Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments

How long will my appointment last?
A new appointment with an OSF HealthCare pulmonology provider will take about 60 to 90 minutes, including the initial check-in process.

Follow-up visits generally last about 30 minutes.
Why do I need to arrive 15 minutes early?
This is to accommodate the check-in process, which includes verification of your health insurance and a review of your personal information.

On your first visit, you probably will be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding your health history.

These tasks must be completed before your appointment with the provider can begin.

How can I refer a family member?
If you are interested in a referral, start by talking to your primary care provider.

However, self-referral is acceptable and, in fact, common for individuals seeking a second opinion or who already have been diagnosed with a lung disease and are new to the area and OSF HealthCare.

What services do you offer?
We provide inpatient and outpatient services including pulmonary function testing, biopsies, low dose CT screening, pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, breathing treatments and immunizations.

OSF HealthCare is also the only health system in the Midwest performing bronchoscopic lung volume reduction for patients with COPD.
Do you perform stem cell transplants?
No. The efficacy of stem cell therapy for treating lung disease remains unproven.
Do you perform lung transplants?
No, but OSF HealthCare pulmonology providers work closely with transplant centers in Chicago and St. Louis.

We will coordinate your referral and ongoing care management.

Do I need to do specific diagnostic tests?
Testing is necessary for your pulmonology provider to accurately diagnose your condition.

Your provider likely will administer basic pulmonary function testing.

Depending on your symptoms, history and other test results, you also may need radiologic and imaging exams.