Clay County Medical Center is pleased to announce the formation of an Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.  Its goal is to help patients with COPD cope with their illness by developing strategies that enhance breathing and exercise tolerance. In addition, there is a learning component designed to help the patient execute the strategies developed in the gym with the goal of having a better quality of life.  A typical class meets two to three times a week.

Diagnoses treated in our program include; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Bronchiectasis, Sarcoidosis, Kyphoscoliosis, and Post-operative lung surgery. Studies have shown that patients with COPD who participate in prescribed exercise benefit both physiologically and psychologically. These benefits include; increased physical capacity, decreased anxiety about breathlessness, Greater independence with daily activities, Reduce fatigue, and improved quality of life.

Clay County Medical Center’s Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is structured to help patients gain these benefits through therapist-monitored exercise sessions. Our therapists are devoted to helping patients achieve their goals, improve pulmonary fitness, reduce pulmonary risk factors, hospital admissions, and minimize the potential for further pulmonary problems.

Physician approval is a pre-requisite for the program.  Following approval, patients receive a comprehensive assessment by a respiratory therapist to determine how many sessions are needed to meet endurance and functional goals. These include a recent pulmonary function test (PFT), and a six minute walk test. 

Each hour-long session consists of a warm-up, an endurance activity, a cool down and an educational component covering various topics, breathing and energy conservation techniques. Patients also take home handouts and visual aids to help them outside of class. A report of progress will be sent to your doctor at the time of completion.

CCMC’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to comply with Medical Insurance.  Once it has been preauthorized with insurance, CCMC will contact patient to schedule an evaluation. The Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is located in the Cardiac Rehabilitation area. For more information on Clay County Medical Center’s Outpatient Pulmonary Program, contact Ronda Rosenquist, RT at (785) 632-2144 or 630-2456.