Description

Top 10 Pulmonologists in Los Angeles for Lung & Breathing Issues

If you are dealing with persistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, recurring respiratory infections, sleep-related breathing problems, or an unexplained change in lung function, finding the right pulmonologist can make a significant difference. A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the lungs, airways, and respiratory system.
Los Angeles has a large and diverse healthcare network, including major academic medical centers and specialized pulmonary programs. Patients can find specialists experienced in conditions ranging from asthma and COPD to pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, sleep-related breathing disorders, and complex respiratory diseases. UCLA Health, Cedars-Sinai, and City of Hope are among the institutions with established pulmonary medicine programs in the Los Angeles region.
Choosing a pulmonologist, however, is not simply about finding a doctor with a long list of credentials. The right specialist should match your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment needs, insurance, preferred location, and expectations for ongoing care.
In this guide, we highlight 10 pulmonologists in the Los Angeles area based on publicly available physician profiles, clinical specialties, experience, and the pulmonary programs with which they are affiliated. This is an informational list rather than a formal medical ranking, and patients should independently verify current availability, insurance participation, and appointment information before scheduling.
 

Why See a Pulmonologist in Los Angeles?

Breathing problems can have many causes. A cough that lasts for weeks may be related to asthma, allergies, infection, reflux, COPD, or another respiratory condition. Likewise, shortness of breath can range from a relatively common problem to a sign of a more complex heart or lung disorder.
A pulmonologist can evaluate symptoms, review imaging and laboratory results, order pulmonary function testing, and develop a treatment plan when specialized respiratory care is needed.
Los Angeles also presents unique environmental considerations. Traffic-related air pollution, wildfire smoke, seasonal allergens, and occupational exposures can aggravate respiratory symptoms for some people. For individuals with asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or other chronic lung disorders, access to a specialist familiar with complex respiratory conditions can be particularly valuable.
 

What Does a Pulmonologist Treat?

Depending on their subspecialty, Los Angeles pulmonologists may diagnose and manage:
* Asthma and severe asthma
* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
* Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
* Pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases
* Pulmonary hypertension
* Pulmonary embolism and other pulmonary vascular disorders
* Lung nodules and certain lung cancers
* Sleep-related breathing disorders
* Bronchiectasis
* Sarcoidosis
* Respiratory infections
* Chronic cough and unexplained shortness of breath
* Complicated respiratory conditions requiring critical care
UCLA Health, for example, lists services and expertise covering asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, sleep disorders, cystic fibrosis, interventional pulmonology, and lung transplantation.
 

Top 10 Pulmonologists in Los Angeles
 

1. Dr. S. Samuel Weigt, MD

Business Name
UCLA Health – S. Samuel Weigt, MD
Overview
Dr. S. Samuel Weigt is a pulmonologist and Professor in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at UCLA. He is particularly notable for his work in interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
UCLA identifies Dr. Weigt as the director of its Interstitial Lung Disease Center and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Care Center, as well as the director of clinical research for the UCLA Lung Transplant Program.
Services Offered
* Interstitial lung disease evaluation and management
* Pulmonary fibrosis care
* Complex lung disease evaluation
* Pulmonary medicine
* Lung transplant-related care and research
Why Choose Them?
Patients looking for a Los Angeles pulmonologist for pulmonary fibrosis or other interstitial lung diseases may find Dr. Weigt's specialized experience particularly relevant. His involvement in a dedicated ILD center and pulmonary research provides access to a multidisciplinary academic environment.
Location
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 365, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
UCLA Health Pulmonology
Contact Details
310-825-8061
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* Brentwood
* Santa Monica
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

2. Dr. Augustine Chung, MD

Business Name
UCLA Health – Augustine Chung, MD
Overview
Dr. Augustine Chung is a pulmonologist and critical care medicine specialist at UCLA Health. According to his UCLA profile, he grew up in Los Angeles and later completed pulmonary and critical care fellowship training at UCLA before joining the faculty.
His clinical interests cover a broad range of pulmonary disorders.
Services Offered
* Asthma care
* Interstitial lung disease
* Sarcoidosis
* Emphysema
* Pulmonary nodules
* Pneumonia
* General pulmonology
* Critical care medicine
Why Choose Them?
Dr. Chung may be a useful option for patients seeking a Los Angeles lung specialist who manages both common respiratory problems and more complex pulmonary diseases. His broad clinical experience can be helpful when symptoms do not have an obvious cause.
Location
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 365, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
Augustine Chung, MD – UCLA Health
Contact Details
310-825-8061
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* Beverly Hills
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

3. Dr. Rajan Saggar, MD

Business Name
UCLA Health – Rajan Saggar, MD
Overview
Dr. Rajan Saggar is a pulmonologist and critical care medicine specialist at UCLA Health. His physician profile lists board certification in pulmonary disease and fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care medicine at UCLA.
Services Offered
* General pulmonology
* Critical care medicine
* Complex respiratory disease management
* Pulmonary evaluation
* Chronic lung disease management
Why Choose Them?
Patients who need specialized pulmonary care within a major academic medical center may consider Dr. Saggar. His combined pulmonary and critical care background can be relevant for patients with more complicated respiratory conditions.
Location
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 365, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
Rajan Saggar, MD – UCLA Health
Contact Details
310-825-8061
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* Culver City
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

4. Dr. Russell G. Buhr, MD, PhD

Business Name
UCLA Health – Russell G. Buhr, MD, PhD
Overview
Dr. Russell G. Buhr is a pulmonary and critical care physician at UCLA. His primary clinical interests include complex asthma, COPD, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. He is board certified in internal medicine, critical care medicine, and pulmonary disease.
Services Offered
* Complex asthma management
* COPD treatment
* Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
* Pulmonary disease evaluation
* Critical care medicine
Why Choose Them?
For patients searching for a pulmonologist in Los Angeles for difficult-to-control asthma or COPD, Dr. Buhr's stated clinical interests make him a particularly relevant specialist to consider.
Location
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 365, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
Russell G. Buhr, MD, PhD – UCLA Health
Contact Details
310-825-8061
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

5. Dr. Ramin Salehirad, MD, PhD

Business Name
UCLA Health – Ramin Salehirad, MD, PhD
Overview
Dr. Ramin Salehirad is a pulmonologist and critical care physician at UCLA. His clinical interests include lung cancer and pulmonary nodules, while his practice also covers COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary embolism.
Services Offered
* Pulmonary nodules
* Lung cancer-related pulmonary evaluation
* COPD
* Asthma
* Pulmonary fibrosis
* Pulmonary embolism
* General pulmonology
Why Choose Them?
Patients who need evaluation of a lung nodule or who have several overlapping respiratory concerns may benefit from a specialist whose listed interests span both common and complex pulmonary conditions.
Location
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 365, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
Ramin Salehirad, MD, PhD – UCLA Health
Contact Details
310-825-8061
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

6. Dr. Sonia Jasuja, MD

Business Name
UCLA Health – Sonia Jasuja, MD
Overview
Dr. Sonia Jasuja is a pulmonologist at UCLA whose clinical interests focus on pulmonary vascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary embolism. UCLA notes that she co-founded its post-pulmonary embolism clinic.
Services Offered
* Pulmonary hypertension
* Pulmonary embolism
* Pulmonary vascular disease
* Post-pulmonary embolism care
* Pulmonary evaluation
Why Choose Them?
Patients with pulmonary hypertension or a history of pulmonary embolism often need more specialized care than routine respiratory treatment. Dr. Jasuja's focus on pulmonary vascular disease makes her worth considering for these conditions.
Location
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 365, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
Sonia Jasuja, MD – UCLA Health
Contact Details
310-825-8061
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* Beverly Hills
* West Los Angeles
 

7. Dr. Michael P. Troy, MD

Business Name
UCLA Health – Michael P. Troy, MD
Overview
Dr. Michael P. Troy is a pulmonologist at UCLA Health with training and board certifications spanning pediatrics, internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and critical care medicine. His profile also lists advanced fellowship training in pulmonary vascular disease.
Services Offered
* Pulmonary medicine
* Pulmonary vascular disease
* Critical care medicine
* Respiratory disease evaluation
* Complex pulmonary care
Why Choose Them?
His combination of pulmonary, critical care, and pulmonary vascular training can be useful for patients whose respiratory symptoms involve multiple systems or require specialist evaluation.
Location
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 365, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
Michael P. Troy, MD – UCLA Health
Contact Details
310-825-8061
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

8. Dr. Robert N. Wolfe, MD

Business Name
Cedars-Sinai – Robert N. Wolfe, MD
Overview
Dr. Robert N. Wolfe is an internal medicine pulmonologist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. His listed areas of experience include general pulmonology and sleep health. Cedars-Sinai's profile currently lists him as accepting new patients.
Services Offered
* General pulmonology
* Sleep health
* Respiratory evaluation
* Pulmonary disease management
Why Choose Them?
For patients looking for a Los Angeles pulmonologist who combines general pulmonary care with sleep-related respiratory expertise, Dr. Wolfe may be an option worth exploring.
Location
8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Website
Robert N. Wolfe, MD – Cedars-Sinai
Contact Details
1-800-233-2771
Serving Areas
* Beverly Grove
* Beverly Hills
* West Hollywood
* Central Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

9. Dr. Isabel F. Pedraza, MD

Business Name
Cedars-Sinai – Isabel F. Pedraza, MD
Overview
Dr. Isabel F. Pedraza is an internal medicine pulmonologist at Cedars-Sinai. Her listed clinical experience includes asthma, general pulmonology, interstitial lung disease, and sarcoidosis. She is also listed as Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit.
Services Offered
* Asthma
* General pulmonology
* Interstitial lung disease
* Sarcoidosis
* Critical care
* Complex respiratory disease management
Why Choose Them?
Dr. Pedraza may be particularly relevant for patients with asthma or complex inflammatory and interstitial lung diseases. Her critical care leadership also provides experience in managing seriously ill patients.
Location
Cedars-Sinai Pulmonary Medicine, 8723 Alden Dr., Spielberg, Suite 260, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Website
Isabel F. Pedraza, MD – Cedars-Sinai
Contact Details
310-423-8784
Serving Areas
* Los Angeles
* Beverly Hills
* West Hollywood
* Culver City
* Santa Monica
* Greater Los Angeles
 

10. Dr. Aaron S. Weinberg, MD

Business Name
Cedars-Sinai – Aaron S. Weinberg, MD
Overview
Dr. Aaron S. Weinberg is an internal medicine pulmonologist at Cedars-Sinai. His listed specialty is general pulmonology, and his profile notes experience related to venous thromboembolic disease and pulmonary hypertension research, including involvement with a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team.
Services Offered
* General pulmonology
* Pulmonary hypertension evaluation
* Pulmonary embolism-related care
* Respiratory disease management
* Pulmonary evaluation and diagnosis
Why Choose Them?
Patients looking for a general pulmonologist with an interest in pulmonary vascular and thromboembolic conditions may consider Dr. Weinberg.
Location
Cedars-Sinai Pulmonary Medicine – Los Angeles, 8723 Alden Dr., Spielberg, Suite 260, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Website
Aaron S. Weinberg, MD – Cedars-Sinai
Contact Details
310-423-8784
Serving Areas
* Los Angeles
* Beverly Hills
* West Hollywood
* Culver City
* Santa Monica
* Greater Los Angeles
 

How to Choose the Best Pulmonologist in Los Angeles

The best pulmonologist for one patient may not be the best choice for another. Your symptoms and diagnosis should guide the decision.
1. Match the Doctor With Your Condition
Start by identifying the type of respiratory problem you need help with.
For asthma or COPD, look for a physician with strong experience in obstructive lung disease. For pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, or sarcoidosis, consider someone with a relevant subspecialty. Patients with pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary embolism may benefit from a pulmonary vascular specialist.
2. Check Board Certification and Training
Board certification in pulmonary disease and appropriate fellowship training can provide useful information about a physician's formal qualifications. It is also worth reviewing whether the doctor has additional training in critical care, interventional pulmonology, sleep medicine, pulmonary vascular disease, or another relevant area.
3. Consider the Hospital or Medical Center
Large Los Angeles medical centers can provide access to diagnostic testing, respiratory therapy, radiology, thoracic surgery, oncology, transplantation, and multidisciplinary care.
UCLA's pulmonary program, for example, includes pulmonology, critical care, interstitial lung disease, sleep medicine, interventional pulmonology, and lung transplantation.
Cedars-Sinai likewise has a dedicated pulmonary medicine program and reports specialized services for lung disease.
4. Look at Location and Convenience
Los Angeles traffic can make frequent appointments difficult. Consider whether the doctor's office is convenient from your home or workplace.
For chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, or pulmonary fibrosis, you may need regular follow-up appointments, testing, or medication adjustments. A conveniently located pulmonologist can make long-term care easier.
5. Verify Insurance
Before booking an appointment, confirm that the doctor and facility participate in your insurance network. Insurance participation can change, and some plans may require a referral or authorization.
6. Consider Communication Style
Pulmonary conditions can be complicated. You should feel comfortable asking questions about test results, medications, inhaler techniques, lifestyle changes, and treatment alternatives.
A good doctor-patient relationship is especially important when managing a chronic respiratory condition over many years.
 

Benefits of Seeing a Pulmonologist

Specialized pulmonary care can provide several advantages when respiratory symptoms require more than routine primary care.
* Specialized diagnosis: Pulmonologists are trained to investigate complex breathing and lung problems.
* Advanced testing: Depending on the clinical situation, evaluation may include pulmonary function testing, imaging, bronchoscopy, sleep studies, or other diagnostic procedures.
* Personalized treatment: Treatment can be tailored to the underlying condition, symptoms, medical history, and test results.
* Chronic disease management: Patients with asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or other long-term conditions may benefit from ongoing specialist follow-up.
* Access to subspecialists: Academic medical centers can connect patients with experts in areas such as interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, interventional pulmonology, lung cancer, sleep medicine, and transplantation.
* Multidisciplinary care: Complex respiratory conditions sometimes require coordination among pulmonologists, radiologists, respiratory therapists, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists.
 

When Should You See a Pulmonologist?

Consider discussing a pulmonology referral with your primary care physician if you have persistent or recurring respiratory symptoms such as:
* A cough that does not resolve
* Frequent wheezing
* Persistent shortness of breath
* Chest tightness associated with breathing
* Recurrent pneumonia or respiratory infections
* Abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan
* A pulmonary nodule
* Poorly controlled asthma
* COPD symptoms that are becoming harder to manage
* Suspected pulmonary fibrosis or another interstitial lung disease
* Pulmonary hypertension
* A history of pulmonary embolism
A pulmonologist can help determine whether symptoms originate from the lungs or whether another medical issue may be contributing.
If you experience severe or sudden breathing difficulty, blue or gray lips, severe chest pain, confusion, or another potentially life-threatening symptom, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a routine pulmonology appointment.
 

Pulmonologists in Los Angeles: What to Bring to Your First Appointment

Preparing ahead of time can make your consultation more productive.
Bring your current medication list, including inhalers and over-the-counter medicines. If you have previously undergone chest X-rays, CT scans, pulmonary function tests, sleep studies, or other respiratory testing, ask your previous providers how those records can be transferred.
It can also help to write down when your symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, whether they occur during exercise or sleep, and whether you have been exposed to smoke, dust, chemicals, or other respiratory irritants.
If you use an inhaler, bringing it to the appointment can also help your doctor review how you are using it.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pulmonologists in Los Angeles
1. What does a pulmonologist do?
A pulmonologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the lungs, airways, and respiratory system. Pulmonologists commonly treat asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory infections, and other breathing disorders.
2. When should I see a lung specialist in Los Angeles?
You may need a pulmonologist when breathing symptoms persist, standard treatment is not working, a lung scan shows an abnormality, or you have a complex respiratory diagnosis requiring specialized care.
3. Do pulmonologists treat asthma?
Yes. Pulmonologists can diagnose and manage asthma, including difficult-to-control or severe asthma. Some specialists focus specifically on complex asthma and obstructive lung disease.
4. Can a pulmonologist diagnose COPD?
Yes. A pulmonologist can evaluate symptoms and use medical history, physical examination, pulmonary function testing, imaging, and other tests to help diagnose and manage COPD.
5. What is the difference between a pulmonologist and a respiratory therapist?
A pulmonologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats lung and respiratory diseases. A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who provides respiratory treatments, therapy, testing, and education under appropriate medical direction.
6. Do I need a referral to see a pulmonologist in Los Angeles?
It depends on your insurance plan and healthcare system. Some insurance plans require a referral or authorization, while others allow patients to schedule directly. Always verify the requirements with your insurance provider and the medical office.
7. Can pulmonologists treat sleep-related breathing problems?
Some pulmonologists specialize in sleep medicine and respiratory disorders associated with sleep. Cedars-Sinai, for example, lists sleep health as an area of experience for Dr. Robert Wolfe, while UCLA includes sleep medicine among its pulmonary specialties.
8. What tests might a pulmonologist perform?
Depending on your symptoms, a pulmonologist may recommend pulmonary function tests, chest imaging, oxygen assessment, sleep testing, laboratory studies, bronchoscopy, or other specialized investigations.
9. Are UCLA and Cedars-Sinai good places to look for pulmonary care in Los Angeles?
Both institutions have established pulmonary medicine programs with physicians covering general pulmonology and multiple subspecialties. UCLA lists programs in areas including interstitial lung disease, interventional pulmonology, sleep medicine, pulmonary hypertension, and lung transplantation, while Cedars-Sinai operates dedicated pulmonary medicine and advanced lung disease services.
10. How much does a pulmonologist visit cost in Los Angeles?
The cost varies according to the physician, facility, insurance coverage, type of consultation, testing, and whether a referral or authorization is required. Contact the doctor's office and your insurance provider for the most accurate estimate before the appointment.
 

Conclusion
Finding the right pulmonologist in Los Angeles is an important step when breathing problems are persistent, complicated, or affecting your quality of life. The city has access to major pulmonary programs and physicians with expertise across general pulmonology, asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, sleep-related breathing disorders, lung cancer, and critical care.
The 10 physicians featured in this guide include specialists from UCLA Health and Cedars-Sinai whose publicly listed clinical interests and credentials cover a broad range of respiratory conditions. However, the "best" pulmonologist ultimately depends on your individual medical needs, insurance, location, availability, and preferred approach to care.
Before scheduling, verify the physician's current specialty, accepting-patient status, insurance participation, office location, and appointment requirements. If your condition is complex, ask whether the practice offers access to related specialties and multidisciplinary care.
For patients searching online for a pulmonologist in Los Angeles, lung specialist in Los Angeles, or pulmonary doctor near Los Angeles, starting with a specialist whose expertise closely matches your condition is often more useful than choosing based solely on ratings or proximity.

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