At ARHS, we take breathing seriously. That’s why the healthcare system strategically placed pulmonology services inside of Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists, a medical practice that opened in Boone, NC, in 2015. The pulmonology team is proud to be the only local and easily accessible option for respiratory services in the High Country.
Meeting a need
The pulmonology team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases that affect the respiratory system. Patients are often referred to a pulmonologist if they suffer from shortness of breath or complicated chest infections.
Pulmonologists use lung function tests to diagnosis lung diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Once the breathing issue is diagnosed, the pulmonologist works with the patient to determine a treatment plan.
Treatment plans are customized for each individual patient and can vary from simple lifestyle changes and rehab to advanced thoracic surgery available right here in the High Country.
Team approach
To provide same-day access to respiratory care, the pulmonology team at ARHS has recently expanded to include two board-certified pulmonologists, a board-certified thoracic surgeon and a specialty trained nurse practitioner.
Dr. Kevin Wolfe, FCCP, Pulmonologist at Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine
Dr. Donald Graham, FCCP, Pulmonologist at Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine
Dr. Tim Edmisten, FACS, Thoracic Surgeon at Watauga Surgical Group
Pulmonary Navigator Callie Crump, RCP, is another vital member of the ARHS pulmonology team. After treatment plans are determined, Crump works closely with patients to provide follow-up support and enrollment assistance into ARHS’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab Program in Boone and Linville.
Ways to take action
Crump also leads the High Country’s Better Breathers Club, a national support group sponsored by the American Lung Association. Each month, the local Better Breathers Club meets at The Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center to provide support, education and networking opportunities.
For more information about the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Program or the Better Breathers Club call Callie Crump at (828) 386-2039 or email cwcrump@apprhs.org.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about pulmonology services at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, call (828) 386-2746.
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