Providing expert care for your breathing problems without a referral during a pandemic
WEST PLAINS, MO – Ozarks Healthcare pulmonologists are now providing care at Ozarks Healthcare’s rural clinic locations in Gainesville, Mountain Grove, Thayer, and Winona.
If you face acute or chronic breathing problems or any complex illness primarily affecting the lungs, Ozarks Healthcare’s pulmonologists can help. They offer rapid diagnostic evaluation through advanced bronchoscopic procedures and provide patients with state-of-the-art therapeutic options. They work with primary care providers to develop an optimum care plan and smooth continuum of care.
“We are excited to offer our patients direct access to our pulmonologists at Ozarks Healthcare Gainesville,” Dr. Edward Henegar, provider at Ozarks Healthcare Gainesville, said. “Many of our patients experience difficulty with pulmonology issues. We are proud to be able to reduce travel even more for our patients to receive both expert bronchoscopic care and primary medical care onsite at our clinic.”
According to the American Cancer Society, about 32.4 million American adults still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness worldwide. Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year or about one in five deaths. More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.
“Having expert lung care on site at our clinic is a huge benefit for our patients at Ozarks Healthcare Thayer,” Dr. Melissa Wright, Ozarks Healthcare Thayer, said. “Many in our region suffer from lung and breathing complications. Being able to access primary medical care and lung care in one location encourages patients not to delay seeking appropriate care.”
Ozarks Healthcare has several resources available to those facing disease and damaging effects from smoking or who need assistance quitting the habit altogether. Ozarks Healthcare’s pulmonology services, cancer screenings, and smoking cessation program can help provide a pathway to healing for those suffering from respiratory diseases and disorders.
About Ozarks Healthcare’s Pulmonology Services
Ozarks Healthcare’s Heart and Lung Center treats all diseases associated with the lungs and the respiratory system. Rapid diagnostic evaluations and advanced bronchoscopy provide patients with modern therapeutic options. Ozarks Healthcare’s pulmonology team works closely with patients’ primary care providers to assist with smoking cessation and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Ozarks Healthcare pulmonologists Dr. Biplab Saha and Dr. Praveen B. Datar are experts in diseases often associated with smoking, including asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, lung cancer, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, pleural effusion, pulmonary hypertension, and more.
“At Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center, we understand the toll respiratory conditions caused by smoking and certain diseases can take on patients’ lives.” Dr. Saha said. “We’re here to help with the latest treatments tailored to individuals’ unique situations.”
To determine patients’ best treatment methods, the Ozarks Healthcare pulmonology team uses an in-depth process to identify patients’ conditions precisely.
“When a patient is seen, we start by finding the source of his or her condition using a variety of diagnostic tools,” Dr. Datar said. “Physical examination, imaging studies, bronchoscopies, ultrasounds, and pulmonary function tests can help us develop a plan of treatment targeted to patients’ particular needs.”
Ozarks Healthcare’s pulmonology services also include a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which is designed to help patients overcome difficult respiratory symptoms and improve day-to-day activities through exercise training and behavioral and educational programs. Physicians, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, mental health care providers, and exercise specialists all compose Ozarks Healthcare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program team.
About Ozark Healthcare’s Lung Cancer Screenings
Ozark Healthcare’s Cancer Treatment Center offers lung cancer screenings with the latest imaging technologies. For eligible individuals, annual screenings are covered by Medicare and private insurance. Current and former smokers age 55 to 77 who have smoked within the past 15 years or have a history of smoking at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or more should consider getting screened. Both private insurers and Medicare offer coverage for annual screenings for lung cancer among high-risk individuals who meet all the eligibility criteria.
Ozarks Healthcare’s lung screening team includes radiologists, pulmonologists, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and oncologists. Ozarks Healthcare performs screenings with the latest imaging technologies, such as low dose computed tomography (CT) scans. A complete range of services for people at risk for lung cancer, including smoking cessation support and modern lung cancer treatments, are also offered.
For more information about how Ozarks Healthcare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program, lung cancer screenings, and smoking cessation program can help smokers end their nicotine addiction or find relief from chronic lung conditions, call the Ozarks Healthcare Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at 417-257-5959.
