Pulmonology
Expert diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, breathing disorders, and complex respiratory conditions
Pulmonology is the specialty focused on expert diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, breathing disorders, and complex respiratory conditions. OpenDoc separates it into focused subspecialty paths so patients can start in the right care lane before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $75 to $4,000 across 18 common visit types. Pulmonologists diagnose and treat the full spectrum of lung and breathing disorders, from asthma to interstitial lung disease. OpenDoc providers offer pulmonary evaluations starting at $200 with in-office pulmonary function testing for 50–65% less than hospital-based labs. With respiratory conditions affecting over 35 million Americans with asthma alone, transparent pricing for ongoing pulmonary care delivers meaningful savings.
Common services and transparent pricing
Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.
- New Patient Pulmonary Evaluation — $200–$400: New Patient Pulmonary Evaluation is a common pulmonology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Follow-Up Visit — $125–$225: Follow-Up Visit is a common pulmonology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry) — $75–$200: Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry) is a diagnostic pulmonology service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Full Pulmonary Function Test (PFT with DLCO) — $200–$500: Full Pulmonary Function Test (PFT with DLCO) is a diagnostic pulmonology service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Chest CT Review and Interpretation — $100–$200: Chest CT Review and Interpretation is a common pulmonology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Diagnostic Bronchoscopy — $1500–$4000: Diagnostic Bronchoscopy is a procedure-oriented pulmonology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Sleep Study Consultation — $150–$300: Sleep Study Consultation is a common pulmonology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Home Sleep Test (HST) — $200–$500: Home Sleep Test (HST) is a diagnostic pulmonology service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- In-Lab Polysomnography — $800–$2500: In-Lab Polysomnography is a diagnostic pulmonology service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Oxygen Assessment and Titration — $100–$250: Oxygen Assessment and Titration is a common pulmonology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Asthma Action Plan Development — $150–$300: Asthma Action Plan Development is a common pulmonology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Methacholine Challenge Test — $250–$600: Methacholine Challenge Test is a diagnostic pulmonology service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pulmonologist visit cost without insurance?
A new patient pulmonary evaluation typically costs $200 to $400 cash pay. Follow-up visits range from $125 to $225. Office-based pulmonary function testing adds $75 to $500 depending on the complexity of the test ordered.
How much does a pulmonary function test cost out of pocket?
Basic spirometry costs $75 to $200, while a complete PFT with lung volumes and diffusion capacity (DLCO) ranges from $200 to $500 in a pulmonologist's office. Hospital-based PFT labs may charge $800 to $1,500 for the same testing. Cash pay at an independent office typically saves 50-65%.
Do I need a referral to see a pulmonologist?
No referral is required for cash-pay visits on OpenDoc. You can search directly for a pulmonologist if you have a chronic cough, shortness of breath, abnormal chest imaging, or sleep concerns. This avoids the typical 1-2 week delay of getting a referral through your primary care doctor.
How much does a sleep study cost without insurance?
A home sleep test (HST) for suspected sleep apnea costs $200 to $500 cash pay. An in-lab polysomnography study ranges from $800 to $2,500. Most adults being evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea can start with the less expensive home test, with in-lab studies reserved for complex cases.
What is the difference between a pulmonologist and an allergist for asthma?
Pulmonologists focus on the lung mechanics and structural aspects of asthma, managing severe or refractory cases with advanced testing and biologics. Allergists focus on the allergic triggers driving asthma and offer immunotherapy (allergy shots). Mild allergic asthma may be best managed by an allergist, while severe or complex asthma benefits from a pulmonologist.
How much does a bronchoscopy cost cash pay?
A diagnostic bronchoscopy typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 when performed at an ambulatory surgery center. Hospital-based bronchoscopy can cost $5,000 to $15,000. The cash-pay price includes the procedure, sedation, and basic pathology. Complex interventional bronchoscopy may cost more.
Can a pulmonologist help with long COVID breathing problems?
Yes, pulmonologists are the primary specialists managing persistent respiratory symptoms after COVID-19. They evaluate ongoing shortness of breath, cough, and exercise intolerance with pulmonary function tests, imaging review, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Many patients with long COVID have treatable conditions once properly diagnosed.
What should I expect at my first pulmonology appointment?
A first pulmonology visit takes 45 to 60 minutes and includes a detailed history of your breathing symptoms, review of prior imaging and labs, a physical exam, and usually spirometry (basic breathing test) performed in the office. The pulmonologist will develop a diagnostic and treatment plan, which may include additional testing like a full PFT, CT scan, or sleep study.