Dr. Rajeesh Punnakkattu (Dr. Raj)
(520) 374-8915
Fax: (520) 233-7015
Since 2008

Breathe Better.
Sleep Better.
Live Better.

Expert Pulmonary, Sleep Medicine, and Critical Care by Dr. Rajeesh Punnakkattu (Dr. Raj) — serving Casa Grande and surrounding communities with 22+ years of experience.

Board Certified
Accepting New Patients
22+ Years Experience
Hablamos Espanol

Our Specialties

Comprehensive care for pulmonary conditions, sleep disorders, and critical illness

Pulmonary Medicine

COPD, asthma, lung cancer evaluation, chronic cough, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchoscopy, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary function testing.

Sleep Medicine

Home sleep testing, in-lab sleep studies, sleep apnea treatment, CPAP/BiPAP, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy diagnosis and management.

Critical Care

Intensive care services at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, managing life-threatening respiratory failure and complex critical illness.

Valley Fever Care in Casa Grande

A common fungal lung infection in southern Arizona — and a condition we diagnose and treat regularly

What is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal infection caused by inhaling Coccidioides spores from desert soil. When soil is disturbed by wind, construction, or farming, spores become airborne. Casa Grande sits in Pinal County — one of Arizona's highest-risk areas. Thousands of Arizonans are affected each year, with seasonal peaks in summer and fall.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Persistent cough (sometimes with blood-tinged sputum)
  • Fever, chills, and night sweats
  • Chest pain and shortness of breath
  • Fatigue, body aches, and joint pain
  • Rash on lower legs

When to See a Pulmonologist

  • Cough, fever, or chest pain lasting more than 2 weeks
  • Abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan findings
  • Positive Valley Fever blood test
  • Weakened immune system or diabetes

Diagnosis

Blood tests (Valley Fever antibodies), chest X-ray or CT imaging, and when needed, bronchoscopy or biopsy.

Treatment

Mild cases often resolve with monitoring. Persistent or severe infections are treated with antifungal medications (fluconazole, itraconazole). Dr. Raj provides close follow-up with blood work and imaging.

Prevention Tips

Avoid outdoor activity during dust storms. Keep windows closed on windy days. Wear an N95 mask for dusty outdoor work. Use HEPA air filters at home.

Risk Factors

Adults 60+, diabetes, weakened immune system, outdoor workers, and residents of southern Arizona.

Think you may have Valley Fever?

Call (520) 374-8915
Dr. Rajeesh Punnakkattu (Dr. Raj)

Meet Dr. Raj

Dr. Rajeesh Punnakkattu (Dr. Raj) is a board-certified pulmonologist, critical care, and sleep medicine specialist with over 22 years of medical experience.

He earned his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India, completed his Internal Medicine residency at SUNY Buffalo, and fellowship in Pulmonary & Critical Care at the University of Louisville.

Dr. Raj is affiliated with Banner Casa Grande Medical Center and is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care to every patient.

Board Certified - Pulmonary Disease Board Certified - Critical Care Board Certified - Sleep Medicine Board Certified - Internal Medicine Fellow, ACP Fellow, ACCP Fellow, AASM

Access Your Patient Portal

View lab results, request prescription refills, message Dr. Raj's team, and schedule appointments online — 24/7.

Log In / Request Appointment New Patient Registration

Our Team

Dedicated professionals committed to your respiratory and sleep health

[ Photo ]
Denise Davis
Front Office Manager
denise@upsmaz.com
[ Photo ]
Elva Hernandez
Medical Assistant / Reception
elva@upsmaz.com
[ Photo ]
Windy Campbell
Medical Assistant
windy@upsmaz.com

Accepted Insurances

We accept a wide range of insurance plans. Please call us if you don't see yours listed — we may still be able to help.

AARP
AARP Medicare Supplement
Aetna
Aetna Commercial (HMO, PPO, POS)
Aetna Health Plans
Aetna Healthscope
Aetna Medicare (HMO, PPO)
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Aetna POS (Open Access)
Aetna PPO
AllState
American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
Anthem Blue Cross – California
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Bankers Fidelity
Bankers Life and Casualty
BCBS
Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage PPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
CHAMPVA
CHAMPVA – HAC
Cigna
Cigna Medicare (MA HMO)
Cigna Medicare PPO
CMS Medicare
Devoted
GEHA – ASA
Gilsbar
Golden Rule Insurance Company
HighMark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Humana
Humana Care Plan
Humana Medicare
Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana PPO
Humana (Medicare & Gold Plus)
Humana, Mail Handlers Benefit Plans
Liberty Healthshare
Liberty Mutual
Manhattan Life Ins Co
Medica
Medicare
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Railroad
Meritain Health
Multiplan PHCS
Multiplan PPO
Mutual of Omaha
NALC
OptumHealth
Other
Physicians Mutual
Scan Health Plan
State Farm Group Medical and Individual Health
State Farm Medicare Supplement
Tricare For Life
UCare
UHC AARP
UHC Commercial
UMR
United Healthcare
United Healthcare Medicare
United Healthcare PPO
United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
UnitedHealthCare
USAA Life Ins Co Medicare Supplement
Wellcare
Wells Fargo

* Insurance plans accepted are subject to change. Please verify with our office prior to your appointment.

Visit Our Office

United Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
1780 E Florence Blvd, Suite 110
Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Phone: (520) 374-8915
Fax: (520) 233-7015
Get Driving Directions
Office Hours
Monday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday8:30 - 11:30 AM *
Thursday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday - SundayClosed
* Wednesday: In-office until 11:30 AM. Available by phone until 5:30 PM.
Lunch: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM daily

UPSM Assistant

English