TBM Expertise Delivered Where You Live
As world leaders in diagnosing and treating tracheobronchomalacia (TBM), BIDMC's Chest Disease Center offers a convenient way for patients to undergo evaluation for TBM or to get a second opinion.
Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is difficult to diagnose. This condition is often mistaken for asthma, COPD, or another lung problem.
A world leader in diagnosing and treating tracheobronchomalacia, BIDMC offers a virtual clinic which allows patients who live outside of Massachusetts to be evaluated by one of our TBM specialists in the comfort of your own home or in your doctor’s office.
To participate in the virtual clinic, you will need a computer, laptop, or mobile device with a camera and microphone built in, so that you and the doctor can see and talk to one another. You will receive instructions on how to download software to communicate with the doctor.
How To Schedule a Virtual Visit
Patients or physicians can contact us to set up a virtual clinic visit. Call us at 617-632-8252 to request an appointment.
What To Provide Before Your Virtual Visit
You will need to register here before your first appointment. This will ensure your records are stored in our electronic medical record system.
Please provide the following information and materials before your appointment. You can upload electronic documents online or mail them (see instructions below).
Your Medical Records
- A summary of your last medical appointment and physical exam
- Your past medical history
- A list of medications you are taking
Results of Medical Tests (Required)
- Pulmonary function test (PFTS), both pre- and post-bronchodilator (BD)
- Echocardiogram
Additional Test Results (Optional)
- 6-Minute walk test results
- Dynamic airway CT (send both the CD and the written report) and/or a Dynamic flexible bronchoscopy (send the video)
A TBM nurse coordinator will call you to make sure the paperwork is complete and uploaded correctly to the BIDMC online medical records system.
How To Mail Us Your Materials
If you mail documents, CDs, or zip drives, please use proper packaging (secure envelope or box), closed tightly and sealed. The mailing label should include a return address with your name. It should be addressed to:
TBM Virtual Clinic
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
185 Pilgrim Road
Suite 201
Boston, MA 02215
What To Expect During Your Virtual Visit
Your appointment will last 45 minutes. During that time, you will talk with one of our TBM experts — either a thoracic surgeon or an interventional pulmonologist. (Both collaborate in care of patients.)
During your visit, the doctor will:
- Review your medical history – and what symptoms prompted this visit
- Review the results of your medical tests
- Develop an assessment of your symptoms and a plan for further evaluation or treatment. If you have mild or moderate TBM, our expert will make recommendations and referrals for medical treatment. If you have severe TBM, we recommend further tests to determine if you might benefit from surgery.
To ensure that you will benefit from surgery, our multidisciplinary team will first determine whether you have other conditions that commonly occur in addition to TBM and need to be treated. If surgery is recommended, we will help you make an appointment for further evaluation at BIDMC.
