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Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD

Accepting New Patients

(No ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine
King Edward Medical University (2004)
Professional interests include: empyema, beryllium disease, injuries, and more.
105 West 8th Avenue Suite 512C
Spokane, WA 99204

Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD is a pulmonologist in Spokane, WA specializing in adult pulmonology and sleep medicine. She graduated from King Edward Medical University in 2004 and has 21 years of experience. Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD is affiliated with Providence and PROVIDENCE HEALTH AND SERVICES WASHINGTON.

View Doctor's Full Profile (509) 474-2295

Office Locations

105 West 8th Avenue Suite 512C
Spokane, WA 99204
open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD can help you with:

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, is inserted in the mouth or nose and slowly advanced to the lungs. This allows doctors to see the respiratory tract, which includes the throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (airways), and lungs. Doctors may recommend those who have or show signs of lung problems - for example, lung cancer or difficulty breathing - to undergo a bronchoscopy.

In performing a diagnostic bronchoscopy, doctors may only wish to visualize the respiratory tract, or doctors may also collect samples of tissue or fluid. The samples can help diagnose patients' conditions or, if patients have cancer, they can be used for staging purposes. One method for sample collection is bronchoalveolar lavage. In a bronchoalveolar lavage, doctors inject saline (salt water) through the bronchoscope and then suction it out of the airways. The washout collected is tested for lung disorders. Doctors can also insert a biopsy tool to collect tissue or mucus samples. The following are biopsies that can be performed by bronchoscopy:

  • Brush biopsy, which uses a brush to collect samples.
  • Endobronchial biopsy, which uses the bronchoscope to guide forceps to sample lung tissue.
  • Transbronchial biopsy, which uses forceps and image guidance - such as X-rays, CT scans, or fluoroscopy - to sample lung tissue.
  • Transbronchial fine needle aspiration (TBNA), which uses a small needle to take samples of the lymph nodes or lungs.

For visualization, bronchoscopy can be done alone, or it can be combined with ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) allows real-time imaging of the airway and is used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, as well as for determining where the cancer has spread. EBUS can be performed with TBNA, a procedure known as endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Doctors can also use bronchoscopy as a treatment for lung problems. For example, if a foreign body is trapped in the airway, doctors can insert forceps through the bronchoscope to remove it. If the airway has become narrowed - which may occur if patients have an infection, cancer, or some other inflammatory issue - bronchoscopy can be used to place a device called a stent in the area of constriction. The stent will keep the airway open, allowing the patient to breathe properly.

During a bronchoscopy, patients will be given medication (sedative) to help them relax. If it is only a diagnostic bronchoscopy, patients will be kept awake, but if the bronchoscopy is for therapeutic purposes, patients will be put to sleep by general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours. They will not be able to eat or drink for about 2 hours. Some patients may experience discomfort, such as a sore throat or pain while swallowing. Throat lozenges and gargling may help alleviate these symptoms, which should go away after a few days. Patients will need to have someone drive them home once their doctor determines that they are ready.

CPAP Treatment

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment is a medical treatment for people with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea interrupts breathing during sleep, resulting in lapses of oxygen. Lapses of oxygen may in turn lead to severe headaches, heart problems, fatigue, and poor sleep quality. The CPAP device remedies sleep apnea by forcing open the airway with pressurized air, ensuring someone receives enough oxygen while sleeping. The CPAP device is a mask attached to a machine (with a tube) that takes in air from the surrounding room, filters it, and then pressurizes it. The constant flow of pressurized air treats sleep apnea by keeping the tongue and soft palate from obstructing the throat and airway. Benefits of CPAP treatment include:

  • Improved concentration and focus
  • Reduced snoring
  • Lowered risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Improved mental health

In order to receive a CPAP device, patients must receive a prescription from a physician. Some patients may be asked to complete an overnight sleep study known as a titration study. A titration study monitors patients' sleep using a mask attached to a CPAP machine. The technician may monitor and adjust the CPAP's air pressure throughout the night. The purpose of a titration study is to determine the appropriate air pressure for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (blocked upper airway). Once an appropriate CPAP pressure is identified, physicians or sleep technicians may recommend a specific brand or style of device to the patient for long-term use.

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.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD in 2023

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

Top 5%

By Affordability:

bronchoscopy with therapeutic aspiration
cardiorespiratory sleep study
home cardiorespiratory sleep study
home sleep study
type 4 home sleep study

In 2023, Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD had a list price for bronchoscopy with therapeutic aspiration, cardiorespiratory (type 3) sleep study, home cardiorespiratory (type 3) sleep study, home sleep study, and type 4 home sleep study that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of providers in related specialties within Washington. 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 Affordability:

sleep study
therapeutic bronchoscopy

In 2023, Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD had a list price for sleep study, and therapeutic bronchoscopy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 90% of providers in related specialties within Washington. 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 Volume:

pulmonary function test

By Affordability:

bronchoalveolar lavage
bronchoscopy

In 2013, among providers in related specialties within Washington, Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD performed more pulmonary function test (PFT) procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of them and she also had a list price for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and bronchoscopy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% 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.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Spokane, WA during 2014 were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and thoracic (chest) imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD for Medicare patients.

airway management 40
CT scan 70
doctor visit 317
hospital care 1122
inpatient care 1122
preventive care 22
pulmonary testing 280
sleep study 78
thoracic (chest) imaging 110
vaccines 22
X-rays 40

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD.

Gender
Male 369
Female 418
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 755
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 296
From 75 to 84 203
85 and over 67
Less than 65 221

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD in 2014

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated during 2014 were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 10
Ischemic Heart Disease 68
Depression 45
Chronic Kidney Disease 57
Asthma 17
Osteoperosis 8
Atrial Fibrilation 24
Heart Failure 50
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 64
Diabetes 53
Dementia 16
Cancer 18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Spokane, WA during 2015 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 33
hospital care 291
inpatient care 291

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD.

Gender
Male 162
Female 180
Age
From 65 to 74 120
From 75 to 84 90
85 and over 44
Less than 65 88

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD in 2015

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated during 2015 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 71
Stroke 13
Ischemic Heart Disease 70
Depression 49
Chronic Kidney Disease 61
Asthma 32
Osteoperosis 8
Atrial Fibrilation 23
Heart Failure 53
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 63
Diabetes 51
Dementia 22
Cancer 19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Spokane, WA during 2020 were pulmonary testing.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 155
pulmonary testing 28

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD.

Gender
Male 49
Female 68
Age
From 65 to 74 49
From 75 to 84 49
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD in 2020

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated during 2020 were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 66
High Cholesterol 50
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 46
Depression 22
Chronic Kidney Disease 36
Asthma 20
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 21
Heart Failure 30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 48
Diabetes 39
Dementia 0
Cancer 16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Spokane, WA during 2021 were pulmonary testing, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 304
hospital care 23
inpatient care 23
pulmonary testing 117

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD.

Gender
Male 109
Female 129
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 214
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 99
From 75 to 84 90
85 and over 19
Less than 65 30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD in 2021

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated during 2021 were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 65
High Cholesterol 53
Stroke 5
Ischemic Heart Disease 42
Depression 32
Chronic Kidney Disease 41
Asthma 24
Osteoperosis 13
Atrial Fibrilation 16
Heart Failure 32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 48
Diabetes 36
Dementia 8
Cancer 19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Spokane, WA during 2022 were pulmonary testing, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 433
preventive care 18
pulmonary testing 312
vaccines 18

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD.

Gender
Male 170
Female 207
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 344
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 14
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 178
From 75 to 84 140
85 and over 30
Less than 65 29

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD in 2022

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated during 2022 were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes.

Hypertension 72
High Cholesterol 71
Stroke 8
Ischemic Heart Disease 32
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 26
Asthma 30
Osteoperosis 17
Atrial Fibrilation 27
Heart Failure 33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 45
Diabetes 33
Dementia 5
Cancer 19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Spokane, WA during 2023 were pulmonary testing, sleep study, bronchoscopy and hospital care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD for Medicare patients.

airway management 17
aspiration 14
bronchoscopy 29
doctor visit 513
hospital care 28
inpatient care 28
pulmonary testing 376
sleep study 48

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD.

Gender
Male 237
Female 254
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 441
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 26
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 217
From 75 to 84 197
85 and over 43
Less than 65 34

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD in 2023

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated during 2023 were high cholesterol, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 73
High Cholesterol 73
Stroke 9
Ischemic Heart Disease 33
Depression 28
Chronic Kidney Disease 25
Asthma 31
Osteoperosis 18
Atrial Fibrilation 29
Heart Failure 29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 45
Diabetes 29
Dementia 6
Cancer 22

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2014 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD treated as a pulmonologist in Spokane, WA were hospital care, inpatient care, pulmonary testing and thoracic (chest) imaging.

airway management 28
aspiration 14
bronchoscopy 29
CT scan 70
doctor visit 292
hospital care 366
inpatient care 366
preventive care 20
pulmonary testing 222
sleep study 63
thoracic (chest) imaging 110
vaccines 20
X-rays 40

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2014 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD.

Gender
Male 182
Female 209
Ethnicity
Black / African American 0
Asian / Pacific Islander 0
Non-Hispanic White 292
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 0
Other 6
Age
75 to 84 128
85 and over 33
Less than 65 67
65 to 74 159

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD From 2014 - 2023

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

Hypertension 71
High Cholesterol 65
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 48
Depression 33
Chronic Kidney Disease 41
Asthma 25
Osteoporosis 10
Heart Failure 37
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 52
Diabetes 40
Atrial Fibrillation 23
Cancer 18
Dementia 9

Education & Training

Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD graduated from King Edward Medical University in 2004. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and has a state license in Washington.

Medical School: King Edward Medical University (2004)

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine

Licensed In: Washington

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence
PROVIDENCE HEALTH AND SERVICES WASHINGTON

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Humana PPO, Aetna PPO, CIGNA PPO, Wellcare Medicare (HMO), Medicare Advantage, Interplan PPO, TriWest, United Healthcare, TRICARE, Medicaid, Regence Blue Shield, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare Medicaid, OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (United Behavioral Health), Providence, Humana HMO, First Health, WellPoint, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, Aetna Medicare PPO, Asuris Northwest Health PPO, Naphcare, Pacific Source Health PPO, Stevens County SheriffS Office, State of Washington Department of Corrections, Premera, Ferry County Jail, Evernorth PPO, Blue Cross of Idaho Health Service PPO, First Choice PPO, Regence BlueShield of Washington PPO and Interwest Health PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Fatima Ajaz, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Humana PPO
Aetna PPO
CIGNA PPO
Wellcare Medicare (HMO)
Medicare Advantage
Interplan PPO
TriWest
United Healthcare
TRICARE
Medicaid
Regence Blue Shield
Humana
Cigna
United Healthcare Medicaid
OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (United Behavioral Health)
Providence
Humana HMO
First Health
WellPoint
Kaiser Permanente
Molina Healthcare
Aetna Medicare PPO
Asuris Northwest Health PPO
Naphcare
Pacific Source Health PPO
Stevens County SheriffS Office
State of Washington Department of Corrections
Premera
Ferry County Jail
Evernorth PPO
Blue Cross of Idaho Health Service PPO
First Choice PPO
Regence BlueShield of Washington PPO
Interwest Health PPO

Ratings & Reviews

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General Payments

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

Payments by Company
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC. $975 TRELEGY ELLIPTA
$488 		NUCALA
$341 		BREO
$127 		ANORO
$19
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP $939 BREZTRI
$424 		TEZSPIRE
$311 		AIRSUPRA
$113 		SYMBICORT
$54 		FASENRA
$14 		Other
$24
Medtronic, Inc. $783 ILLUMISITE
$783
Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. $399 UPTRAVI
$203 		OPSUMIT
$196
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $395 OFEV
$183 		SPIRIVA RESPIMAT
$54 		STIOLTO RESPIMAT
$43 		COMBIVENT RESPIMAT
$10
$105
Other $2,532 DUPIXENT
$587 		Hillrom - Life 2000 Ventilation System
$233 		SMARTVEST
$231 		TYVASO
$230 		Yupelri
$148 		Other
$1,103
Types of Payments
Food and Beverage $4,774
Travel and Lodging $700
Education $551

Biography

Dr. Fatima Ajaz is a specialist in sleep medicine and adult pulmonology. Dr. Ajaz attended medical school at King Edward Medical University. Clinical interests for Dr. Ajaz include airway obstruction, aspiration, and pneumonitis (lung inflammation). Blue California, HealthSmart, and Coventry seem to be the insurance carriers that Dr. Ajaz accepts. She is professionally affiliated with Providence. Dr. Ajaz welcomes new patients at her office inSpokane, WA as reported by Doctor.com.

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