Pennsylvania Black Lung Coalition Black Lung Program at UPMC Altoona

If you have black lung disease (coal workers' pneumoconiosis) or COPD, we're here for you.

The Pa. Black Lung Coalition helps coal miners and others get the care and compensation needed for a better quality of life. It's an independent, federally-funded partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Contact the UPMC Altoona Black Lung Program

To make an appointment, call 814-889-2853 or 1-866-538-9884.

Should I Get Tested for Black Lung Disease?

Even if you're not showing any symptoms, black lung can still be present.

You should get tested if you:

• Work or used to work in the coal industry.
• Have breathing problems.
• Think you might have black lung or another job-related lung disease.

Black lung forms slowly and may start causing symptoms long after you leave the coal mines. Having a baseline test now will also help us compare with future results.

If you think you have lung problems from mining, you may be able to get benefits under the Federal Black Lung Act.

The U.S. Department of Labor will pay for testing if you file a claim for Federal Black Lung benefits. If you want testing only and have health insurance, your plan might have to pay the bill.

Who Can Get Care at the UPMC Altoona Black Lung Program?

You might qualify for our services if you have a breathing problem and a doctor's diagnosis of one of the following:

• Black lung
• Silicosis
• Asbestos
• Emphysema
• Work-related asthma or bronchitis

You can refer yourself for care at the UPMC Altoona Black Lung Program.

Or other sources can refer you, such as:

• A doctor
• The program's outreach worker
• The U.S. or Pennsylvania Department of Labor
• Legal counsel
• United Mine Workers of America

Our Black Lung Testing and Treatment Services

The UPMC Altoona Black Lung Program offers:

• Testing for Federal Black Lung Benefits.
• Exams by our board-certified lung experts.
• Diagnostic tests and lab work, including chest x-rays, EKGs, arterial blood gas tests, and complete lung function testing.
• Lung disorder treatments and referrals.
• Pulmonary rehab.
• Flu shots.
• Education about respiratory diseases for you and your loved ones.

Free Support Services at UPMC Altoona's Black Lung Program

We also provide:

• Help in applying for Federal Black Lung and other benefits.
• Help checking the status of claims for state or federal black lung or hearing loss.
• Help learning about all of your health benefit options.
• Help finding out your benefits eligibility and meeting deadlines to apply.
• A Black Lung law expert who can explain the legal process in lay terms and refer you for further counsel if needed.
• A tailored black lung disease treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
• Follow-up services as needed.
• Help with arranging and managing all of your car services.

More About Black Lung Disease

Visit the websites below for more black lung disease resources:

• Black Lung Center of Excellence
• Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC)
• The National Coalition of Black Lung and Respiratory Disease Clinics, Inc.
• U.S. Department of Labor
• Greensburg District Office
• Johnstown District Office