Dr. Eric Catz, MD

Dr. Eric Catz, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic in Lakeland, FL, committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive pulmonary care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices in accordance with Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Currently, Dr. Catz is not accepting new patients, but you can call (863) 680-7000 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Eric Catz, MD is a pulmonologist in Lakeland, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1979 and is affiliated with Lakeland Regional Medical Center. His extensive experience, coupled with his compassionate approach, makes him a valuable resource for individuals seeking expert pulmonary care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1979, followed by residency training in Pulmonology at Med College of Ga Hospital and Clinic, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of patients. Dr. Catz is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Eric Catz brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having dedicated over 45 years to Pulmonary care. He is committed to preventive medicine and proactive strategies for lung health. He recognizes the importance of early detection and proactive management of chronic respiratory conditions. His consultations are primarily conducted in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Eric Catz is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Eric Catz can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Eric Catz provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Bronchiectasis: Recognizing and addressing risk factors, and getting regular checkups and treatment for bronchiectasis, is crucial for managing this chronic lung condition and preventing its progression, improving your long-term lung health.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD's impact can be lessened by adopting healthy lifestyle choices and adhering to your doctor's treatment plan, which can prevent serious complications and hospitalizations.
• Emphysema: Emphysema, a lung disease causing shortness of breath, is preventable by avoiding smoking and managing existing respiratory conditions to prevent further damage.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Preventing severe complications from chronic lung diseases affecting your heart requires proactive healthcare, including regular check-ups and adherence to treatment plans.
• Shortness of Breath: Managing shortness of breath effectively, through lifestyle changes and medical interventions, is key to improving your quality of life and preventing future respiratory problems.
• Bronchitis: While some cases of bronchitis are viral and unavoidable, good respiratory health practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding secondhand smoke, can still lessen the risk of acquiring the condition and its severity.
• Pleural Effusion: Managing risk factors like heart failure or lung infections can help prevent pleural effusions, protecting your lung health.
• Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can be effectively managed to prevent serious health problems like heart disease and stroke, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
• Asthma: Asthma's impact can be minimized by identifying and avoiding allergens or irritants that trigger your symptoms, ensuring you maintain better lung health.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, highlights the importance of seeking medical attention for sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, as early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
• Cough: A persistent cough could be a sign of an underlying respiratory problem, so seeing your doctor for evaluation is crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries leading to your lungs, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious heart and lung complications.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Eric Catz offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): Taking charge of your respiratory health, an arterial blood gas test offers a quick and precise way to evaluate your blood's gas levels, supporting prompt intervention if needed.
• Bronchoscopy: A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into your lungs to detect and diagnose potential lung problems early, helping you take proactive steps for better respiratory health.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: Taking charge of your respiratory health involves considering a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, a precise procedure to identify and address abnormalities in your lungs and breathing passages.
• Thoracentesis: As part of your lung health journey, a thoracentesis helps doctors identify the cause of fluid buildup around your lungs through fluid removal and analysis, facilitating prompt treatment.
• Minimally Invasive and Navigational Procedure: Take a proactive step towards early lung cancer detection with a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced imaging to precisely locate and sample suspicious areas.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Take charge of your breathing and sleep health by using CPAP; it's a proven treatment to help prevent the long-term effects of sleep apnea.
• Breath Testing: Don't wait for symptoms to appear; a breath test offers a proactive approach to lung health, allowing for early detection and prevention of serious illnesses.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Eric Catz is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By diligently managing their risk factors and attending regular checkups, a patient was able to maintain good lung health and prevent further progression of bronchiectasis, leading to a greater sense of well-being.
• By consistently following the recommended treatment plan and making healthy lifestyle choices, a patient significantly reduced their risk of COPD complications, gaining greater confidence in managing their lung health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Pulmonary care with Dr. Eric Catz:

What is a Pulmonologist?

Dr. Catz and our team of pulmonologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. We have expertise in a wide range of conditions, from asthma and COPD to lung cancer and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a significant smoking history. Early detection is key, as lung cancer is most treatable when caught early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric Catz to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in various parts of the body, often the lungs. Many cases are mild, but expert management from a specialist like Dr. Eric Catz is needed to monitor and prevent organ damage.

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become permanently widened and damaged, leading to mucus buildup and recurrent infections. Management focuses on preventing infections and clearing mucus to preserve lung function.

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition where lung tissue thickens and scars over time, making breathing difficult. While the scarring can't be reversed, early diagnosis by a specialist like Dr. Eric Catz is key to starting treatments that can slow the disease's progression.

What is a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. It's a small, quiet machine that delivers a gentle stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing dangerous drops in oxygen and dramatically improving sleep quality.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help patients with chronic lung disease breathe better, increase strength and stamina, and improve their overall quality of life.

What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a series of breathing tests that measure lung function, similar to an EKG for your lungs. Dr. Catz uses PFTs to diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD, assess their severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (863) 680-7000

Dr. Eric Catz, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1366414518

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Pulmonology like Dr. Eric Catz are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.