Best Pulmonologists in Murfreesboro

Introduction to Pulmonology in Murfreesboro

Definition of Pulmonology

Pulmonology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system.

Pulmonologists in Murfreesboro manage conditions such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Importance of Pulmonology in Healthcare

Pulmonology plays a significant role in improving patients' quality of life by addressing breathing difficulties and respiratory ailments.

Pulmonologists are essential in the long-term management of chronic conditions like asthma and COPD, helping patients maintain optimal lung function.

Overview of Pulmonology Services in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro offers access to highly qualified pulmonologists, with several specialists available in the area.

The city boasts top-rated healthcare facilities, including Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, which is affiliated with many of the leading pulmonologists in the region.

Choosing a Pulmonologist in Murfreesboro

Factors to Consider

Qualifications and Board Certifications

• Review of American Board of Internal Medicine certifications
• Importance of specialized training in Pulmonary Disease

Experience and Areas of Expertise

• Years of practice in Pulmonology
• Additional specialties such as Critical Care Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Analysis of star ratings from Healthgrades
• Consideration of the number of reviews

Hospital Affiliations

• Primary affiliation with Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital
• Other hospital connections in the area

Understanding Doctor Ratings in Murfreesboro

Healthgrades Rating System

• Explanation of the 5-star rating scale
• Significance of ratings in pulmonology care

Interpreting Review Quantities

• Importance of considering the number of reviews
• Balance between high ratings and review count

Navigating Specialties Within Pulmonology

Pulmonary Disease Specialists

• Focus on respiratory system disorders
• Management of chronic lung conditions

Critical Care Medicine

• Role in acute respiratory emergencies
• Integration with pulmonology practice

Top-Ranked Pulmonologists in Murfreesboro

Dr. James Poliner

Qualifications and Ratings

• 5.0 star rating with 7 reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine

Education and Experience

• Medical School: AUSTRAL UNIVERSITYOF CHILE / FACULTY OF MEDICINE (1987)
• Languages: English

Practice Information

• Hospital Affiliation: Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital
• Contact: (615) 849-9868

Dr. Robert Mildenhall

Qualifications and Ratings

• 5.0 star rating with 6 reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Internal Medicine

Education and Experience

• Medical School: SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINEHEALTH SCIENCES (2013)
• Languages: English

Practice Information

• Hospital Affiliations: Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, Tristar Hendersonville Medical Center, Tristar Skyline Medical Center
• Contact: (615) 849-9868

Vickie Gatlin, ANP

Qualifications and Ratings

• 5.0 star rating with 6 reviews
• Specializes in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and Pulmonary Disease

Practice Information

• Languages: English
• Contact: (615) 849-9868

Dr. Ray Johnson

Qualifications and Ratings

• 4.7 star rating with 23 reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine

Education and Experience

• Medical School: Meharry Medical College (1982)
• Residency: Brooke Army Medical Center|University of South Alabama Medical Center (1983)
• Languages: English

Practice Information

• Hospital Affiliation: Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital
• Contact: (615) 849-9868

Dr. Richard Parrish

Qualifications and Ratings

• 4.7 star rating with 14 reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine

Education and Experience

• Medical School: University of Tn Health Sci Center (1976)
• Fellowship: University of Tennessee College of Medicine (1981)
• Languages: English

Practice Information

• Hospital Affiliation: Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital
• Contact: (615) 849-9868

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Pulmonologist

Online Platforms

Healthgrades

• Detailed doctor profiles
• Patient reviews and ratings
• Contact information and hospital affiliations

Local medical center websites

• Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital directory
• Physician finder tools

Professional Organizations

Tennessee Thoracic Society

• Directory of pulmonologists
• Educational resources on respiratory health

American College of Chest Physicians

• Find a Chest Physician tool
• Patient education materials

Local Health Department

Rutherford County Health Department

• Community health resources
• Referral services for specialists

Insurance Considerations

In-network providers

• Checking insurance company's provider directory
• Understanding coverage for pulmonology services

Out-of-pocket costs

• Estimating copays and deductibles
• Discussing payment options with healthcare providers