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COPD Screening & Diagnosis

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Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available) and CVS Pharmacy®

Walk-ins welcome — no appointment necessary!

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Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

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Need to know more about COPD Screening & Diagnosis? We’ve got you covered.

What is COPD screening?

COPD screening is used to identify people at risk for or with COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other diseases that damage the lungs and airways. The damage these diseases cause can make it difficult to breathe.

COPD screening typically includes a physical exam. During the physical exam, your provider will look for signs of COPD, such as wheezing and chest congestion. They will also ask about your symptoms, smoking history and any other health conditions you may have. They may also conduct a breathing test called a spirometry test. Altogether, this exam helps to determine if you have COPD or are at risk of developing it in the future.

 

Who is at risk for COPD?

COPD is not a contagious disease. You may, however, be at an increased risk of developing COPD if you meet any of the following conditions:

  • You frequently use tobacco products
  • You're over age 65
  • You suffer from asthma or hay fever
  • You have a family history of COPD

Getting help

Talk to your MinuteClinic provider about when and where you’ll be traveling. They can help you evaluate the risks for infection. If necessary, they can also prescribe preventative anti-malarial medication that will work best in that region. This might include pills or oral medication.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

    If you made your appointment online
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for the visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you will provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

COPD causes, symptoms and treatment

The main cause of COPD is smoking. However, other things that can contribute to COPD include:

  • Exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes and dust
  • Secondhand smoke
  • Having a family history of COPD

COPD is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. That’s why COPD screenings are important. An early sign of COPD may be a cough that lasts longer than three weeks and tends to occur when resting, such as in the morning when waking up. Other signs of early COPD include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Discolored (bluish) skin
  • Increased heart rate

Symptoms of COPD can vary from person to person, but may include:

  • Coughing that sticks around for multiple weeks
  • Excessive mucus
  • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
  • Chest tightness
  • Wheezing
  • Fatigue

 

Not everyone needs to be screened for COPD. However, people at a higher risk of developing the disease or those who have early signs of COPD should visit MinuteClinic for a COPD screening.

MinuteClinic can help you by regularly screening your condition and recommending COPD treatment options if your symptoms appear to be getting worse over time.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE: