New Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at MetroWest Medical Center Empowers Patients with Chronic Lung Disease

MetroWest Medical Center in Massachusetts has launched a new Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program for those living with lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis and pulmonary fibrosis.

The program provides comprehensive outpatient disease-focused exercise and education to help patients reduce and control symptoms and complications related to lung disease – and improve their quality of life.

After getting a physician referral for the program, patients undergo pulmonary function tests and interviews with staff before working closely with the team of physicians, registered nurses, exercise physiologists, and registered respiratory therapists.

All activities are carefully structured, and participants monitored through continuous EKG and heart rate (via telemetry) monitoring, blood pressure checks, and intermittent pulse oximetry (oxygen monitoring).

Education also plays an essential role in the program. Individual and group discussions cover topics such as nutrition and lung disease, breathing retraining, infection prevention/bronchial hygiene, oxygen use, respiratory medications, stress management, and conserving energy. Participants attend education sessions twice each week – before or after their exercise sessions – and meet with a registered dietitian to address any individual needs.

Loved ones also are encouraged to participate to provide additional support to program participants. The overall duration of the program varies according to each individual's needs and goals.

Most insurance carriers cover the cost of this program, but some providers may require a copay or may limit coverage to a certain number of visits. Anyone considering the program should check with their insurance provider regarding coverage for pulmonary rehabilitation.