Dr. John Thabes, MD

Dr. John Thabes, MD is a Pulmonology specialist at TMH Physician Partners - Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep in Tallahassee, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the 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. Dr. Thabes is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (850) 878-8714.

Dr. John Thabes, MD, a pulmonologist in Tallahassee, FL, brings over 35 years of experience in the medical field, specializing in Interstitial Lung Disease and Obstructive Lung Disease. He earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1989 and is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and is accepting new patients. Dr. Thabes is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. John Thabes provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. John Thabes 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. John Thabes 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. John Thabes 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:

• Benign Lung Neoplasms: Benign lung neoplasms are non-cancerous growths in the lungs that, while not cancerous, can sometimes cause breathing problems or other symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and monitoring for early detection of any lung issues.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Early detection of conditions that cause asphyxia and hypoxemia, like sleep apnea or COPD, through regular check-ups, can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent long-term lung damage.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Managing risk factors such as prolonged immobility or certain medical conditions helps reduce your chances of developing a pulmonary embolism, a potentially deadly blood clot in your lungs.
• Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation: Managing a PAVM effectively through appropriate medical care can help prevent further complications such as bleeding, shortness of breath, and heart strain.
• Exercise Induced Asthma: Managing exercise-induced asthma through proper medication and lifestyle adjustments prevents more severe attacks and protects your lung health in the long run.
• Hypoxemia: Low blood oxygen, or hypoxemia, can be a sign of underlying lung problems; proactive screenings and lifestyle changes can help prevent serious complications.
• Sarcoidosis: Preventing serious lung damage from sarcoidosis involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
• Acute Sinusitis: While not directly a lung condition, acute sinusitis can sometimes trigger or worsen underlying respiratory problems, highlighting the need for preventative care of all aspects of your respiratory system.
• Pneumonitis (Due to Solids or Liquids): Managing risk factors like exposure to dust, fumes, or aspiration helps prevent pneumonitis, a lung inflammation stemming from inhaled substances, safeguarding your respiratory well-being.
• Pulmonary Eosinophilia: Understanding if you have pulmonary eosinophilia, a condition marked by high eosinophil counts in your lungs, is crucial for preventing chronic lung disease. Early diagnosis through testing can lead to timely intervention.
• Bronchitis: Protecting your lungs from bronchitis involves avoiding environmental triggers and getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia, steps that significantly reduce your chances of getting this respiratory infection.
• Influenza (Flu): Early detection and treatment of influenza can prevent serious complications like bronchitis and pneumonia, which may have long-term consequences for your lungs.

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. John Thabes 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): This test helps ensure your lungs are working efficiently by directly measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, aiding in early diagnosis of lung conditions.
• Bronchoscopy: To prevent more serious lung issues, a bronchoscopy allows doctors to directly visualize your airways and take samples for testing, leading to quicker and more effective treatment.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: A bronchoscopy with robotic assist allows your doctor to get a closer look inside your lungs and airways to detect potential problems early, helping prevent serious complications.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a proactive treatment for sleep apnea, helping to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep and promoting better health.
• Endoscopic Biopsy Bronchus Robotic Assist: For more accurate diagnosis of lung conditions, this advanced technique combines a small camera with robotic precision to obtain tissue samples from your bronchus, potentially saving your life.
• Respiratory Management: Respiratory management offers personalized support to help you breathe easier and live fuller by identifying and treating respiratory concerns promptly.
• Sleep Study: Protect your lungs and heart by scheduling a sleep study – it's a simple test that can uncover hidden sleep disorders impacting your overall health and well-being.
• Thoracentesis: To check for infections or cancer, a thoracentesis may be used to safely remove fluid from around your lungs, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

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. John Thabes 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 adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular check-ups and lung function tests, a patient experienced significant peace of mind, knowing their risk for benign lung neoplasms was proactively managed.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of asphyxia and hypoxemia, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. John Thabes:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. They 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 certain high-risk individuals, particularly those with a history of smoking. Early detection is key, as this is when treatment is most effective. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Thabes to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically involves reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

Can you help me quit smoking?

Yes, quitting smoking is the single most important step for lung health. Dr. Thabes can provide evidence-based support, including counseling and prescribing medications that can double or triple your chance of quitting successfully.

My CT scan showed a 'lung nodule.' Does this mean I have cancer?

No, the vast majority of small lung nodules are benign. Dr. Thabes is an expert in evaluating nodules and will determine the best course of action, often just careful monitoring. He will consider your risk factors and the nodule's appearance and size.

What is a sleep study (polysomnography)?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is the gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It's an overnight study performed in a comfortable lab setting that monitors brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels to assess sleep quality and identify any breathing disturbances.

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

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

What is a pleural effusion?

A pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Dr. Thabes can perform a thoracentesis to drain the fluid and test it to identify the underlying cause, which could range from heart failure to infection.

TMH Physician Partners - Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep
1607 Saint James Ct Ste 2
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 878-8714

Dr. John Thabes, 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): 1164447231

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. John Thabes 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.