April 3, 2026
For the first time, patients have access to pulmonology care, right here in East Jefferson County. Dr. Kevin Chong has joined the local hospital district and offers treatment for a range of conditions.
Pulmonologist Dr. Kevin Chong is one of the newest faces around Jefferson Healthcare. A board-certified pulmonologist and critical care physician, Dr. Chong cares for adults with lung and breathing conditions. Dr. Chong joined Jefferson Healthcare as part of our expanded specialty services, bringing high-level pulmonary care to East Jefferson County.
“I start by listening to the patient’s story,” Dr. Chong says. “Then we test their lungs and look for what’s really causing their symptoms so we can treat the right problem.”
Pulmonology is the medical specialty focused on the lungs and respiratory system. Dr. Chong provides diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as:
Pulmonary care often includes breathing tests, lab work, and imaging to better understand how the lungs are functioning and to guide treatment.
One of the most often ignored symptoms Dr. Chong treats is chronic cough. If you’ve been coughing for more than a couple of months, it’s time to get checked.
“If you’ve been coughing for more than a couple of months consecutively, that’s not something to dismiss, hope will go away, or resolve on its own,” says Dr. Chong. “It can be a sign of an underlying condition, and it’s worth getting checked. We’d want to see you. Too often, people delay seeking care, when an earlier assessment can truly make a difference.”
A chronic cough can have many causes, including asthma, lung disease, acid reflux, or sleep apnea. Identifying the cause is key to finding relief.
Many people who smoke avoid seeing a lung doctor because they feel embarrassed or think they must quit before getting care. Dr. Chong wants patients to know they can still be evaluated and treated, even if they are still smoking.
There are tests and treatments that can improve breathing and quality of life, such as inhalers and other therapies. For patients who want to quit, support and resources are available, and even small steps, like cutting back on smoking, can make a difference.
Dr. Chong emphasizes the importance of taking time to investigate symptoms and looking beyond the obvious. When lung problems turn out to be related to other conditions, he works to guide patients to the right care. Dr. Chong’s goal is simple: help people breathe easier and feel better.
Visit the Pulmonology page on our website to learn more about Dr. Chong and the newly available pulmonology care available at Jefferson Healthcare!
Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary and specialty physician care.
