Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Welcome to the NCH Growney Pulmonary Health Center

The Growney Pulmonary Health Center provides pulmonary rehabilitation services to patients with qualifying lung disease such as COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, or Asthma.

What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

The program consists of two phases.

  • The CORE program is the initial phase which typically includes 12 weeks of monitored exercise conducted 3 times per week. In addition, patients participate in several key educational programs to help manage symptoms and make lifestyle adjustments. Each session is supervised by a licensed Respiratory Therapist along with an Exercise Physiologist who are under the direction of the program’s Medical Director. The CORE program is a one-time service followed by the second phase of the program called Maintenance.

  • The Maintenance program is a self-pay program where patients are encouraged to continue exercising at the Center under the supervision of qualified staff and with peers who also have similar lung conditions. This portion of the program is designed to maintain the cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness levels achieved in the Core Program. Emphasis is placed on the patient taking responsibility for his or her own health. Maintenance patients usually attend 2 – 3 days per week on-going.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation doesn't replace medical therapy. Instead, it's used with medical therapy and may include:

    Aerobic exercise training
    Weight training
    Nutritional counseling
    Education on your lung disease or condition and how to manage it
    Energy-conserving techniques
    Breathing strategies
    Therapeutic Yoga
    Psychological counseling and/or group support

Who Should Participate?

Pulmonary Rehabilitation may benefit persons who have:

    COPD — Emphysema — Chronic Bronchitis—
    Bronchiectasis
    Asthma
    Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
    Pulmonary Fibrosis
    Patients scheduled for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery, Lung Transplantation and Endobronchial valve placement.
    In many cases it is used as a post operative treatment for other types of lung surgeries.
    Ask your physician if Pulmonary Rehabilitation may benefit you.

Why Should I Participate?

Pulmonary Rehabilitation outcomes have shown that when followed consistently helps to:

    Improve quality of life
    Reduce hospitalizations
    Reduce shortness of breath
    Increase the patient’s ability to manage and control the symptoms of chronic lung diseases
    In most cases where the patient is compliant and able to exercise, the ability to tolerate physical exertion and activities of daily living has improved.


Locations

Marco - Healthcare Center

Naples - Health Center

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What about Payment?

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is an approved service covered by Medicare and most insurance companies. Medicare and other insurance companies have certain guidelines for coverage. In every case, when your physician refers you to Pulmonary Rehabilitation, you should contact your insurance providers to validate coverage and out of pocket expenses. The Maintenance program is self-pay and is not covered by Medicare; however some private insurance companies may provide payment. Again, check with your insurance provider for specific coverage options.

Support Groups

Pulmonary Rehabilitation patients are encouraged to seek additional support and knowledge by attending an appropriate support group listed below.

  • Special People of Organ Transplants. For persons and caregivers who are contemplating or have had lung transplantation. Please call (239) 624-6800 for more information.
  • Naples Lung Disease Support Group. For persons with all sorts of lung disease. Meets at the NCH Growney Pulmonary Health Center monthly. Please call (239) 624-6800 for more information.

Prerequisites of the program include:

    A physician referral for pulmonary rehab
    Pulmonary Function Test results
    A medical history describing the patient’s lung disease
    Other exams as deemed necessary by the referring physician.

Help our community breathe easier

Support the Growney Pulmonary Health Center. Gifts of all sizes are essential to meet the ever-increasing demand for pulmonary rehabilitation services in Collier County. To make a donation visit NCH Healthcare Foundation or call (239) 624-2000.