What does PCCM mean in MEDICAL

PCCM treatments may involve the use of pharmacologic interventions such as inhaled medications, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids or antibiotics. Other treatments such as mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and bronchoscopy may also be used depending on the patient's condition.

PCCM doctors specialize in diagnosing, managing and treating patients with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary embolism, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and others.

Patients experiencing shortness of breath or other symptoms associated with a worsening lung condition should see a pulmonologist or critical care specialist who specializes in PCCM for an evaluation and treatment plan.

To become board certified in Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine requires passing the American Board of Internal Medicine Pulmonary Disease subspecialty examination after completing advanced training in both pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine.

A first visit to a PCCM doctor typically includes asking questions about medical history, doing physical exams and ordering tests to gain insight into the patient's current condition. Depending on the results of these tests, diagnostic procedures such as endoscopic examinations may be recommended to confirm findings before initiating treatment plans.