Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Breathe easy with monitored breathing exercises

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

If you have pulmonary problems or suffer from a chronic lung disease such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis or asthma, the pulmonary rehabilitation program at Desert Care Network can help you breathe easy. This medically prescribed program focuses on improving your overall quality of life through improved breathing techniques and fitness.

Who can benefit from the program?

If you are recovering or experiencing any of the following conditions, pulmonary rehabilitation at Desert Care Network can help you.

• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Other lung diseases

What will the pulmonary rehabilitation entail?

The 7-10 week outpatient program combines monitored exercise, education and stress management to help you make healthy changes and maintain a full and active lifestyle. You’ll learn about the anatomy and physiology of the lungs, how nutrition affects COPD and what respiratory medications can help. Plus, you’ll practice monitored exercise on breath retraining, diaphragmatic breathing and proper pursing of lips and posture.

What are the pulmonary rehabilitation admission requirements?

1. Physician referral (HMO insurance requires referral to a pulmonologist first)
2. A diagnosis of COPD, chronic bronchitis. emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis
3. A pulmonary function test within the last 90 days, which reveals FVC or FEV1 with less than 60% predicted value.

Does the pulmonary rehab program accept insurance?

Medicare and most insurance companies cover the cost of the required tests and rehabilitation sessions pending qualification.

Pulmonary rehabilitation services are offered Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment or to receive additional information about cardiac rehabilitation, call (800) 491-4990.

Pulmonary Laboratory

What is the pulmonary laboratory?

The pulmonary laboratory works hand-in-hand with Desert Regional physicians and the community at large to help diagnose patients with pulmonary disorders. The laboratory offers you both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

What tests does the pulmonary laboratory offer?

The laboratory offers a variety of state-of-the-art tests to help diagnose pulmonary illnesses including:

• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs) — Pulmonary function testing is the primary method used to diagnose, stage and monitor various pulmonary diseases.
• Methacholine Challenge Testing — The methacholine challenge is a bronchial provocation test used to assist in the evaluation of asthma.
• High Altitude Simulation Testing — This test is useful for obtaining important data pertaining to individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who either live at higher altitudes or who plan to fly on commercial airlines.
• Exercise Oximetry — Exercise testing may be performed to determine the need for supplemental oxygen with exertion.
• Arterial Blood Gas Sampling — This test monitors the severity and progression of a pulmonary disease process.
• Bronchoscopy — Bronchoscopy aids in the diagnosis of a wide range of lung diseases and conditions.

What qualifications do the technicians have at the pulmonary lab?

Testing is performed by qualified personnel credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Most personnel are credentialed Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs), Registered Pulmonary Function Technologists (RPFTs), and Certified Pulmonary Function Technologists (CPFTs).

Pulmonary laboratory services are offered Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment or to receive additional information about cardiac rehabilitation, call (760) 323-6183.