I checked into a specialist for the MAC and Bronchiectasis I was diagnosed with by chance. I was not responding to antibiotics for bronchitis, and they took an x-ray, saw it was pneumonia, and admitted me to the hospital for IV antibiotics and a bronchial wash. After 6 weeks, the diagnosis came back the day after Thanksgiving.

I just found out my pulmonologist had sent a referral to my insurance for the infectious disease doctor. My insurance allows me to see whomever I want without a referral. If they take my insurance, they pay just like I was referred. I called an ID doctor, not realizing it was lunchtime. I will wait and see if they answer my message, or I will call back.

As for specialists, there is one in San Diego, then one in LA, and I live closer to the one in SD, but that is still 70 miles away. I will see how the ID doctor goes, and if it looks like I should get the specialist, I will call one. The doctor in San Diego works for the USD Medical Group. They are known as the best for lung disease and transplants. My husband was sent to see if he could get on the transplant list, even though he has no breathing issues right now. The doctor was being proactive in case he should suddenly go downhill very quickly. Unfortunately or fortunately, he is too well to be even considered for the list right now. This shows that the doctor he and I see looks ahead and plans for everything. They are also the reason that my husband's diagnosis 11 years ago of pulmonary fibrosis has not changed at all. He caught it early because he exercised every day and noticed he was getting winded on the elliptical sooner. The PA he sees for general care recognized it and referred him to the pulmonary group we go to now.