Q. How soon can I expect to get an appointment?
A. We review every new patient with our physicians and staff to determine how urgent the request might be, and to make sure that this is the correct clinic for your referral. Sometimes we need to obtain the CD with your recent radiology images to help make that decision and that can take up to a week. We may call you and/or your referring MD to further discuss your case which helps us to know how soon you should be seen. Our ILD program receives referrals from around the United States; some patients are seen in 2 months and some in 2 days. We will always try to keep you informed as to where we are with your referral and appointment scheduling.
Q. Will I have to repeat a CT scan of my lungs?
A. It is possible that we may ask you to get a repeat CT scan. Possible reasons are that your scan was done using thick slices (5 mm) which does not give us a thin (1-2 mm) slice of the lung tissue so that we can make an accurate assessment of interstitial lung disease. Another reason for a repeat CT scan is that you may have had one done when your lung problem was first seen and you received medication after that scan to treat it; a repeat scan can help us assess if your lungs are improved, the same, or worse.
Q. Will I need to repeat any other testing?
A. In some cases, we may want current breathing tests (pulmonary function tests- PFTs) if they were done 3-6 months ago, or if your condition has changed. We may also want a current oxygen measurement during walking to determine if you have normal oxygen levels, or if you need oxygen, and if so, how much (liter flow) that you need.
Q. I live far away. Can I do any required testing where I live and have the results sent to you?
A. In some cases, yes this is fine, especially for breathing tests, oxygen tests, and some blood tests. However, we may request that your CT scan of the chest be done at Stanford where we can precisely order the views and techniques that we would like.
Q. Can I just bring all of my records with me to my first appointment?
A. No. We carefully review all of your medical records before your appointment so that we can maximize the time that you are here, and avoid having an incomplete review because we find that either a test result is missing, or that a test was done differently than we needed. In this way, we have as much information in advance as possible so that we can make accurate recommendations and a plan of treatment, if needed.
Q. Will my doctor(s) get a copy of the visit report?
A. Yes. When you check in we typically ask who your primary care physician is, and also who else you would like to receive a copy of the notes (cardiologist, local pulmonologist, etc...).
Q. Will I receive any written information at my visit?
A. At the time when you check into the clinic, you will be given an "ILD New Patient Packet" in a red folder that will include lots of educational and informational resources for you and your family. It will also contain contact information for our clinic staff.
Q. Can I bring family members or friends with me into the visit?
A. We encourage you to bring others with you, especially for this first visit, as a great deal of information will be reviewed and it is helpful to have another person there to listen. There may be added visitor restrictions because of COVID so please check with the clinic for updated visitor information.
Q. What if I need a wheelchair or oxygen during the visit?
A. There are wheelchairs available at the front entrance of the hospital. If you need oxygen during the visit so you can save yours, please just let us know when you check in and we will get it for you.
