Set up in the typical medical sub-specialty practice model, the Tobacco Treatment Clinic at the Penn Lung Center provides consultative care for patients who show signs of nicotine dependence. Patients undergo a thorough evaluation of their dependence characteristics, including an assessment of psychosocial and biological determinants of tobacco use. A management plan is derived that integrates the patient's pre-existing conditions and medication regimen. Consultation requests are accompanied by written feedback to both the referring and associated clinicians. Our sub-specialty practice focuses solely on the treatment of tobacco dependence; patients with cardio-pulmonary conditions currently under the care of other subspecialists remain appropriate for referral. Other potential referral circumstances include:
- Patients who have made multiple prior quit attempts.
- Patients who are currently being treated, but who find it difficult to maintain abstinence.
- Patients with significant medical or psychiatric co-morbidities, or with otherwise complicated medication regimens.
- Patients who require frequent follow-up to maintain control over their compulsion.
- Patients who have no desire to quit, who express an unwillingness to quit, or who doubt their ability to quit.
- Patients interested in making their first assisted quit attempt.
Specialist visits / services are billed to insurance plans as appropriate. Referrals are required based on plan details.
Inpatient Consultation Services
The Tobacco Treatment Service provides inpatient consultations for patients admitted for a number of conditions. Available by request at both Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, our physician staff provide medical management advice for the inpatient stay, as well as arrange for longitudinal care following discharge.
Our clinical services provide an excellent mechanism for practicing clinicians in our area to meet HCFA standards for tobacco use counseling, and for hospitals to comply with JCAHO standards for arranging post-discharge follow-up.