Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension services offered in the East Tennessee Region.

Pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the lungs, is a complex disease process with many different causes. Pulmonary hypertension results from changes in the pulmonary arteries that affect circulation of blood through the lungs and result in shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness with activity, leg swelling and other symptoms. If untreated, pulmonary hypertension may result in heart failure and significant disability or even death. Determining the most effective treatment depends on correctly identifying the cause of high blood pressure in the lungs.

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

Regina Overton-Barnes, NP

Clinical Coordinator of StatCare Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic

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

Bearden Office - 6473 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN

Farragut Office - 10904 Kingston Pike, Suite 102, Knoxville, TN

Oak Ridge Office - 988 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Suite L20, Oak Ridge, TN (Within the Physicians Plaza)

Johnson City Office - 2333 Knob Creek Road, Suite 15, Johnson City, TN

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