Services

Pulmonology in Brooklyn

Empire Medical & Rehabilitation PC offers expert pulmonary care for Brooklyn patients with asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, and other respiratory conditions. Our pulmonology services combine on-site diagnostic testing with personalized treatment plans, all coordinated with your primary care and any additional specialists you see.

Why Empire Medical

Specialty Care, Coordinated

  • On-site pulmonary function testing — no need to travel to a separate facility
  • Coordinated care with primary care, pain management, and psychiatry under one roof
  • Evaluation and management of sleep apnea, including referral for sleep studies
  • Smoking cessation counseling and support
  • Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial insurance accepted
  • Convenient Ocean Parkway location serving Southern Brooklyn

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your initial pulmonology visit includes a detailed respiratory history, review of any prior testing, and a focused physical exam. On-site pulmonary function testing can typically be completed during the same visit. You will leave with a clear diagnosis (when possible), a written treatment plan, and your medications adjusted as needed. Follow-up intervals depend on your specific condition and how well your symptoms are controlled.

Conditions

Conditions We Treat

Asthma

Evaluation, medication management, and trigger identification to reduce flare-ups and ER visits.

COPD (Emphysema & Chronic Bronchitis)

Long-term management to slow progression, improve breathing, and reduce exacerbations.

Sleep Apnea

Initial evaluation, sleep study referral, and CPAP follow-up management.

Chronic Cough

Evaluation of persistent cough lasting more than 8 weeks.

Shortness of Breath

Workup and treatment of unexplained dyspnea on exertion or at rest.

Bronchitis

Treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, including evaluation for underlying causes.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Co-management of pulmonary hypertension with cardiology when needed.

Smoking-Related Lung Disease

Lung cancer screening for eligible patients and smoking cessation support.

Treatments

Treatments Offered

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

Spirometry and other in-office tests to measure lung capacity and airflow.

Asthma Treatment Plans

Personalized action plans including controller and rescue medications.

COPD Management

Inhaled medication therapy, oxygen evaluation, and pulmonary rehabilitation referrals.

Sleep Apnea Evaluation

Clinical screening, referral for home or in-lab sleep studies, and CPAP follow-up.

Smoking Cessation Counseling

Behavioral support and medication options to help patients quit.

Inhaler Technique Education

Hands-on training to ensure inhaled medications reach the lungs effectively.

Chronic Cough Workup

Diagnostic evaluation to identify underlying causes such as GERD, post-nasal drip, or asthma.

Lung Cancer Screening

Low-dose CT screening referrals for eligible patients per USPSTF guidelines.

Insurance & Payment

Pulmonology services are covered by most insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Oxford, EmblemHealth, and Fidelis. Call (718) 750-2001 to verify coverage and any referral requirements.

FAQ

Common Questions

  • Asthma is typically a reversible airway condition often diagnosed in childhood and triggered by allergens or irritants. COPD is a progressive condition most commonly caused by long-term smoking. Both share symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath, but treatment approaches differ. Pulmonary function testing helps distinguish between them.

  • Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. If you or your partner notice these symptoms, schedule a pulmonology evaluation. We can screen you in-office and refer you for a sleep study if needed.

  • Most PPO plans allow direct access to specialists. HMO plans usually require a referral from your primary care provider. Our office will verify your specific requirements before your visit.

  • Yes. We provide behavioral counseling and prescribe FDA-approved smoking cessation medications including nicotine replacement, varenicline, and bupropion. Smoking cessation dramatically reduces your risk of lung cancer and COPD progression.

  • Pulmonary function tests measure how well your lungs move air in and out and how efficiently they transfer oxygen. The most common test, spirometry, takes about 15-20 minutes and is performed in-office. Results help diagnose asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions.

  • Yes. We evaluate patients with persistent shortness of breath, cough, or reduced exercise tolerance following COVID-19 infection. Treatment is individualized based on your specific symptoms and findings.

Your Health Can't Wait

Take the first step toward feeling better. Our team is ready to provide the personalized care you deserve.