Pulmonary Fibrosis Center of Excellence

LeBauer Pulmonary and Cone Health Medical Group offer a state-of-the-art Pulmonary Fibrosis Center of Excellence, bringing comprehensive pulmonary fibrosis care to patients in the Triad and surrounding regions. This Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinic has been selected by the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) as one of only three nationally recognized Pulmonary Fibrosis Care Centers in the state of North Carolina and one of over 80 across the US.

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinic offers:

  • More accurate diagnosis
  • State-of-the-art management
  • Access to cutting-edge clinical trials

The Benefit of a Comprehensive Care Team for Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients

Patients with pulmonary fibrosis who are seen at a specialty clinic have access to the latest research and interdisciplinary medical support from radiology, pathology, genetics, rheumatology, cardiology, etc. Each discipline can provide unique expertise and perspective in working with a patient, and providers work as a team to develop the best diagnostic and treatment plan for the patient. The pulmonary fibrosis specialists meet monthly with the specialist radiologist and pathologist to discuss complex patients. This method called the “Multi-Disciplinary Case Conference” improves diagnostic accuracy and promotes optimal management for each patient. In addition, patients who need care from another specialist – such as pulmonary hypertension, or patients who need to see a cardiologist, or autoimmune patients who need to see a rheumatologist – are easily able to do so with this interdisciplinary care model. This access is highly beneficial and helps each pulmonary fibrosis patient achieve their best outcome possible.

The provider team is led by expert, compassionate physicians committed to teamwork and continuously working to provide higher levels of care with each new development. The team’s goal is to meet an unmet need in the community and make a difference for each patient.

Access to Cutting-Edge Clinical Trials

Clinical trials form a key pillar in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis. The center offers several cutting-edge clinical trials in pulmonary fibrosis through its research partner PulmonIx, LLC, also located at 3511 West Market Street, Suite 240. Patients interested in research can contact the research program directly at (336) 522-8870 or by visiting this website.

Patient Support Groups

Patients seen at our Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinic have turn-key access to the first support group in the state of North Carolina. This PFF (Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation) sponsored support group forms a vital chain in the management of patients through advocacy, support, and education. Patients get to interact with, lean on, and learn from others with fibrosis. The local support group can be directly contacted via email at ptipff@gmail.com.

Get Connected to Care with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Center of Excellence

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Center of Excellence is part of LeBauer Pulmonary, located at 3511 West Market Street in Greensboro. Dr. Murali Ramaswamy, MD is the director of the program, and Dr. Praveen Mannam, MD is the Associate Director.

There are dedicated clinic days for Pulmonary Fibrosis patients though they can be seen on other days as well. Patients can request an appointment through a referral from their primary care provider, or by directly calling 336-522-8999 and asking to be seen by either Drs. Ramaswamy or Mannam, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinicians.

FAQs about Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF)

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary Fibrosis is like a scar tissue developing in the lungs, where the lungs get stiff. The experience of having pulmonary fibrosis includes getting short of breath, frequent coughing, and ultimately needing oxygen support. It can be a fatal disease.

What are the different forms or varieties of pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is more technically a family of diseases, with many variations. The most common and the deadliest type is IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis), which more typically affects older people. IPF is a fatal and progressive disease, much like having cancer. Patients diagnosed with IPF can die within a few to several years of diagnosis. The other specific diseases that make up the family of Pulmonary Fibrosis, including but not limited to, diseases such as Sarcoidosis, Nonspecific Interstitial Lung Disease (NSIP), Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP), Smokers Interstitial Fibrosis (SRIF), Autoimmune Lung Disease, or Connective Tissue – Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD), etc.

How prevalent is pulmonary fibrosis?

Approximately 200,000 people across the US are currently diagnosed with IPF, with approximately 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

Is there a cure?

There is no current cure for IPF, but there are several treatments. In 2014, the first two approved tablets came to market, and there is a lot of active research around improving treatments. An accurate, early diagnosis is important for getting patients on the best treatment plan possible.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?

  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough

How is pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed?

To diagnose pulmonary fibrosis, your doctor may review your medical and family history, discuss your signs and symptoms, review any exposure you’ve had to certain elements like dusts, gases, and chemicals, and conduct a physical exam. Your provider will listen to your lungs, and may also recommend one or more imaging tests, lung function tests, tissue biopsy, and/or blood tests.

Many times, the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis is delayed because it’s not a common disease. Patients often end up with cardiological workups, and it can be up to a year or two until they are connected with a pulmonologist and receive an accurate pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis. At times patients are misdiagnosed with cardiac pulmonary edema or congestion, COPD, or obesity. One benefit of the pulmonary fibrosis clinic is the team working for an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

If you suspect you may have interstitial lung disease, start by completing this questionnaire.

Are there ways to prevent pulmonary fibrosis?

70% of patients with pulmonary fibrosis have previously smoked. Not smoking or quitting smoking are the most important steps to prevent pulmonary fibrosis.

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