If you are a Healthfirst member and received a letter regarding negotiations with NewYork-Presbyterian,
read to find the latest information.
read to find the latest information.
Measuring Your Child’s Breathing, One Breath at a Time, One Test at a Time
At our Pediatric Pulmonary Function Testing Lab, we specialize in evaluating how well a child’s lungs are working. These tests are simple, safe and noninvasive—designed with children’s comfort in mind. Whether your child has asthma, chronic cough or another breathing issue, our tests help doctors make accurate diagnoses and create personalized treatment plans.
Our team of child-focused specialists, including pediatric pulmonologists, works closely with your family to ensure each visit is smooth, stress-free and informative. We’re here to help your child breathe easier and feel better.
Safe, Child-Friendly Tests to Understand Your Child’s Breathing
We offer various types of pulmonary function tests to check how your child’s lungs are working. Each test is designed to be quick, painless and easy to understand—even for young children. Here is what we offer:
What it does: measures how much air your child can breathe in and out, and how fast
Good for: asthma, chronic cough, wheezing
Age group: typically ages 5 and up.
Duration: 15 minutes (30 minutes if bronchodilator responsiveness is also performed)
What to expect: Your child will blow into a tube connected to a computer, like blowing out birthday candles.
What it does: measures the total size of your child’s lungs and how much air stays in after breathing out
Good for: asthma, restrictive lung disease, complex lung conditions
Age group: typically ages 8 and up
Duration: 30 minutes (often done in addition to spirometry and diffusion capacity, which extends the test to 60 minutes)
What to expect: Your child willsit in a clear booth (like a phone booth) and breathe into a tube connected to a computer, following simple instructions.
What it does: measures how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream
Good for: more complex lung conditions
Age group: typically ages 8 and up
Duration: 15 minutes
What to expect: Your child will inhale a small amount of carbon monoxide, a harmless gas,and hold their breath for a few seconds.
What it does: measures how strong your child's breathing muscles are by testing how hard they can breathe in and out - this helps assess the function of the muscles that support breathing.
Good for: neuromuscular conditions, unexplained breathing problems, chronic lung or chest wall disorders
Age group: typically ages 8 and up
Duration: 20 minutes
What to expect: Your child will wear a nose clip and breathe through a mouthpiece. They will blow out and suck in as hard as they can against a closed valve. The test is repeated a few times to get the best effort.
What it does: compares lung function before and after using an inhaler to see how well it helps
Good for: asthma, reactive airway disease
Age group: typically ages 5 and up
Duration: 30 minutes
What to expect: A spirometry test is done, then your child uses an inhaler. After 15–20 minutes, the test is repeated.
What it does: measures airway resistance using sound waves
Good for: asthma, reactive airway disease
Age group: typically ages 3 and up
Duration: 15 minutes
What to expect: Your child breathes quietly into a mouthpiece while sitting still. No effortful blowing is needed.
In collaboration with our Pediatric Cardiology team
What it does: evaluates how your child’s lungs respond to physical activity
Good for: exercise-induced asthma or unexplained shortness of breath
Age group: typically ages 8 and up
Duration: 60 minutes
What to expect: After a light workout (such as running on a treadmill), your child will do spirometry tests at predetermined intervals.
A Simple, Kid-Friendly Experience from Start to Finish
We know medical visits can be stressful—especially for kids. That’s why we have designed our process to be smooth, comfortable and child-centered. Here’s what you and your child can expect:
When you arrive, our front desk team will greet you, check you in and confirm any necessary paperwork. If you haven’t filled out forms in advance, you can complete them here.
A medical assistant will take your child’s weight and height. These measurements help us accurately interpret the pulmonary function test results.
A specially trained pediatric respiratory therapist will explain the tests and answer any questions. They’ll talk to your child in age-appropriate language to help them feel relaxed and involved.
We’ll guide your child through what they need to do, such as sitting up straight, using a nose clip or practicing blowing into a mouthpiece. No needles and no sedation are used. Parents are welcome to stay with their child throughout the visit. Interpreter services for most languages are available; please let us know your child’s preferred language.
Your child’s test results are reviewed by a pediatric pulmonologist. In some cases, we’ll share preliminary findings during your visit. Full results are typically sent to your referring doctor within a few days.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
To help your child get the most accurate results—and to make your visit go smoothly—here are a few things to keep in mind before coming to the Pediatric Pulmonary Function Testing Lab:
Have your child wear loose clothing—T-shirts and athletic wear work well.
You can help your child feel calm by explaining:
Our staff are trained to make the process engaging and low-stress for all ages.
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Extended hours on Tuesday and Wednesday: 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (only spirometry during these hours)
Closed on weekends and holidays
Appointments and questions: (646) 962-3410
Fax (for referrals): (646) 962-0246
wcmpedspulmonology@med.cornell.edu
Need help rescheduling? Just give us a call—we’re happy to help.
What You Need to Know Before Your Visit
We want your visit to be as smooth financially as it is medically. Here’s what you need to know about insurance, billing and payment options for your child’s pulmonary function testing.
Not sure if your plan is accepted? Call us at (646) 962-3410, and we’ll be happy to check for you.
Some insurances may require:
Our staff can help coordinate this with your doctor’s office if needed.
Depending on your plan, you may have:
We’re happy to provide a cost estimate before your visit—just give us a call: (646) 962-3410.
If you have questions about a bill you received or want to discuss payment options, please contact our billing department(s) directly:
NYP Billing Office: (646) 962-3300
POBO/Central Billing: (646) 962-5700
wcmbilling@med.cornell.edu
We offer payment plans and financial assistance for families who qualify.
