Pulmonary Hypertension

Q&A

The Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic at StatCare Pulmonary Consultants offers state-of-the-art diagnostic services and treatment solutions for patients who have pulmonary hypertension. Our pulmonary hypertension treatment team believes that patients with pulmonary hypertension will have the best possible outcome if their disease is recognized early, diagnosed and classified correctly, and treated with the most up-to-date treatment protocols available. Quality care, education, clinical research and emotional support are the cornerstones of our program. We strive to bring the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension to the East Tennessee region, while providing a personal and supportive approach to each patient’s individual needs.

Dr. John Swisher, MD

Medical Director of StatCare Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic

StatCare Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic is the founding member of the East Tennessee Pulmonary Hypertension Center formed in collaboration with Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, the Provision Center for Biomedical Research and the Knoxville Pulmonary Hypertension Association patient support group. Our pulmonary hypertension program has been nationally recognized and accredited as a Pulmonary Hypertension Comprehensive Care Center by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association since 2018.

HOW WE CAN HELP
Whether you are someone with questions or concerns about symptoms you have noticed, a patient who has been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, or a physician who would like the best options for their patient, we offer:

  • Comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis and correct classification of pulmonary hypertension
  • State-of-the-art diagnostic services and treatment options
  • Management solutions for patients with other complicating health problems
  • Physician-to-physician communication and support
  • Opportunities for patient participation in clinical trials involving cutting edge treatments
  • Extensive patient support network

OUR MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
When treating patients with pulmonary hypertension, our goal is to understand the factors that make each patient’s situation unique and then apply a multidisciplinary approach to create a successful treatment plan. The features of our multidisciplinary approach include:

  • Regular patient monitoring and treatment oversight
  • Specialty pharmacy nursing support for complex treatment protocols
  • Hospital partnership to provide experienced inpatient care if needed
  • Access to clinical trials with newest therapies
  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
  • Nutrition and weight control counseling
  • Psychological referral and support
  • Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) support group
  • Case management service to facilitate insurance approvals and social services referrals

FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

  • We strive to see new referrals within no more than 2 weeks
  • Urgent referrals can be seen more quickly by contacting the Program Director, Dr. John Swisher at 865-588-8831
  • Please provide results of any testing, in particular, chest imaging studies, echocardiograms and or right heart catheterization results if available

Questions or special information about referrals can be directed to Dr. Swisher at 865-444-4602 or email at jswisher@statcaremed.net

FOR PATIENTS
The most common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness with exertion
  • Swelling of the legs or abdomen

If you have these symptoms, you could have pulmonary hypertension and you should discuss this possibility with your regular physician.

STATCARE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION CLINIC LOCATIONS

RESOURCES
A highly reliable source of information about pulmonary hypertension for both patients and providers can be found at the PHA website: www.phassociation.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (865) 444-4602