Best Pulmonologists in Santa Rosa

Introduction to Pulmonology in Santa Rosa

Definition and scope of pulmonology

Pulmonology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the respiratory system. This includes conditions affecting the lungs, airways, and chest cavity. In Santa Rosa, California, pulmonologists play an essential role in managing a wide range of respiratory issues, from common ailments like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to more complex conditions such as lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

Maintaining optimal pulmonary health is fundamental to overall well-being. The respiratory system is responsible for supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide, which is critical for all bodily functions. In Santa Rosa, where air quality can be affected by factors such as wildfire smoke, having access to skilled pulmonologists is particularly important for residents' health and quality of life.

Overview of pulmonology services in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa offers a range of healthcare facilities that provide pulmonology services. Notable institutions include Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, and Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center. These facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment tools to address various respiratory conditions.

The city is home to several highly qualified pulmonologists, many of whom have received training from prestigious medical institutions across the country. Based on the provided data, there are at least 23 pulmonologists practicing in Santa Rosa, offering a diverse range of expertise in areas such as critical care medicine, sleep medicine, and internal medicine in addition to pulmonary disease management. This variety ensures that patients have access to specialists who can address their specific respiratory health needs.

Choosing a Pulmonologist in Santa Rosa

Factors to consider when selecting a specialist

Board certifications and qualifications

• Review American Board of Internal Medicine certifications
• Consider additional certifications in pulmonary subspecialties

Experience and expertise

• Evaluate years of practice and specialization in pulmonology
• Consider expertise in specific respiratory conditions

Hospital affiliations

• Check affiliations with reputable hospitals like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
• Consider the importance of access to advanced medical facilities

Patient reviews and ratings

• Examine star ratings and number of reviews on platforms like Healthgrades
• Read patient feedback to gauge doctor-patient relationships

Resources for finding pulmonologists in Santa Rosa

Online directories and review platforms

• Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
• Explore other medical review websites for additional information

Referrals from primary care physicians

• Consult with your primary care doctor for personalized recommendations
• Discuss your specific respiratory concerns to get appropriate referrals

Local medical associations

• Contact Sonoma County Medical Association for local physician information
• Explore resources provided by California Thoracic Society

Top-Rated Pulmonologists in Santa Rosa

Dr. Leonard Buccellato

Highest-Rated Pulmonologist

• 5.0-star rating based on 17 patient reviews
• Specializes in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease
• Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine

Education and Experience

• Medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine (1998)
• Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (2004)
• Residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (2001)

Practice Information

• Gender: Male
• Languages: English
• Contact number: (707) 393-4000

Dr. Kenneth Lamb

Highly Rated with Limited Reviews

• Perfect 5.0-star rating (based on 1 review)
• Specializes in Pulmonary Disease and Internal Medicine
• Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine

Education and Experience

• Medical degree from University of Utah (1973)
• Extensive experience in pulmonology

Practice Information

• Gender: Male
• Languages: English
• Hospital affiliation: Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
• Contact number: (707) 525-3777

Dr. Vu Tran

Highly Rated Pulmonologist

• 4.7-star rating based on 13 patient reviews
• Specializes in Pulmonary Disease and Sleep Medicine
• Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine

Education and Experience

• Medical degree from Saint Joseph's Medical Center / School of Radiologic Technology (1998)
• Expertise in both pulmonary and sleep medicine

Practice Information

• Gender: Male
• Languages: English, Vietnamese
• Hospital affiliations: Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
• Contact number: (707) 843-7426

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Pulmonologist in Santa Rosa

Importance of communication and patient-doctor relationship

Language considerations

• Multiple languages spoken by some doctors (e.g., Dr. Vu Tran speaks English and Vietnamese)
• Importance of clear communication for respiratory health management

Gender preferences

• Options for both male and female pulmonologists in Santa Rosa
• Consider personal comfort when choosing a doctor

Accessibility and location of the doctor's office

Hospital affiliations

• Many doctors affiliated with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
• Some affiliated with Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
• Consider proximity to preferred hospitals

Office locations

• Most practices located within Santa Rosa city limits
• Consider travel time and convenience when selecting a doctor

Insurance coverage and payment options

Verify insurance acceptance

• Contact doctor's offices to confirm accepted insurance plans
• Inquire about out-of-pocket costs and payment plans if necessary

Consider doctors with multiple hospital affiliations

• May provide more flexibility with insurance networks
• Example: Dr. Gary Lekander is affiliated with multiple hospitals

Availability of specialized services

Sleep medicine expertise

• Some pulmonologists also specialize in sleep medicine (e.g., Dr. Vu Tran, Dr. James Steele)
• Beneficial for patients with sleep-related breathing disorders

Critical care experience

• Several doctors have critical care expertise (e.g., Dr. Leonard Buccellato, Dr. Gary Lekander)
• Important for patients with severe respiratory conditions