Perform comprehensive patient assessments: medical history, physical exams, and symptom review.
Order, interpret, and act upon diagnostic tests: pulmonary function tests (e.g. spirometry), imaging (e.g. chest X-ray), labs, arterial blood gases, etc.
Develop, implement, and manage individualized care plans for acute and chronic pulmonary conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, post-COVID respiratory issues).
Prescribe appropriate medications and therapies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions (bronchodilators, inhaled therapies, oxygen therapy, etc.), within scope of practice and state regulations.
Collaborate with pulmonologists and other members of the health care team to ensure coordinated, multidisciplinary care.
Provide patient and family education on disease processes, medication management, lifestyle modifications, smoking cessation, breathing strategies, and self-management of chronic lung diseases.
Manage follow-up care, monitor patient progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and coordinate referrals to specialists.
Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.