What questions should I ask my pulmonologist at my first appointment?

Understanding your diagnosis

Ask whether you have usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern or probable UIP, which affects prognosis. Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed (high-resolution CT, biopsy, clinical findings). Request a copy of your imaging report. Ask what your current lung function scores mean and what decline would trigger treatment changes.

Treatment and monitoring

Find out if you're a candidate for antifibrotic medications and why or why not. Ask what monitoring schedule looks like—how often lung function tests, imaging, and clinic visits. Clarify whether oxygen supplementation is recommended and under what conditions.

Practical planning

Ask about exercise safety and whether pulmonary rehab is appropriate for you. Discuss which symptoms warrant urgent contact. Ask about vaccine recommendations. Request information about clinical trials relevant to your diagnosis. Finally, ask about resources—patient organizations, support groups, financial assistance programs—that your clinic recommends.