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Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Blair David Westerly, M.D.)

(57 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Pulmonology and Adult Critical Care

University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine (2009)

Professional interests include: lung issues, robotic surgery, intensive care

204 N. 4th Avenue
East Newton, IA 50208

(641) 792-1273

Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD is a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA specializing in adult pulmonology and adult critical care. He graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine in 2009 and has 17 years of experience. Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD is affiliated with MercyOne and MERCY CLINICS INC.

Office Locations

1111 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314

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MercyOne

1755 59th Place
West Des Moines, IA 50266

(515) 358-8000

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MercyOne

204 N. 4th Avenue
East Newton, IA 50208

(641) 792-1273

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MercyOne

411 Laurel Street Suite A120
Des Moines, IA 50314

(515) 643-7900

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Some issues Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD can help you with:

Lung Issues

Every cell in the body requires oxygen to function and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. In order to keep the body's tissues constantly supplied with fresh oxygen and to keep waste from building up, the lungs pump air in and out, even while sleeping or unaware. Unfortunately, diseases and disorders affecting the lungs are some of the most common medical problems afflicting people around the world. Some of the most common lung problems include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

Asthma is a chronic disease where swollen, inflamed airways make it hard to breathe. It is often brought on by specific triggers. While asthma is a common condition, affecting millions of people, it can also be serious and even fatal in severe cases. Treatment involves avoiding triggers and using inhaled corticosteroid medications.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the name given to two illnesses that both cause difficulty breathing: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, while with bronchitis they become clogged with mucus. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is almost always caused by breathing irritants into the lungs, such as smoking or heavy pollution.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in a week or two, but for some people pneumonia can be fatal. There are treatments available for pneumonia, but the best treatment is to prevent getting sick in the first place. People who are at risk should make sure they get a flu shot every year. There is also a vaccine available for the type of bacteria that causes pneumonia.

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells inside the lung grow into a tumor, destroying healthy tissue. Because it is so difficult to detect lung cancer in early stages when it has few symptoms, it is the deadliest form of cancer, responsible for the most cancer deaths both in the U.S. and worldwide. Most lung cancer is caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, but between 10-15% of cases are not linked to smoking.

Some problems with the lungs are minor and are not cause for concern. However if symptoms have lasted for a month or more, even if they are minor, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional. A cough, shortness of breath, or excess mucus production that lingers for weeks are all worth getting looked at.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.

There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

biopsy

bronchoscopy with biopsy

transbronchial needle aspiration

By Affordability:

bronchoscopy with biopsy

diagnostic bronchoscopy

lung volume test

transbronchial biopsy

transbronchial needle aspiration

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within Iowa, Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD performed more biopsy, bronchoscopy with biopsy, and transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and he also had a list price for bronchoscopy with biopsy, diagnostic bronchoscopy, lung volume test, transbronchial biopsy, and transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 10%

By Volume:

inpatient hospital care

By Affordability:

lung diffusion capacity test

pulmonary function test

pulmonary testing

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within Iowa, Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD performed more inpatient hospital care (for patient admitted to hospital) procedures for Medicare patients than 90% of them and he also had a list price for lung diffusion capacity test (DLCO), pulmonary function test (PFT), and pulmonary testing that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 90% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 25%

By Affordability:

bronchoscopy

In 2012, Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD had a list price for bronchoscopy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of providers in related specialties within Iowa. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	48

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	18
Female	28

**Age**
From 65 to 74	29
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2013

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	30
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	61
Diabetes	24
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	31

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	12
Female	20

**Age**
From 65 to 74	18
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2014

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	0
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	41
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA during 2015 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and tracheal (windpipe) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	116
hospital care	390
inpatient care	390
pulmonary testing	144
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	15

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	362
Female	362

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	678
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	302
From 75 to 84	202
85 and over	88
Less than 65	132

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	62
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	59
Asthma	43
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	33
Heart Failure	56
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	53
Diabetes	44
Dementia	12
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA during 2016 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and tracheal (windpipe) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization	20
doctor visit	150
hospital care	1080
inpatient care	1080
pulmonary testing	149
resuscitation	13
thoracic (chest) imaging	16
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	51
X-rays	16

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	344
Female	322

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	621
Black	21
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	250
From 75 to 84	204
85 and over	67
Less than 65	145

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	11
Ischemic Heart Disease	61
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	59
Asthma	58
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	34
Heart Failure	56
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	58
Diabetes	42
Dementia	22
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA during 2017 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and tracheal (windpipe) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy	15
catheterization	23
doctor visit	244
hospital care	1126
inpatient care	1126
minimally invasive procedures	15
pulmonary testing	189
thoracic (chest) imaging	22
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	30
X-rays	22

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	370
Female	368

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	687
Black	16
Hispanic	14
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	282
From 75 to 84	221
85 and over	85
Less than 65	150

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	60
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	61
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	32
Heart Failure	57
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	58
Diabetes	44
Dementia	24
Cancer	20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA during 2018 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and tracheal (windpipe) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy	12
catheterization	17
doctor visit	286
hospital care	756
inpatient care	756
minimally invasive procedures	12
pulmonary testing	188
resuscitation	18
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	33

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	373
Female	356

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	679
Black	16
Hispanic	16
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	294
From 75 to 84	226
85 and over	95
Less than 65	114

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	11
Ischemic Heart Disease	64
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	59
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	33
Heart Failure	56
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	55
Diabetes	45
Dementia	24
Cancer	19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA during 2019 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and tracheal (windpipe) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization	14
doctor visit	192
hospital care	1110
inpatient care	1110
pulmonary testing	163
resuscitation	14
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	31

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	446
Female	397

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	792
Black	23
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	343
From 75 to 84	285
85 and over	105
Less than 65	110

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	73
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	65
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	64
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	35
Heart Failure	56
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	45
Diabetes	42
Dementia	22
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA during 2020 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and tracheal (windpipe) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy	12
catheterization	31
doctor visit	117
hospital care	945
inpatient care	945
minimally invasive procedures	12
pulmonary testing	80
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	36

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	426
Female	362

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	714
Black	22
Hispanic	20
Asian	0
Other	19
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	331
From 75 to 84	259
85 and over	97
Less than 65	101

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2020

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	72
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	60
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	63
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	32
Heart Failure	50
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	42
Diabetes	41
Dementia	23
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA during 2021 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and bronchoscopy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	15
bronchoscopy	28
diagnostic procedures	28
doctor visit	213
hospital care	645
inpatient care	645
minimally invasive procedures	28
minor procedures	15
pulmonary testing	85
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	16

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	313
Female	275

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	550
Black	14
Hispanic	13
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	261
From 75 to 84	199
85 and over	52
Less than 65	76

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	74
Stroke	17
Ischemic Heart Disease	58
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	60
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	30
Heart Failure	44
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	43
Diabetes	40
Dementia	21
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA during 2022 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and bronchoscopy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	24
bronchoscopy	46
catheterization	16
diagnostic procedures	46
doctor visit	169
hospital care	534
inpatient care	534
minimally invasive procedures	46
minor procedures	24
pulmonary testing	94
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	16

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	259
Female	246

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	474
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	208
From 75 to 84	172
85 and over	66
Less than 65	59

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	21
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	40
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	43
Heart Failure	47
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	45
Diabetes	44
Dementia	11
Cancer	22

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Des Moines, IA were inpatient care, hospital care, pulmonary testing and diagnostic procedures.

aspiration	19
bronchoscopy	22
catheterization	20
diagnostic procedures	37
doctor visit	143
hospital care	823
inpatient care	823
minimally invasive procedures	22
minor procedures	19
pulmonary testing	136
resuscitation	15
thoracic (chest) imaging	19
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	28
X-rays	19

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD.

**Gender**
Male	265
Female	248

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	10
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	472
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	6
Other	1

**Age**
75 to 84	160
85 and over	59
Less than 65	80
65 to 74	210

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	51
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	42
Asthma	18
Osteoporosis	7
Heart Failure	40
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	45
Diabetes	33
Atrial Fibrillation	24
Dementia	14
Cancer	13

Education & Training

Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine in 2009. He has a state license in Iowa.

Medical School: University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine (2009)

Licensed In: Iowa

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MercyOne

MERCY CLINICS INC

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 57 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Des Moines, IA.

4.8

Overall Rating

(57 Ratings)

Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Blair D. Westerly, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$6,256 Da Vinci Surgical System $6,256
Ethicon Inc.	$558 Monarch $558
Covidien LP	$150 superDimension $150
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company	$105 GIAPREZA $105
Covidien Sales LLC	$85 superDimension $85
Other	$94 ERBE VIO3 $56	Yupelri $21	SPIRIVA RESPIMAT $17

**Types of Payments**
Travel and Lodging	$3,262
Education	$3,000
Food and Beverage	$986

Biography

Dr. Blair Westerly is an adult critical care and adult pulmonology specialist in Des Moines, IA, West Des Moines, IA, and East Newton, IA. Areas of particular interest for Dr. Westerly include intensive care, lung issues, and robotic surgery. Patients rated Dr. Westerly highly, giving him an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). He is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. He is professionally affiliated with MercyOne. Dr. Westerly has an open panel in Des Moines, IA according to MercyOne.