s time to start your search. The right pulmonologist will have specific expertise in the condition you’re facing. For example, a pulmonologist who specializes in sleep medicine might not be the best choice for a person with severe cystic fibrosis, and vice-versa.

Differentiating Pulmonologists from Other Specialists

It’s also important to know who a pulmonologist is not. Sometimes, conditions overlap, and it’s essential to ensure you’re seeing the right specialist from the start.

• Pulmonologist vs. Allergist: While both may treat asthma, an allergist focuses on identifying and treating allergic triggers for respiratory issues. A pulmonologist is more focused on the mechanics and overall function of the lungs, especially for non-allergic or severe asthma. If your asthma is primarily triggered by things like exercise or stress, a pulmonologist might be a better starting point.

• Pulmonologist vs. Thoracic Surgeon: A pulmonologist is a medical doctor who uses non-surgical treatments. A thoracic surgeon performs surgery on the chest and lungs. A pulmonologist will often refer a patient to a thoracic surgeon if a procedure, such as a biopsy, lung transplant, or tumor removal, is necessary. The two professions often work hand-in-hand.

Step 2: Building Your Initial Candidate List

This phase is about casting a wide net to gather a list of potential doctors. You will narrow this list down later, but for now, the goal is to identify as many promising candidates as possible from reliable sources.

Actionable Tactic 1: Lean on Your Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Your PCP is your first and most valuable resource. They have a professional network and firsthand experience with local specialists.

How to Execute This Tactic:

• Be Direct and Prepared: When you meet with your PCP, don’t just ask for “a referral.” Explain your specific concerns. For instance, “I’ve been experiencing chronic shortness of breath, and you mentioned it might be related to my lungs. I’d like a referral to a pulmonologist who has a good reputation for diagnosing and managing complex cases.”

• Ask for Specifics: Ask your PCP what they like about the pulmonologists they recommend. Do they have a good working relationship? Do they communicate well? Do they get feedback from other patients about them? A great question to ask is, “If you or a family member had this condition, who would you go to and why?”

• Request Multiple Names: Politely ask for two or three names. This gives you options and allows you to compare and contrast, rather than simply accepting the first name given.

Actionable Tactic 2: Leverage Your Insurance Provider’s Network

This is a critical, practical step to avoid financial surprises. Your health insurance company has a directory of “in-network” providers who have negotiated rates. Seeing an out-of-network provider can be significantly more expensive.

How to Execute This Tactic:

• Find the Online Portal: Log in to your insurance company’s website. Look for a “Find a Doctor” or “Provider Directory” tool. This is a standard feature for all major insurers.

• Filter Your Search: Enter “Pulmonology” or “Pulmonary Disease” as the specialty. Use your zip code to narrow the search to a manageable geographic radius.

• Refine Your Results: Filter by hospital affiliation, patient ratings, or languages spoken if those factors are important to you. The goal is to generate a list of names that are both in-network and conveniently located.

Actionable Tactic 3: Use Reputable Online Directories and Hospital Websites

While insurance directories are essential for financial reasons, these other sources offer more detailed information about a doctor’s background and experience.

How to Execute This Tactic:

• Professional Organizations: The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and other specialty-specific boards have online search tools where you can verify a doctor’s board certification. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) also has a professional directory.

• Hospital and Medical Center Websites: Major hospitals and university medical centers often have dedicated “Find a Doctor” sections. These physicians are typically leaders in their field, affiliated with cutting-edge research, and part of a larger, collaborative care system. A pulmonologist at a respected hospital will have access to a wide range of diagnostic and treatment resources.

• Patient Review Sites (with a Grain of Salt): Websites like Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Vitals can provide valuable insights from other patients. We’ll discuss how to interpret these reviews critically in the next step. For now, use them to add a few more names to your list.

Step 3: Deep-Diving Your Shortlist – Vetting for Quality

Once you have a list of three to five candidates, the real work begins. This is where you move beyond simple listings and investigate each doctor’s qualifications, experience, and professional reputation.

Actionable Tactic 1: Verify Credentials and Certifications

This is non-negotiable. Board certification is the gold standard of professional excellence. It means the doctor has completed accredited training and passed a rigorous exam to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

How to Execute This Tactic:

• Check Board Certification: The primary certifying body for pulmonologists is the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Go to the ABIM website and use their “Verify a Physician” tool. Enter the doctor’s name to confirm they are board-certified in “Internal Medicine” with a subspecialty in “Pulmonary Disease.” You can also check for a second certification in “Critical Care Medicine,” which is common and indicates additional training in intensive care settings.

• Review Their Medical License: A doctor’s license shows they are legally allowed to practice medicine in your state. Most state medical boards have a free online lookup tool. Search for your state’s medical board website and verify the doctor’s license status. This check ensures there are no disciplinary actions or license restrictions.

Actionable Tactic 2: Assess Their Experience and Specialization

A general pulmonologist can handle many conditions, but for complex or rare diseases, a specialist in that specific area is often a better choice.

How to Execute This Tactic:

• Check Their Bio: A doctor’s bio on their practice or hospital website is a treasure trove of information. Look for details on their training—where they did their medical school, residency, and fellowship. Fellowship training specifically in pulmonology and critical care medicine is crucial.

• Look for Publications or Research: If a doctor is involved in research, has published articles, or is part of clinical trials, it suggests they are at the forefront of their field. This is a strong indicator of a top-tier specialist, especially for conditions like IPF or lung cancer.

• Look for a Niche: If you have a specific condition like pulmonary fibrosis or cystic fibrosis, look for a doctor who explicitly mentions that they specialize in it. Their bio might say, “Specializing in the treatment of interstitial lung disease,” or “Leads the Cystic Fibrosis Program at [Hospital Name].” This targeted expertise is invaluable.

Actionable Tactic 3: Interpret Patient Reviews with a Critical Eye

Online reviews are a tool, not the final word. Use them to identify patterns, not to make a decision based on a single negative or positive comment.

How to Execute This Tactic:

• Look for Patterns, Not Outliers: Ignore reviews that say “Dr. Smith saved my life!” or “Dr. Smith was rude to me!” These are often emotional and unhelpful. Instead, look for common themes. Does a doctor consistently get praised for their communication style? Do multiple reviews mention long wait times or a disorganized staff? These patterns are more reliable indicators of a doctor’s practice style and patient experience.

• Separate Personality from Professionalism: A review that says, “He was cold and didn’t seem to care” is about personality. A review that says, “I never got my test results back, and the office staff was rude when I called” is about the functionality of the practice. Focus on the latter. Flaws in the office management can severely impact your care.

• Assess the “Why”: Why was a review negative? Did a patient feel rushed? Did they disagree with a diagnosis? Did they have a bad billing experience? A review that criticizes a doctor’s medical judgment without a clear explanation should be taken lightly.

Step 4: The Consultation – Preparing for Your Interview

You’ve done the research. Now it’s time to meet the doctor. Think of this first appointment as a job interview—for them. This is your opportunity to assess not just their medical knowledge, but also their communication skills and their overall approach to care.

Actionable Tactic 1: Prepare a Detailed List of Questions

Do not walk into the appointment with a vague list of complaints. Arrive with specific, written questions. This shows you are engaged in your own health and ensures you get the information you need.

Concrete Examples of Questions to Ask:

• About Their Experience: “What is your experience with [My specific condition]? Do you see many patients with this?”

• About Their Philosophy: “What is your general approach to treating [My condition]? Do you typically start with conservative treatments or move more aggressively?

• About Communication: “How do you prefer to communicate with patients between appointments? Is there a patient portal? Do you have a policy on returning phone calls?”

• About Care Coordination: “If I need to see other specialists, like a cardiologist or an allergist, how does your office coordinate that care?”

• About Emergency Procedures: “What happens if I have an urgent issue after hours? Is there an on-call service or a specific protocol I should follow?”

• About Their Team: “Who else will I be interacting with in this office? Will I mostly be seeing you, or will I also see physician assistants or nurse practitioners?”

Actionable Tactic 2: Pay Close Attention to Communication Style and Bedside Manner

This is the most personal and subjective part of your evaluation, but it is just as important as credentials. You need a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with.

What to Look For and Listen For:

• Do They Listen? Do they let you finish your sentences? Do they make eye contact while you are talking? Do they seem genuinely interested in what you have to say, or are they already typing in their computer?

• Do They Explain Clearly? A good doctor can translate complex medical jargon into plain English. Do they use analogies or diagrams to help you understand your condition? Do they ask you if you have any questions?

• Are They Respectful? Do they speak to you as a partner in your care, or do they talk down to you? Do they validate your concerns, even if they don’t seem significant to them?

• The “Vibe”: This is your gut instinct. Do you feel comfortable? Do you feel heard and respected? This is a feeling you cannot ignore. A brilliant doctor with a terrible bedside manner may not be the right fit if you don’t feel confident enough to be open and honest with them.

Actionable Tactic 3: Evaluate the Office and Staff

The doctor is just one person in a larger system. The efficiency and friendliness of their staff and the organization of the office can make or break your experience.

What to Observe:

• Wait Times: Was your wait time excessive? A one-off delay is understandable, but consistently long waits can indicate a poorly managed practice.

• Staff Interaction: Were the front desk staff and nurses friendly and professional? Did they handle paperwork and scheduling efficiently? The staff is the doctor’s proxy. A great team reflects well on the physician.

• Facility Cleanliness: Is the office clean and well-organized? This is a small detail that can speak volumes about the overall professionalism and attention to detail.

Step 5: Making Your Final, Confident Decision

After completing your consultations, it’s time to make a decision. This is not a choice you have to make on the spot. Take a few days to reflect on your experiences.

Actionable Tactic 1: Compare Your Notes

Review your notes from each consultation. Compare the answers to your questions, your observations about their communication style, and your overall impression of their staff and office. Create a simple pro/con list for each doctor you saw.

Example Comparison:

• Dr. A:
  • Pros: Top credentials, specializes in my condition, great rapport with my PCP, highly engaging and spent a lot of time explaining things.

  • Cons: Office is a bit far away, one negative online review about wait times (but no others).

• Dr. B:

  • Pros: Very close to my home, nice staff, felt comfortable with their explanation.

  • Cons: General pulmonologist without a specific focus on my condition, seemed a bit rushed during the consultation, limited availability for follow-up appointments.

Actionable Tactic 2: Trust Your Gut Instinct

Ultimately, the best doctor for you is one you trust. You can have a doctor with perfect credentials, but if you don’t feel a connection or don’t trust their judgment, your care will suffer. That feeling of confidence and comfort is a vital component of a successful patient-doctor relationship.

It’s okay to make a choice, and it’s also okay to change your mind later. If you select a doctor and after a few appointments, you realize the fit isn’t right—the communication is poor, the treatment plan isn’t working, or the office staff is a constant source of frustration—you are empowered to go through this process again. Your health and your confidence in your medical team are paramount.

The journey to finding a great pulmonologist is a proactive one. It requires research, diligence, and a clear understanding of what you need. By following these practical, step-by-step tactics, you will be equipped to move past the ambiguity of a simple search and confidently select a true partner in your respiratory health.