Why do I need a pulmonary consult?

PghMomof3 · February 16, 2007

I went to my seminar today and since I'm self-pay I get to skip the psychiatry appointment and the cardiology appt. But the woman I talked to told me that I am going to need pulmonary clearance. Why? I'm 36, have no significant pulmonary history, BMI of 39 and I did have a hernia repair done 2 years ago under general anethesia without needing pulmonary clearance nor did I have any issues with the anesthesia or post-op recovery. I'm wondering why pulmonary and not cardiology? Do you think when i have my appointment with the surgeon he'd be willing to wave this expense or is it absolutely necessary? TIA! :biggrin1:

CLAUDIAGDLMEX · February 16, 2007

do you smoke ?

and I am self pay and I got everything .

take care and do your research !!:clap2:

anonemouse · February 16, 2007

I had to get pulmonary clearance just because my insurance requires it before they approve. I doubt you will have any success in getting the surgeon to waive it, if it is something that he requires all his patients to do.

PghMomof3 · February 16, 2007

Nope, non-smoking. I understand that insurance requirements are huge--the paper they handed out had the entire process printed out--the letter from the PCP, diet history documented, cardiology/pulmonology clearance, psychiatric visit, etc. But my only requirement out of that is the pulmonary consult. No history of sleep apnea, no difficutly breathing, etc. I mean, I do get short of breath with any type of overexertion, but that's because of my weight, not a respiratory disorder. (I also wanted to apologize for my spelling error on 'waived'...lol!)

I guess my confusion is stemming from having a laproscopic repair of a heria secondary to a difficult C-section--I had NOTHING pre-op except an xray and some blood work--no ekg, no o2 sats, etc. General anesthesia, intubated during surgery--no problems. I'm a critical care nurse so I do understand the risks of *any* surgery but I just found it odd that a pulmonary clearance was my requirement above all else.

Thanks for your responses, too!

donnaa · February 17, 2007

A pulmonary consult is a good thing. I was banded on Friday, Febrraury 9, 2007. When I went for my three day follow up I was having a shortness of breath and calf pain. My doctor immediately sent me for a CAT scan and ultrasound of my calf. Three pulmonary embolisims were found in my lungs so I was admitted to the hospital immediately. Everything is under control now. The scary thing is that I had that same kind of calf pain two other times in my life and they were both negligently dismissed by the doctors I had at the time. Now I know that I could have possibly had a problem with clotting prior to the surgery and I didn't know it. Would have been nice to know before my Lap Band surgery!

Good Luck and I wish the best for your surgery.

PghMomof3 · February 17, 2007

Oh, wow--I'm so sorry to hear about having PEs! I hope you're feeling better and continue to get better. I just figured that if a pulmonary consult is all I have to get, than I guess I should get it! Feel better soon!

A pulmonary consult is a good thing. I was banded on Friday, Febrraury 9, 2007. When I went for my three day follow up I was having a shortness of breath and calf pain. My doctor immediately sent me for a CAT scan and ultrasound of my calf. Three pulmonary embolisims were found in my lungs so I was admitted to the hospital immediately. Everything is under control now. The scary thing is that I had that same kind of calf pain two other times in my life and they were both negligently dismissed by the doctors I had at the time. Now I know that I could have possibly had a problem with clotting prior to the surgery and I didn't know it. Would have been nice to know before my Lap Band surgery!
Good Luck and I wish the best for your surgery.