The Role of APPs in Advanced ILD/PH ILD
August 2026
18:12 m
In this ILD Community Network podcast episode, host Kelsey Cramer is joined by Jenny Williams, for a practical discussion on the role of advanced practice providers in advanced interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease, also known as PH-ILD. Together, they explore how APPs can recognize high-risk signs of disease progression, including worsening shortness of breath, declining exercise tolerance, increasing oxygen needs, changes in pulmonary function tests, reduced six-minute walk distance, and signs of right heart strain or pulmonary hypertension. This episode also highlights when clinicians should consider referral to ILD specialty centers, pulmonary hypertension clinics, lung transplant evaluation, pulmonary rehab, anti-fibrotic therapy, inhaled therapy for PH-ILD, and palliative care support. Listeners will gain practical insights into identifying advanced ILD, understanding PH-ILD risk factors, recognizing transplant referral triggers, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and ensuring patients receive timely access to specialized treatment and advanced therapies.