LUNG CARE

LUNG CARE

WHAT WE TREAT

At ARH, we recognize that the people of Central Appalachia bear a heavier burden of lung disease, with some of the nation’s highest rates of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), lung cancer, and black lung. In response, ARH is committed to providing expert pulmonologists who are specially trained to manage even the most complex lung conditions. Whether you need routine outpatient services or advanced inpatient care, ARH combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate expertise. Our mission is to improve lung health across all the communities we serve, helping everyone breathe easier and live longer, healthier lives.
  • Shortness of Breath Evaluations
  • Pre-Operative Pulmonary Risk Assessments
  • Asthma
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)/Emphysema
  • Post COVID-19 Conditions
  • Interstitial Lung Disease/Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Lung Nodules
  • Lung Cancer
  • Coalworker’s Pneumoconiosis/”Black Lung”
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Sleep Apnea

PULMONARY DIAGNOSTICS

ARH offers the latest in pulmonary diagnostics, from the ION robotic bronchoscopy system to advanced sleep labs for diagnosing sleep apnea. This wide range of diagnostic resources enables our pulmonary team to accurately assess and diagnose various lung conditions.
  • Pulmonary Function Testing/Interpretation
  • Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
  • Bronchoscopy, including Ion Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy System
  • Thoracentesis
  • Sleep Labs
  • Low-Dose CT scans

LOW-DOSE LUNG CANCER SCREENING

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the U.S. But, did you know there is a simple screening, like those used to detect breast cancer and colon cancer, to detect Lung Cancer? ARH offers Low-Dose CT lung screenings. This test is performed by a CT scanner that takes 3D pictures of your lungs. Currently a LOW-Dose CT Lung screening is the only screening test for lung cancer recommended by the CDC. Talk to your primary care provider about getting a Low Dose CT lung screening or contact our ARH Lung Screening Navigator at 606-435-7209 to verify your eligibility. Lung Cancer found at its earliest stage can have up to a 90% chance of cure. With early detection we can save lives.
 

WANT TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY? CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY!

 

ION ROBOTIC BRONCHOSCOPY

 
According to the American Lung Association’s 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report, Kentucky has a higher rate of new lung cancer cases than the national average, but lower rates of survival and early diagnosis.
 
At Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, we recognize the critical importance of early detection in lung cancer, which is why we offer comprehensive services starting with screenings using low-dose CT scans. If a spot or small growth in your lung, called lung nodules, is detected on the CT scan, a bronchoscopy is needed to biopsy them. Hazard ARH is the first and only hospital in eastern Kentucky with the newest technology for bronchoscopy, called Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy.
 
Dr. Ashley Thompson, a Pulmonologist at ARH, has undergone extensive training to perform bronchoscopy using the Ion robotic system. Dr. Thompson uses the Ion controller to guide a flexible catheter into hard-to-reach areas of the lung. The procedure provides a 3-D map of the patient’s lung on a monitor, similar to a car GPS, allowing her to navigate the catheter effectively. The catheter’s flexibility enables it to reach even the outermost lung segments. Once positioned, biopsy tools are inserted through the catheter to collect tissue samples.

Benefits:

  • Can reach and biopsy nodules in almost any portion of the lung
  • Enables earlier detection of lung cancer due to its precision, stability, and reach
  • Less invasive than alternative biopsy methods
  • Low complication rates
  • Can potentially diagnose and provide staging information for lung cancer in a single procedure