Pediatric Pulmonary Function Testing

Clinical Services: Pediatrics

Upper East Side
505 East 70th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10021

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.

Services We Offer

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:

Spirometry

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.

Lung Volume Measurement

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 will sit in a clear booth (like a phone booth) and breathe into a tube connected to a computer, following simple instructions.

Diffusion Capacity (DLCO or TLCO)

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.

Respiratory Muscle Strength

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.

Bronchodilator Responsiveness

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.

Impulse Oscillometry (iOS)

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.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)

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.

What to Expect

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:

1. Arrival and Check-In

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.

2. Weight and Height Check

A medical assistant will take your child’s weight and height. These measurements help us accurately interpret the pulmonary function test results.

3. Meet Your Respiratory Therapist

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.

4. Test Preparation

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.

5. Results and Next Steps

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.

Preparing for the Appointment

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:

What to Bring

Referral or order from your child’s doctor (if required)
List of medications your child is currently taking (especially inhalers or allergy meds)
Insurance card and ID

Before the Test: What to Avoid

Avoid using bronchodilators (such as albuterol) for at least four–six hours before the test—unless your doctor says otherwise.
Do not eat a heavy meal right before testing.
Try to avoid vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes before the appointment.
If your child is sick with a cold, fever or cough, let us know. We may need to reschedule.

What to Wear

Have your child wear loose clothing—T-shirts and athletic wear work well.

Talk to Your Child About the Test

You can help your child feel calm by explaining:

“You’ll be blowing into a tube like blowing up a balloon.”
“It doesn’t hurt, and I’ll be with you the whole time.”
“You might get to do some fun breathing games!”

Our staff are trained to make the process engaging and low-stress for all ages.

Hours & Contact Information

Office Hours

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

Contact Us

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.

Insurance & Billing Information

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.

Insurances Accepted

Aetna
Affinity
Agewell (Medicaid)
Amida Care
BCBS
Cigna
Coresource/Trustmark (Rockefeller)
The Empire Plan (UHC)
Fidelis
GHI
Healthfirst
Healthplus Amerigroup
HealthSmart (World Trade Center)
HIP
NYS (Straight) Medicaid
Tricare
UHC/Oxford
VNSNY Medicaid Select Choice
WellCare
WorldWide Medical (International)
1199EISU

Not sure if your plan is accepted? Call us at (646) 962-3410, and we’ll be happy to check for you.

Referrals & Prior Authorizations

Some insurances may require:

A referral from your child’s pediatrician
Prior authorization before testing

Our staff can help coordinate this with your doctor’s office if needed.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Depending on your plan, you may have:

A copay at the time of service
A deductible or coinsurance
No cost for preventive or diagnostic testing under some plans

We’re happy to provide a cost estimate before your visit—just give us a call: (646) 962-3410.

Billing Questions?

If you have questions about a bill you received or want to discuss payment options, please contact our billing department(s) directly:

Billing Offices

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.

Our Doctors

FAQ

What is a pulmonary function test?

A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a series of tests that measure how well your child’s lungs are working.

Why does my child need a pulmonary function test?

It helps doctors assess lung function, diagnose breathing conditions such as asthma and monitor ongoing treatment.

Is the test painful?

No, the test is completely painless and noninvasive. Your child may feel a little tired after the exercise challenge, or like they need to catch their breath, but there’s no pain involved. Our staff will make sure they’re comfortable every step of the way.

How long does the test take?

Tests typically take 15–60 minutes, depending on which ones are needed. Most kids are done in about half an hour, and they can rest or take breaks as needed.

What should I bring to the appointment?

Please bring:

Your child's insurance information and referral (if required)
A list of medications your child is taking
Any completed forms we sent you in advance

Can I stay with my child during the test?

Yes, absolutely! Parents and caregivers can stay with their child during the test. Your presence can help your child feel relaxed and supported.

How should I prepare my child for the test?

To get the best results, we recommend:

Avoiding bronchodilators (e.g., inhalers) for 4–6 hours before the test (unless your doctor says otherwise)
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing
Having your child rest for 30 minutes before the test (no running around!)

We’ll also explain everything to your child in a fun, non-scary way to help them feel comfortable.

Will my child be able to eat before the test?

Your child can eat normally unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. However, we recommend avoiding heavy meals right before the test, especially if it’s an exercise challenge.

How will I get the results?

Once the tests are complete, our pediatric pulmonologists will review the results. We’ll share a summary of the findings with you, and your child’s doctor will receive a detailed report. If necessary, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss treatment or next steps.

What if my child is sick? Can we still come in for testing?

If your child has a cold, fever or other illness, it’s best to reschedule the test. Call us ahead of time, and we’ll be happy to help you find a new appointment time.

Do you accept my insurance?

We accept most major insurance plans. If you’re unsure whether we’re covered under your plan, give us a call at (646) 962-3410. We’re happy to check for you.

What happens if we need to cancel or reschedule?

We understand that schedules change! Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule, and we’ll work to find a new time that works for you.

How do you support my child with sensory disorders or autism during their visit?

We offer a calm, flexible environment tailored to your child’s needs. This includes minimizing sensory distractions, allowing extra time and encouraging caregiver involvement. Let us know in advance about any specific preferences so we can better support your child.

How do you support my child who uses a wheelchair?

Our facility is fully wheelchair accessible, including entrances, restrooms and testing areas. We’re happy to assist with positioning and ensure your child is comfortable throughout the visit. Please let us know any specific needs in advance.