- Office visit description:
Dr. Soto is a Board-certified Pulmonologist, trained at the University of California, San Francisco. During your first consultation she will take a thorough history and physical, go over your referring doctor's notes and tests, then provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. Tests to be reviewed include Pulmonary Function tests, Chest x-rays, Chest CT scans, laboratories and cardiac tests (such as echocardiogram or stress test). Please provide these records ahead of time if they are available. Often Dr. Soto will have you do a pulmonary function test or chest x-ray ahead of time, if you have not had one recently. Your first appointment is typically one hour, and follow-up appointments are 30 min. Dr. Soto communicates with your primary care provider and other referring doctors after every visit through a formal written report. You will also receive a copy of this report.
- Procedures/Bronchoscopy:
A bronchoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which Dr. Soto uses a flexible fiberoptic scope to look into your lungs and obtain specimens for culture or pathology. After numbing the back of your throat with lidocaine spray, the scope is passed through your mouth into your airways, which are first visualized with a camera, then specimens are obtained as indicated. If this procedure is necessary for you, Dr. Soto will explain the benefits, alternatives and complications to you first, then obtain a written consent. This procedure is performed at Novato Community Hospital Same Day Surgery Center. Dr. Soto will give you written instructions at your office visit.
- Pulmonary Function Test:
Our respiratory therapist will guide you through a breathing test in our office. This test measures lung function and it requires approximately 45 minutes to complete.Please do not use your short-acting inhaler 4 hours prior and your long-acting inhaler 12 hours prior to the test. Please refrain from smoking at least 6 hours prior. You will need an appointment for this test.
- Pulmonary Wellness programs
 Our respiratory therapist, Carole Bonnici, has 30 years experience taking care of patients with lung disease. She will perform pulmonary function tests and a simple stress test in our office. She also provides one-to-one patient educational and exercise sessions, as directed by Dr. Soto.
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Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
We provide a goal-directed 6-week program in a small group setting led by our Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, Carole Bonnici. Patients meet twice a week for 2 hours per session for pulmonary education and monitored exercise. To participate, your doctor should fill out and sign our MD order and referral form. Our office will help you obtain the necessary tests to enroll, such as a 6 min walk test and lung function test. If you do not have a recent physical from your doctor, Dr. Soto can also see you in consultation before enrollment to determine clinical stability and safety for exercise.
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