Dr. Harry Hai Len Hong

As a Respirologist, Dr. Harry Hai Len Hong diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.
• Bronchiectasis: Focusing on airway clearance techniques, antibiotic therapy for exacerbations, and preventing further lung damage.

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Hong, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Expert review and interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, and other thoracic imaging studies to identify and assess lung abnormalities.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Advocating for participation in structured exercise and education programs tailored for individuals with respiratory conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hong. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Harry Hai Len Hong adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Surrey Memorial Hospital, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Hong frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Hong understands that dealing with experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving their child experiencing fewer asthma attacks and participating more fully in activities, helping patients comfortably get back to managing their personal care and hygiene independently and feeling their best.
• If finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Hong develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing.
• When difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Hong helps patients strive for an effective and personalized management plan for their chronic respiratory illness. This makes participating in activities such as walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless a pleasant and possible experience again.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Hong to see patients who were troubled by trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 successfully achieve an improved overall quality of life despite living with a chronic lung condition. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like being able to lie flat in bed comfortably (for some conditions).

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Hong, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Hong is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Hong's practice is located at Surrey Memorial Hospital in the Downtown Vancouver (West End South) neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Can Dr. Hong help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Hong are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). After a thorough assessment, Dr. Hong develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing appropriate inhaler medications (relievers and controllers), educating patients on correct inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation if beneficial. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Hong recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume (how much air the lungs can hold), airflow rates (how quickly air can be moved in and out), and gas exchange (how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood). Dr. Hong might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Hong do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Hong is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and cough, and enhance the quality of life for people with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Hong covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Hong are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies ordered by a specialist are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments depending on provincial formularies and private insurance. It's always best for patients to inquire with Surrey Memorial Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Hong?

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Hong for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Hong has the necessary background medical information. Patients should speak with their primary care physician or referring doctor if they believe they need a respiratory assessment.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Hong at Surrey Memorial Hospital?

The first visit with Dr. Hong will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact their daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Hong will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system (listening to the lungs, observing breathing patterns). Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Hong will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with the patient to establish health goals.

Surrey Memorial Hospital
PO BOX 73576, Vancouver RPO Downtown
Vancouver, BC, V6E 4L9

Phone: (604) 359-8506

Dr. Harry Hai Len Hong is a licensed Respirologist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 27914

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327763/Hong%2CHarry

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Hong. Dr. Hong and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.