Question:
My surgeon requires a pulmonary test - what is involved?

what does this test consist of?? does anyone know how long it takes approx. did anyone have to pay out of pocket and if so, what was the cost?    — laurab (posted on June 24, 2003)

June 24, 2003
In my case, the pulmonologist required a sleep study, plus a chest x-ray and a breathing test. The sleep study will be a separate procedure (you spend the night in a sleep lab) for them to determine sleep apnea. If you have it, then you will have to go back for another sleep study using a CPAP machine and your surgeon will require you wear it for a certain period of time prior to surgery while you sleep. This would be for your safety. Cost will vary, but for the office visit with the pulmonologist, It was a regular office visit fee. The sleep study was about $1500 but the insurance paid a lot of that. Hope this helps. Lisa 6 wks post op -40 lbs
   — Happy I.

June 24, 2003
I had to go to an office get blood drawn (checking the blood oxygen) I then had to go over a series of breathing tests about 2 hours total. Not sure of the cost insurance paid most.
   — Maggie M.

June 24, 2003
I had a pulmonary function test 2 weeks ago and it was just a breathing test. It took about 1 hour. There was no blood test or sleep test.
   — AmyWollet

June 24, 2003
Hi Luara, I had to have a pulmonary function test, as well. It is a series of different breathing tests and I think it took about 20-30 minutes. My test was fully covered by my insurance, so I don't even know how much it cost.
   — Ceil G.

June 25, 2003
Laura, I use to give this test so I will try to answer your questions. 1. They give you a breathing treatment to make sure your lungs are open to their best volume. 2. It takes about 2 hours and it does not hurt, you are just breathing. ( some deep breaths as deep as you can) 3. You have a mouthpiece to breath through and your nose is pluged so to make sure all the air comes out of your mouth. 4. They use different types of machines none of them hurt, and they measure different things in your lungs to help the dr know what is going on in your lungs. 5. Once done sit there and make sure you are not light headed and then they will let you go. 6. Some Dr's ask for ABG's (Artiliary Blood Gases) which will tell them how your body is using the oxygen in your body, what is going on with your body ph as well. If I can answerany of your questions please let me know
   — RAQUEL S.