Dr. Lindsay Susan Van Tongeren

As a Respirologist, Dr. Lindsay Susan Van Tongeren diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Involvement in the diagnosis and respiratory management of active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent TB infection, often in collaboration with public health.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• 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. Van Tongeren, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Ensuring patients can effectively self-administer their prescribed respiratory medications for optimal therapeutic benefit.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Ensuring appropriate use and settings for home oxygen therapy.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Referring eligible patients to comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve exercise capacity, reduce symptoms, and enhance self-management skills.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Analyzing radiological images to detect signs of infection, inflammation, tumors, or structural lung changes.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Van Tongeren. 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. Lindsay Susan Van Tongeren 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 Dr. Lindsay Susan Van Tongeren's practice, 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. Van Tongeren frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with a family history of lung disease and wanting to understand their risk can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing under Dr. Van Tongeren's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day without the former limitations or discomfort.
• If wanting to understand their lung function test results is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Van Tongeren develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing.
• Dr. Van Tongeren understands that dealing with their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath and feeling their best.
• The journey from living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better to wellness often involves Dr. Van Tongeren's dedicated care. The milestone is successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, which opens the door back to activities such as enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or around their neighborhood.

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

Dr. Van Tongeren's respiratory clinic in New Westminster is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Anvil Centre and is easily accessible via TransLink, utilizing the SkyTrain Expo Line or bus routes. Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Van Tongeren do?

A Respirologist, also known as a Pulmonologist, like Dr. Van Tongeren is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of lung and respiratory system diseases. This includes conditions such as 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 quality of life for patients with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools (pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy) and treatments (medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and CPAP machine management).

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Van Tongeren 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. Van Tongeren are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests (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. Patients should inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with their private insurance, if applicable.

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

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are non-invasive breathing tests measuring lung function. They assess lung volume, airflow rates, and gas exchange. Dr. Van Tongeren might recommend PFTs to diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, or pulmonary fibrosis; assess disease severity; monitor progression; or evaluate treatment effectiveness. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Van Tongeren are experts in managing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Following assessment, Dr. Van Tongeren develops a personalized plan which may include prescribing inhalers, educating on inhaler technique, creating action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance quality of life.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Van Tongeren at the clinic?

The first visit will involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment, including a detailed medical history discussion (symptoms, daily impacts, smoking history, environmental exposures, previous treatments), a physical examination focusing on the respiratory system, and review of any prior imaging or test results. Dr. Van Tongeren will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy), and outline treatment options, working with the patient to establish health goals.

103-250 Keary St
New Westminster, BC, V3L 5E7

Phone: (604) 525-8822

Dr. Lindsay Susan Van Tongeren 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: 66621

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331081/Van%20Tongeren%2CLindsay

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Van Tongeren. Dr. Van Tongeren 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.