Nicole Zisman, APRN

Nicole Zisman, APRN is a Pulmonology APRN practicing at Pulmonary Associates of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she's a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to creating long-term health plans. 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. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention.

Dr. Nicole APRN is a pulmonologist in St Augustine, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and a patient-centered approach. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. While currently not accepting new patients, inquiries about waitlists or future openings are welcome by calling (904) 824-8666. Dr. Nicole APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Infantile Sleep Apnea: Regular check-ups and monitoring for breathing disturbances in infants can help identify and manage infantile sleep apnea early, minimizing potential adverse effects on growth and well-being.
• Croup: Managing croup effectively involves supportive care, sometimes including medications, to reduce airway swelling and ensure the child can breathe comfortably, preventing further respiratory issues.
• Respiratory Infections: Protecting your lungs from respiratory infections involves building a strong immune system through healthy lifestyle choices, such as adequate sleep and a balanced diet.
• Partial Lung Collapse: Understanding your risk factors for partial lung collapse, such as smoking or certain lung diseases, is crucial for preventative measures to avoid this potentially serious condition.
• Airborne Allergies: Managing airborne allergies effectively can prevent them from worsening into chronic respiratory conditions like asthma.
• Suberosis: Suberosis, an allergic reaction to cork dust, can be managed effectively by avoiding exposure, thus preventing further inflammation and respiratory issues.
• Pulmonary Hypoxic Hypertension: Pulmonary hypoxic hypertension is a serious condition where high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs is caused by low oxygen levels, highlighting the importance of addressing any breathing difficulties early to prevent heart and lung damage.

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. Nicole APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Asthma Testing: Proactively manage your asthma with testing; it helps assess the severity of your condition and guide your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment to prevent exacerbations.
• Home Sleep Study: Ensure your sleep quality doesn't compromise your health; a home sleep study provides valuable insights into your sleep patterns and helps detect potential problems early.
• Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection: For early detection and treatment of lung abnormalities, a thoracoscopic wedge resection involves a small incision to remove a section of lung for testing, helping prevent disease progression.
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IGRT): For individuals at high risk or diagnosed with lung cancer, IMRT is a cutting-edge radiation treatment that helps destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy lung tissue, maximizing the effectiveness of your therapy.
• Desensitization: Taking steps to reduce your allergic reactions through desensitization is a proactive way to prevent worsening respiratory conditions.
• Thoracentesis: A thoracentesis is a procedure to extract fluid from around your lungs, aiding in the early detection of serious lung issues and guiding treatment decisions for better health outcomes.
• Bronchial Thermoplasty: As a proactive step in managing uncontrolled asthma, bronchial thermoplasty may significantly reduce your need for medication and improve your breathing.

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. Nicole APRN 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 attending regular check-ups and following a proactive monitoring plan, a family experienced peace of mind knowing that any breathing disturbances in their infant were identified and addressed early, minimizing potential risks.
• A family felt empowered to proactively manage their child's croup symptoms, thanks to a personalized plan that included supportive care and early intervention, preventing any serious respiratory complications. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively brought peace of mind to the parents.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Nicole APRN:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and muscles of breathing. They are experts in conditions such as asthma, COPD, 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 based on age and smoking history. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, so scheduling a consultation with Dr. Nicole APRN to discuss your eligibility is important.

What is a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a procedure where Dr. Nicole APRN uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look directly inside your airways. This allows us to diagnose issues such as lung infections, bleeding, or take a biopsy of a suspicious area, like a lung nodule.

How can I prevent my asthma or COPD from getting worse?

Preventing asthma or COPD from worsening is a partnership with Dr. Nicole APRN. Key strategies include correctly using your prescribed inhalers, avoiding triggers like smoke or pollen, getting recommended vaccinations, and having a clear action plan for flare-ups.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, different from regular high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

My partner says I snore loudly and stop breathing at night. Should I be concerned?

Yes, this is a classic sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Treating OSA is crucial for preventing long-term health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically has reversible airway obstruction treatable 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. Nicole APRN can provide evidence-based support, including counseling and prescribing medications that can double or triple your chance of quitting successfully.

Pulmonary Associates of St. Augustine
300 Health Park Blvd Ste 4000
St Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 824-8666

Nicole Zisman, APRN 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): 1245846468

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. Nicole APRN 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.