National Jewish Health is a specialty hospital focused on lung, heart, and immune diseases

National Jewish Health is an independent medical center in Denver, Colorado that treats patients with chronic lung diseases, asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory conditions. Unlike a general hospital, it does not have an emergency department or handle trauma — it focuses entirely on diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the lungs and airways. The hospital accepts patients from across the United States and internationally.

The organization operates as a nonprofit and does not require you to live in Colorado to receive care there. Many patients travel to Denver for evaluation and treatment, particularly for complex or hard-to-diagnose lung conditions. National Jewish Health also runs a telephone consultation service for patients who cannot travel, though this service has limits on what it can provide.

If you have been referred to a pulmonologist or are looking for a second opinion on a lung diagnosis, National Jewish Health is one option to research. Your own doctor can refer you, or you can contact the hospital directly to ask whether they take your insurance and whether they have openings for new patients.

Key Takeaways

  • National Jewish Health specializes in lung diseases and is located in Denver, Colorado, but treats patients from anywhere in the country.
  • You can be referred by your current doctor or contact the hospital directly to ask about scheduling an appointment.
  • The hospital accepts most major insurance plans, though coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan.
  • If you cannot travel to Denver, National Jewish Health offers telephone consultations for certain types of cases, but these are not a substitute for in-person evaluation.
  • The hospital also runs research programs and clinical trials related to lung disease, which some patients may be able to join.

How to schedule an appointment at National Jewish Health

To schedule an appointment, call the hospital's main scheduling line or use their website to request a consultation. You will need to provide your insurance information, a description of your lung condition or symptoms, and the name of your referring physician if you have one. The scheduling team will tell you whether they can see you, what your out-of-pocket costs are likely to be, and how long the wait is for an appointment.

When you call, have your insurance card and medical records available. If you have recent test results — such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or pulmonary function tests — the hospital may ask you to send those before your first visit. This helps the doctors prepare and can sometimes shorten your appointment time.

Most new patients are scheduled for a comprehensive evaluation that includes a history and physical exam, pulmonary function testing, and sometimes imaging. This first visit typically takes several hours. If you are traveling from out of state, the scheduling team can sometimes coordinate your appointments so that multiple tests and consultations happen on the same day or over consecutive days.

What to expect during an evaluation

Your first visit will likely include a detailed conversation with a pulmonologist about your symptoms, medical history, and any previous lung testing you have had. The doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope and may order or repeat pulmonary function tests, which measure how well your lungs move air in and out.

Depending on your condition, you may also have blood tests, imaging (such as a CT scan), or specialized tests like a bronchoscopy or biopsy. The hospital will explain what each test is for and what to expect. If you need procedures, the hospital can usually schedule them during your visit or shortly after.

After your evaluation, the doctors will discuss their findings with you and talk about treatment options. They may recommend medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, or further testing. If you are being treated by another doctor at home, National Jewish Health can send a detailed report to that doctor so you can continue care locally.

Insurance and costs

National Jewish Health accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in many states. However, coverage varies by plan and state. Before scheduling, ask the scheduling team what your insurance will cover and what you will owe out of pocket. Some plans require a referral from your primary care doctor before they will cover a visit to a specialist.

If you do not have insurance or are uninsured, contact the hospital's financial information office. National Jewish Health is a nonprofit and has programs to help uninsured and underinsured patients pay for care. You may be able to pay on a sliding scale based on your income.

Travel costs — flights, hotels, meals — are your responsibility, though some patients find that traveling to Denver for a comprehensive evaluation is less expensive than multiple visits to local specialists over time. If you are considering travel, ask the scheduling team whether they can coordinate your appointments to minimize the number of days you need to stay.

Telephone consultations and remote options

National Jewish Health offers telephone consultations for patients who cannot travel to Denver. These consultations are usually with a pulmonologist and last 30 to 60 minutes. The doctor will review your medical records and discuss your symptoms and concerns, but cannot perform a physical exam or order tests during a phone call.

Telephone consultations work best for second opinions, follow-up discussions about test results you have already had, or questions about treatment options. They are not a substitute for an in-person evaluation if you have not been diagnosed yet or if your condition is complex. The cost of a telephone consultation is usually less than an in-person visit, though your insurance may or may not cover it.

Research and clinical trials

National Jewish Health runs research programs and clinical trials related to lung disease. If you have a condition like pulmonary fibrosis, severe asthma, or COPD, you may be able to join a study. Clinical trials sometimes offer access to new treatments before they are widely available, though there are no guarantees of benefit.

Ask your doctor at National Jewish Health whether any active trials match your condition. You can also search for clinical trials on the National Institutes of Health website (clinicaltrials.gov), which lists trials at National Jewish Health and other centers. Participation is always voluntary, and you can withdraw from a trial at any time.

When to consider National Jewish Health

National Jewish Health is a good option if you have a complex lung condition that has not been diagnosed clearly, if you want a second opinion from a specialist in respiratory disease, or if your local doctors have recommended a referral to a center with informed in your specific condition. It is also worth considering if you have a rare lung disease or if you have not responded well to standard treatments.

If you have a straightforward condition like mild asthma or a straightforward upper respiratory infection, your primary care doctor or a local pulmonologist may be able to manage your care without a referral to a specialty center. However, if you are unsure whether your condition warrants a specialist evaluation, your doctor can help you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see someone at National Jewish Health?

A referral is not always required, but your insurance may require one before they will cover the visit. Contact the hospital's scheduling line with your insurance information, and they will tell you whether a referral is needed. If it is, your primary care doctor can send one directly to National Jewish Health.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Wait times vary depending on the type of appointment and how busy the hospital is. New patient evaluations may have a wait of several weeks to a few months. If your condition is urgent, tell the scheduling team, and they may be able to fit you in sooner or recommend another option.

Can I bring family members or a support person to my appointment?

Yes. Many patients bring a spouse, family member, or friend to help take notes and ask questions. Let the scheduling team know if you plan to bring someone, so they can make sure there is room in the examination area.

What if I live outside the United States?

National Jewish Health does treat international patients, but there are additional steps involved, such as visa documentation and arrangements for translation if needed. Contact the international patient services office directly to discuss your situation and what paperwork is required.

Will my local doctor be involved in my care at National Jewish Health?

National Jewish Health can coordinate with your local doctor. After your evaluation, the hospital will send a detailed report of their findings and recommendations to your doctor. You can then decide whether to continue treatment in Denver or return home and have your local doctor manage your care based on National Jewish Health's recommendations.