About Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a critical component of managing several chronic lung conditions, providing significant benefits to patients. Our VMC Pulmonary Rehab is a medically supervised exercise program with the primary goals of improving quality of life and supporting lifestyle changes for your patients with lung disease. The program includes regular exercise classes and education on a variety of related topics. Benefits of the program include reduced shortness of breath, improved exercise tolerance, improved management of your lung condition, and overall improvement in daily function and quality of life.
Who should participate in pulmonary rehab? Patients with the following conditions would benefit:
- COPD (Emphysema or chronic bronchitis)
- Bronchiectasis
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Interstitial lung disease
- Lung cancer and lung cancer surgery
- Lung volume reduction surgery
- Pre and post lung transplantation
What does the program include?
- This program is supported by respiratory therapists and exercise specialists.
- Participants will attend exercise sessions every Tuesday and Thursday for 16 weeks.
- Education on disease management and Lifestyle Medicine is included in our program·
Who should refer to PR?
We welcome referrals from various provider groups including the Emergency Department, Primary Care and Specialty Care.
When should patients be referred?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a versatile and essential intervention across various lung diseases. For most conditions, patients can participate in PR in stable periods of their condition as well as before and after surgery.
How can I refer patients to pulmonary rehab?
EPIC referral 617 to Pulmonary Rehab. If patients have recent, relevant lab results including PFTs that would would be helpful to include.