What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to aid those who suffer from lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and restrictive pulmonary disease.  The program encompasses such diseases as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, and many others.  Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs are designed to limit the physiological and psychological effects of pulmonary illness, reduce fear associated with shortness of breath and control shortness of breath, stabilize or improve the patient’s condition, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is an individually designed, medically supervised program for those suffering from pulmonary illness. This rehabilitation is designed to help patients to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, education, and support.


Who oversees the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program?

Credentialed professionals that make up Nanticoke’s successful Pulmonary Rehabilitation team includes:  pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, with referrals/visits from pharmacists, registered dieticians, physical therapists, cardiac nurses, diabetic educators and wound care nurses as needed.


Is this program certified?

The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) awarded program certification to the Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in October 2008.  To receive this certification, the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program underwent a rigorous review by a national board. During this review, the board determined that Nanticoke’s program met the essential requirements for standards of care.  Nanticoke is the first and only hospital in Delaware to have received pulmonary rehabilitation certification.

AACVPR is a national multi-disciplinary association dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry, and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve.


How do I start the program?

A referral is needed from your physician. Office notes indicating you discussed the program with your physician are required as well. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) and an Electrocardiogram (EKG) must be completed within six months of beginning the program.  Your physician can order these tests


How long is the program?

The program is eight weeks, two times a week, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.


Will insurance cover this program?

Most insurance plans cover Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and we can work with patients to determine what’s covered by their plan.