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Best Pulmonologists in Des Moines

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 24, 2024

Introduction to Pulmonology in Des Moines

Definition and scope of pulmonology

Pulmonology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system. This field encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting the lungs, bronchial tubes, and other structures involved in breathing.

Pulmonologists in Des Moines treat various respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and sleep apnea. They also play a significant role in managing complex cases that involve both the lungs and other organ systems.

Maintaining good pulmonary health is essential for overall well-being. The lungs are responsible for supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide, which is fundamental to all bodily functions. Proper respiratory function impacts everything from physical endurance to cognitive performance.

The landscape of pulmonology in Des Moines

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, offers a robust healthcare system with several facilities providing pulmonology services. Based on the provided data, notable institutions include MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center, and Broadlawns Medical Center.

These healthcare facilities are home to a diverse group of pulmonologists, each with unique specializations and areas of expertise. For instance, some physicians, like Dr. Jason Wittmer, specialize in both pulmonary disease and sleep medicine, highlighting the interconnected nature of respiratory health and sleep disorders.

Selecting the appropriate pulmonologist is a significant decision that can greatly impact a patient's health outcomes. Factors such as the doctor's experience, specializations, and approach to patient care should be carefully considered. Additionally, practical aspects like hospital affiliations and language capabilities (as seen with Dr. Roger Liu, who speaks both English and Chinese) can play a role in ensuring comfortable and effective communication between patient and doctor.


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List of Pulmonologists in Des Moines

KC

Dr. Kerry Canady

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 247-4240

American Board of Internal Medicine

Des Moines University (Medical School, 2005)

English

Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center

Critical Care Medicine

Pulmonary Disease

Internal Medicine

RL

Dr. Roger Liu

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Chinese

Phone

(515) 240-3941

American Board of Internal Medicine

KOREA UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (Medical School, 1971)

English

Chinese

Pulmonary Disease

Internal Medicine

Dr. Jason Wittmer

Dr. Jason Wittmer

4.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-1777

American Board of Internal Medicine

University KS (Residency Hospital, 2000)

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1997)

English

Broadlawns Medical Center

UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics

Pulmonary Disease

Critical Care Medicine

Sleep Medicine

Dr. Ohmar Coughlin

Dr. Ohmar Coughlin

3.7

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 875-9770

American Board of Internal Medicine

Tulane University Hospital and Clinics (Fellowship Hospital)

Iowa Methodist Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

Iowa Methodist Medical Center (Internship Hospital)

University of South Dakota (Medical School)

English

Guthrie County Hospital

UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center

Critical Care Medicine

Pulmonary Disease

Internal Medicine

NH

Dr. Neil Horning

3.4

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-1777

American Board of Internal Medicine

Barnes Hosp-Wash University Med (Fellowship Hospital, 1998)

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 1998)

Washington U/b Jh/slch Conc (Residency Hospital, 1995)

Washington University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1992)

University of Tennessee (Undergraduate School, 1988)

English

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics

Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center

Pulmonary Disease

Critical Care Medicine

Internal Medicine

AG

Dr. Anthony Greco

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 358-0011

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine (Medical School)

English

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center

Critical Care Medicine

Pulmonary Disease

Internal Medicine

CD

Dr. Christopher Donatelli

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-1777

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Medical School, 2011)

English

Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center

Critical Care Medicine

Pulmonary Disease

Internal Medicine

SK

Dr. Sarita Kumari

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(866) 482-7488

American Board of Internal Medicine

LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSPITAL / SCHOOL OF NURSING (Medical School)

English

Jefferson Hospital

Critical Care Medicine

Pulmonary Disease

Sleep Medicine

BB

Dr. Beth Besecker

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 282-2200

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (Medical School, 2001)

English

James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute

Ohio State University Hospital

Critical Care Medicine

Pulmonary Disease

Sleep Medicine

Internal Medicine

KB

Dr. Kaitlin Branick

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-6930

English

Horn Memorial Hospital

Community Medical Center

Pulmonary Disease

Top-Ranked Pulmonologists in Des Moines

Dr. Kerry Canady

Ratings and Specializations

  • Perfect 5.0 star rating based on 4 reviews
  • Specializes in Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Internal Medicine

Professional Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Graduated from Des Moines University Medical School in 2005
  • Affiliated with MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center

Contact Information

  • Phone: (515) 247-4240
  • Gender: Female

Dr. Roger Liu

Ratings and Specializations

  • 5.0 star rating based on 2 reviews
  • Specializes in Pulmonary Disease and Internal Medicine

Professional Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Graduated from Korea University College of Medicine in 1971
  • Multilingual: Fluent in English and Chinese

Contact Information

  • Phone: (515) 240-3941
  • Gender: Male

Dr. Jason Wittmer

Ratings and Specializations

  • 4.0 star rating based on 4 reviews
  • Specializes in Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine

Professional Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Graduated from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1997
  • Affiliated with multiple hospitals including Broadlawns Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center

Contact Information

  • Phone: (515) 224-1777
  • Gender: Male

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Pulmonologist

Utilizing online tools and platforms

Effective use of Healthgrades and similar websites

  • Navigating doctor profiles and specialties
  • Comparing pulmonologists based on provided data

Interpreting star ratings and patient reviews

  • Understanding the significance of star ratings
  • Analyzing patient feedback for informed decisions

Preparing for your first appointment

Questions to ask your potential pulmonologist

  • Inquiring about experience with specific respiratory conditions
  • Discussing treatment approaches and philosophies

Information to bring to your consultation

  • Medical history and current medications
  • List of symptoms and concerns

Understanding insurance and accessibility

Checking insurance coverage for pulmonology services

  • Verifying in-network providers
  • Understanding co-pays and deductibles for specialist care

Considering location and availability of the doctor

  • Evaluating hospital affiliations in Des Moines
  • Assessing appointment availability and wait times