Asthma & Cough Center
Physician Information

Program Approach

Patients referred to the Asthma Center will be assigned to one of the Center's specialists. Consults to a specific physician or specialty are also available.

When a patient is referred to the Asthma Center, the patient's personal physician is contacted and existing medical information is reviewed.

After an asthma questionnaire is completed, a thorough patient history and extensive physical examination are performed. Evaluations are tailored to each patient's needs. Diagnostic procedures are performed as indicated to ascertain causal or exacerbating factors. Referrals to additional consultants may be necessary.

An individualized home management plan is formulated to optimize the therapeutic regimen, evaluate and treat any coexistent complicating factors, and educate the patient. Program components encourage the patient's development of skills for self-management of asthma, with the primary physician providing guidance and adjustments. Patients receive in-depth education about their disease and instruction on how they can help control it both chronically and during acute episodes. The plan is modified as needed.

At the end of the program, the Asthma Center team provides a written medical summary for the patient and/or the patient's physician, including a plan for adjustment of medications over the subsequent 6 to 12 months. Patients return home healthier and with the knowledge to stay that way.

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