Lung biopsy questions

[Guest guest]

I am new to the group so a little background:

I am a 61 year-old male living in Midland Texas. I

was diagnosed with IPF November 30th, 2007. I had

been seeing a pulmonary doctor in Midland (there are two) in

whom, for reasons I won’t go into, I have lost confidence. I went

to and White Clinic in Temple Texas and saw a

Dr. Dekeratry. The doctor told me he took an aggressive approach to

treating IPF and recommended a lung biopsy so we would better know how to treat

my condition. I have had two CT scans, one PET scan, and 3 PFT’s.

I would like to hear from anyone out there that has had a lung biopsy (Thoracoscopy)

and were there any actual benefits to having this done. Also would like

to know the approximate cost of this procedure. – Thanks – Jim