Pulmonary Rehabilitation
What is Pulmonary Rehab?Many people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which may include components of Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, and elements of Asthma, often find themselves able to do less and less for themselves over time, often due to shortness of breath. Some find it difficult to walk any distance, to shop for food, and perhaps even to get dressed in the morning without becoming exhausted. While there is no cure for these conditions, there are steps that can be taken to slow the progress of the disease and restore the ability to perform the activities of daily living.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program of structured and monitored physical conditioning and education designed to help participants with lung disease lead more active and enjoyable lives. Through exercise and education, participants can take control of their disease.
This is an 8-week program that provides individualized care under the direction of a board-certified pulmonary physician and is carried out by a Respiratory Care Practitioner and Physical Therapist. Upon referral from a physician, a series of evaluations will be performed in order to collect the information necessary to design a specific program of exercise. The participant will then join a group of people with similar conditions for exercise and education sessions that occur twice each week. Progress is recorded at each visit and formally re-evaluated in the middle and at the end of the program.
To start the process, it is necessary to speak with your physician. If he or she agrees that you would benefit from the program, their office can call our Pulmonary Rehab line at (603) 580-7921. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation coordinator will then forward the necessary paperwork to your physician, and contact you about the process.
Can I start right away?
In order to develop a program designed specifically for you, and to meet the requirements of insurance carriers, including Medicare, certain information must be collected and documented. Whenever possible, we try to use information that is already available, such as existing laboratory work and pulmonary function studies. If the information is outdated or not available, you will be scheduled for the testing necessary to collect the information prior to the start of the program.
Following testing, both a Physical Therapy and Respiratory evaluation are carried out. All of the data and evaluations are then developed into an individualized plan of care and reviewed by the pulmonary physician. Once the plan is approved, you can start the program.
Does insurance cover this program?
Individual consultation and classes are reimbursable through many insurance carriers. Please contact your carrier for specific coverage criteria. Financial aid is also available to patients who meet specific income, geographic, and Exeter Hospital guidelines. .
Can I start right away?
In order to develop a program designed specifically for you, and to meet the requirements of insurance carriers, including Medicare, certain information must be collected and documented. Whenever possible, we try to use information that is already available, such as existing laboratory work and pulmonary function studies. If the information is outdated or not available, you will be scheduled for the testing necessary to collect the information prior to the start of the program.
Following testing, both a Physical Therapy and Respiratory evaluation are carried out. All of the data and evaluations are then developed into an individualized plan of care and reviewed by the pulmonary physician. Once the plan is approved, you can start the program.
Does insurance cover this program?
Individual consultation and classes are reimbursable through many insurance carriers. Please contact your carrier for specific coverage criteria. Financial aid is also available to patients who meet specific income, geographic, and Exeter Hospital guidelines. .
Where is the program held?
The exercise and education take place in the Cardiac Gym located on the 4th floor of Exeter Hospital. Valet parking is available at the main entrance to the hospital, and wheelchair transportation to the gym is available if needed.
Do I have to go to the education classes or can I just do the exercise?
The education component is just as important as the exercise and both must be attended to remain active in the program. We use many different disciplines to bring you the best education and advice to improve your quality of life. Discussions and presentations may be led by respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, pharmacists, social workers and representatives from organizations in the community. Topics covered include basic lung anatomy and lung diseases, breathing and relaxation techniques, using medications, proper use of inhalers and spacers, healthy eating, traveling, what to expect from home care companies, oxygen use, energy conservation, avoiding irritants and complications, and more.
Education sessions are held either prior to or following an exercise session, so no special arrangements must be made to come to the hospital more than twice each week.
Tell me more about the exercise classes.
The exercise and education classes are currently held on Tuesday and Thursday each week, holidays excepted.
First, you are advised to wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear. No special clothing is required. Each class begins with the collection of information about you, including your pulse rate, blood pressure and how you're feeling in general. Your oxygen level is also measured using a pulse oximeter. You will then typically do some breathing exercises and stretching, followed by low-level aerobic exercise and upper body strengthening to improve strength, flexibility and endurance. The type of equipment you use will depend upon the program developed for you. You will learn to monitor yourself during the sessions. At the end of the session you will do a cool-down and record the information as at the start of the session.
What if I miss a class?
The program is designed around an average of 16 total sessions per patient. If you miss a session, you make it up at the end. It is not unusual that illness or inclement weather interrupt a scheduled class. Because the program is individualized, we work on meeting your goals over a reasonable period of time while being sensitive to other issues that may arise in your life. .
What do I do when I'm done with the 16-week program?
You may elect to continue your exercise at home, or join other graduates in what is called the "maintenance program". Many of our graduates continue their group exercise at Synergy Health and Fitness, located on the Exeter Hospital campus. For a reasonable monthly fee, they meet three times each week - on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday -to continue their exercise under the watchful eye of a Physical Therapy Assistant.
What other support is offered?
Exeter Hospital sponsors a Pulmonary Support Group that meets on the third Friday of each month. This is for patients in either the hospital-based program or the maintenance program. The Support Group offers peer support, brings in various speakers, and also plans and carries out social events. Some of our graduates in the support group regularly participate in walk-a-thons for the NH Lung Association to raise funds to support Lung Association educational programs.
How do I find out more?
Call our Pulmonary Rehab department at (603) 580-7921.
