Finding the right COPD specialists in Alabama starts with choosing a pulmonologist who treats chronic lung disease and has experience with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. This guide highlights verified pulmonary doctors, COPD-focused programs, and pulmonary clinics in several major Alabama healthcare markets.

COPD Specialists in Alabama

COPD is a chronic lung condition that can cause shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, and excess mucus. Pulmonologists can evaluate breathing symptoms, perform or interpret lung-function testing, and develop treatment plans based on a patient’s condition.

The providers below are listed because their current health-system or practice information identifies them as pulmonologists and, where specifically documented, as participating in COPD care.

COPD Specialists in Birmingham

Birmingham is home to UAB Medicine’s Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine program and its dedicated COPD Clinic. UAB’s COPD Clinic specifically treats patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis and includes pulmonologists with clinical and research interests in COPD.

Surya Bhatt, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine
Subspecialty/Focus: COPD, advanced emphysema, pulmonary rehabilitation
Hospital/Clinic: Pulmonary Clinic at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
Address: 2000 6th Avenue South, Floor 4, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-996-5864
Official Profile: UAB Medicine provider directory

Dr. Surya Bhatt is a pulmonologist and critical care physician at UAB Medicine. His documented clinical interests include COPD and advanced emphysema. He works with the UAB COPD Clinic and evaluates patients for lung-volume-reduction procedures, including endobronchial valve placement. His research interests include COPD, lung imaging, pulmonary rehabilitation, and clinical trials.

Mark Dransfield, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine
Subspecialty/Focus: COPD research and comprehensive COPD care
Hospital/Clinic: Pulmonary Clinic at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
Address: 2000 6th Avenue South, Floor 4, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-996-5864
Official Profile: UAB Medicine

Dr. Mark Dransfield is a pulmonologist and a physician-scientist whose work has focused extensively on COPD. UAB identifies him as a major contributor to COPD research and comprehensive COPD care. His work has included research into COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular disease associated with COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation, chronic bronchitis, and new COPD therapies.

David LaFon, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine
Subspecialty/Focus: Chronic lung disease and COPD research
Hospital/Clinic: UAB Medicine
Address: Birmingham, AL
Phone: 205-996-5864 through the UAB Pulmonary Clinic
Official Profile: UAB Medicine provider directory

Dr. David LaFon is an assistant professor and physician in pulmonary and critical care medicine at UAB. His research interests include respiratory infections and immune responses in chronic lung diseases such as COPD. UAB lists him among the care providers for its COPD Clinic.

Mike Wells, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine
Subspecialty/Focus: COPD, alpha-1 antitrypsin, pulmonary vascular disease
Hospital/Clinic: Pulmonary Clinic at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
Address: 2000 6th Avenue South, Floor 4, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-996-5864
Official Profile: UAB Medicine provider directory

Dr. Mike Wells is a pulmonologist and critical care physician at UAB Medicine. His documented research interests include COPD, alpha-1 antitrypsin, pulmonary vascular disease, CT imaging, and inflammation. UAB also lists him as a care provider for its COPD Clinic.

Chad Wade, MD, MBA

Specialty: Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine
Subspecialty/Focus: Pulmonary and critical care medicine; COPD clinic participation
Hospital/Clinic: UAB Medicine
Address: Birmingham, AL
Phone: 205-996-5864 through the UAB Pulmonary Clinic
Official Profile: UAB Medicine provider directory

Dr. Chad Wade is a pulmonologist and critical care physician listed by UAB Medicine among the physicians participating in its COPD Clinic. Patients seeking COPD care can contact the UAB pulmonary service to determine current clinic availability, referral requirements, and the most appropriate provider.

UAB COPD Clinic

Location: UAB Medicine, Birmingham
COPD-focused care: Yes
Conditions: COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
Phone: 800-UAB-MIST for physician referral and consultation; outpatient scheduling is available through the UAB pulmonary clinic

The UAB COPD Clinic provides specialized care for people with emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The program is connected with the UAB Lung Health Center and offers access to pulmonary rehabilitation, clinical research, and advanced treatment options for appropriately selected patients.

COPD Specialists in Huntsville

The Huntsville Hospital Lung Center is a multispecialty pulmonary, sleep, and critical-care group serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, and surrounding areas. Its pulmonary service specifically lists COPD and emphysema among the conditions treated.

Luther Corley, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology
Hospital/Clinic: Huntsville Hospital Lung Center
Primary Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Phone: 256-265-5864
Official Profile: Huntsville Hospital

Dr. Luther Corley is listed as a pulmonary provider with the Huntsville Hospital Lung Center. The Lung Center provides care for chronic lung conditions including COPD and emphysema. Patients can contact the Lung Center to confirm the doctor’s current clinic location, appointment availability, and referral requirements.

W. Alan McCrory, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology
Hospital/Clinic: Huntsville Hospital Lung Center
Primary Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Phone: 256-265-5864
Official Profile: Huntsville Hospital

Dr. W. Alan McCrory is listed among the pulmonary physicians at the Huntsville Hospital Lung Center. The practice provides evaluation and treatment for COPD, emphysema, asthma, chronic cough, shortness of breath, and other pulmonary conditions.

Diwas Shahi, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology, Critical Care
Hospital/Clinic: Huntsville Hospital Lung Center
Address: 420 Lowell Drive, Suite 500, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-265-5864
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine
Official Profile: Huntsville Hospital

Dr. Diwas Shahi is a pulmonologist and critical care physician with the Huntsville Hospital Lung Center. The hospital lists him as board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and provides his pulmonary practice information through the Lung Center. The group treats COPD, emphysema, asthma, and other chronic and acute lung conditions.

Huntsville Hospital Lung Center

The Lung Center has locations in Huntsville, Madison, and Decatur. Its pulmonary team treats COPD, emphysema, asthma, chronic cough, shortness of breath, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, and other respiratory conditions. Appointments are available through the Lung Center at 256-265-5864, although some appointments require a physician referral.

COPD Specialists in Montgomery

Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants is a pulmonary-focused medical practice serving the Montgomery area. The practice states that its physicians are certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in pulmonary medicine and treats COPD among other lung disorders.

William P. Saliski, DO

Specialty: Pulmonary Medicine
Hospital/Clinic: Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants
Locations: 1440 Narrow Lane Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36111; 7080 Sydney Curve, Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: 334-281-4140
Training: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine; Coney Island Hospital; Brown University
Official Profile: Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants

Dr. William P. Saliski is a physician with Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants. The practice focuses on pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine and lists COPD among the disorders treated. Its pulmonary services also include pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, CT imaging, and sleep studies.

S. Allen Ensminger, MD

Specialty: Pulmonary Medicine
Hospital/Clinic: Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants
Locations: 1440 Narrow Lane Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36111; 7080 Sydney Curve, Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: 334-281-4140
Training: University of Alabama School of Medicine; Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Official Profile: Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants

Dr. S. Allen Ensminger is a pulmonologist with Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants. His published practice profile lists COPD among the disorders treated at the practice. His medical training includes the University of Alabama School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.

Apurva Bansal, MD

Specialty: Pulmonary Medicine
Hospital/Clinic: Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants
Locations: 1440 Narrow Lane Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36111; 7080 Sydney Curve, Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: 334-281-4140
Training: Kasturba Medical College; East Tennessee State University
Official Profile: Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants

Dr. Apurva Bansal is a pulmonologist with Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants. The practice identifies COPD as one of the chronic lung disorders treated by its physicians. Patients can contact the practice to confirm referral requirements, insurance participation, and current appointment availability.

COPD Specialists in Mobile

Mobile has several established pulmonary practices and physicians affiliated with Mobile Infirmary. Infirmary Health’s physician directory identifies the following doctors as pulmonologists.

Adrian G. DiVittorio, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine
Practice: Diagnostic & Medical Clinic
Address: 1700 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604
Phone: 251-435-1200
Hospital Affiliation: Mobile Infirmary
Official Profile: Infirmary Health

Dr. Adrian G. DiVittorio is a pulmonologist and sleep-medicine physician with Infirmary Health. His current provider profile lists Diagnostic & Medical Clinic locations in Mobile and Daphne and identifies Mobile Infirmary as an affiliation. Patients with COPD or other chronic respiratory conditions can contact the practice to determine whether his current clinic services match their needs.

Cynthia Crowder-Hicks, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine
Practice: Diagnostic & Medical Clinic
Address: 1700 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604
Phone: 251-435-1200
Hospital Affiliation: Mobile Infirmary
Official Profile: Infirmary Health

Dr. Cynthia Crowder-Hicks is a pulmonologist and sleep-medicine physician in Mobile. Infirmary Health identifies her as a physician with Diagnostic and Medical Clinic and notes her role as medical director of the Sleep Lab at Mobile Infirmary. Her pulmonary specialty makes her a provider to consider for patients seeking evaluation of chronic respiratory problems.

Robert E. Percy, MD

Specialty: Pulmonology
Practice: Diagnostic & Medical Clinic
Address: 1700 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604
Phone: 251-435-1200
Hospital Affiliation: Mobile Infirmary
Official Profile: Infirmary Health

Dr. Robert E. Percy is a pulmonologist with Infirmary Health. His current provider listing places him at Diagnostic & Medical Clinic in Mobile and identifies Mobile Infirmary as an affiliation. Patients should contact the practice directly to confirm COPD appointment availability, insurance details, and whether a referral is required.

Pulmonary Clinics and Hospitals for COPD Care in Alabama

Several healthcare systems provide pulmonary services relevant to people with COPD.

UAB Medicine — Birmingham

UAB Medicine operates a dedicated COPD Clinic within its Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine program. Services include COPD management, pulmonary rehabilitation, clinical research, and advanced treatment options for selected patients.

Huntsville Hospital Lung Center — Huntsville, Madison and Decatur

The Huntsville Hospital Lung Center provides pulmonary, sleep, and critical-care services. Its pulmonary program specifically lists COPD and emphysema among the conditions treated.

Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants — Montgomery

Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants focuses on pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The practice lists COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, asthma, and other lung disorders among the conditions it treats.

Infirmary Health — Mobile

Infirmary Health’s physician network includes multiple pulmonologists in Mobile, with affiliations to Mobile Infirmary and practices including Diagnostic & Medical Clinic and Pulmonary Associates.

What Does a COPD Specialist Do?

A COPD specialist is usually a pulmonologist—a physician who specializes in diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. Depending on the patient’s situation, a pulmonologist may evaluate symptoms, review smoking or environmental exposure history, perform or order pulmonary function testing, and help manage COPD over time.

Spirometry is an important test used to evaluate airflow and help diagnose COPD. Doctors may also use other lung-function tests or imaging when evaluating breathing problems or determining whether another condition could be causing similar symptoms.

COPD cannot currently be cured, but treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment may include medications, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy when medically appropriate, vaccinations, and other interventions depending on the individual’s condition.

How to Choose a COPD Specialist in Alabama

When searching for the right COPD doctor, there is no single provider who is automatically the best choice for every patient. Consider factors that match your particular healthcare needs:

Pulmonary specialty: Look for a physician whose current specialty is pulmonology or pulmonary and critical care medicine.
COPD experience: Some practices have dedicated COPD programs or physicians with documented COPD clinical or research interests.
Condition: COPD can involve emphysema, chronic bronchitis, frequent exacerbations, or other complications. Ask whether the provider treats your specific problem.
Testing and services: Ask whether the practice offers spirometry, pulmonary function testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, imaging, or other services you may need.
Hospital affiliation: Hospital affiliation can be important if you require hospital-based pulmonary or critical care services.
Location: Consider whether the clinic is convenient for regular follow-up appointments.
Insurance: Confirm that the physician and facility participate in your insurance plan before scheduling.
Referral requirements: Some pulmonary practices require a referral from a primary-care physician or another provider.

Searches for phrases such as “best pulmonologist near me,” “COPD doctor near me,” or “lung specialist near me” can return many providers. Rather than relying only on a ranking, compare the provider’s specialty, COPD experience, location, services, hospital affiliation, insurance participation, and appointment requirements.

When to See a Pulmonologist for COPD

Consider discussing a pulmonary evaluation with a healthcare professional if you have persistent shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, excess mucus, or breathing problems that interfere with normal activities.

These symptoms do not automatically mean that you have COPD. Several other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare professional can determine what testing is appropriate.

If breathing suddenly becomes severely difficult or you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a routine pulmonary appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of doctor treats COPD?

A pulmonologist, also called a pulmonary doctor or lung specialist, specializes in diseases affecting the lungs and respiratory system. Primary-care physicians may also manage many people with COPD, while pulmonologists can provide specialized evaluation and treatment for more complex cases.

How do I find a COPD specialist near me in Alabama?

Start by searching for pulmonologists in your city or region and then check whether the physician or practice specifically treats COPD. Alabama has pulmonary services in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and other communities.

Do I need a referral to see a COPD specialist?

It depends on the practice, insurance plan, and healthcare system. Some pulmonary practices require a referral. For example, Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants states that it sees patients after they have been evaluated by a primary-care physician, while Huntsville Hospital Lung Center notes that some appointments require a physician referral.

What tests are used to diagnose COPD?

Spirometry is the main lung-function test used to help diagnose COPD. A healthcare provider may also consider medical history, symptoms, physical examination, other lung-function testing, chest imaging, and additional tests depending on the situation.

Can COPD be treated?

Yes. COPD cannot currently be cured, but it can be managed. Treatment may include medications, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy when appropriate, vaccinations, and other treatments selected according to the patient’s symptoms and disease severity.

Are pulmonologists and lung doctors the same?

In most healthcare searches, “pulmonologist,” “pulmonary doctor,” and “lung doctor” refer to physicians specializing in diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. “Lung specialist” and “pulmonary specialist” are also commonly used descriptions.

Final Notes for Patients

Provider information can change, including clinic locations, phone numbers, hospital affiliations, insurance participation, and appointment availability. Contact the provider or health system directly before traveling for an appointment.

This article is for general informational and directory purposes and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or individualized medical advice.

Dr. Dennis Rodman Physician

Dr. Dennis Rodman is a physician on the PulmonaryGuide medical team. He medically reviews our articles for accuracy before they are published and writes about COPD, pulmonary embolism and children's lung health.