Pulmonology & Critical Care

Guthrie's  Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Guthrie’s Robert Packer Hospital is designed to help you if you have pulmonary disease. Through a combination of education and exercise, you will focus on increasing your independence and minimizing the effects of your lung disease, while achieving your personal goals for breathing easier.

 

If you suffer from any of the following problems, our program may be able to help: 

• asbestosis

• asthma

• bronchiectasis

• chronic bronchitis

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• collagen vascular disease

• emphysema

• interstitial fibrosis

• pneumoconioses

• rheumatoid pulmonary disease

• severe obesity

• other severe lung disease

Where We Are Located:

Guthrie’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation area is located on the 9th level (Respiratory Care/Pulmonary Function Department) of Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA.

 

About the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team:

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is a special service of the Respiratory Care Department at Robert Packer Hospital. The program’s medical director specializes in pulmonary medicine at the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, PA.

Other members of the rehabilitation team include: registered respiratory therapists, registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, certified pulmonary function technicians, registered dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and a chaplain.  This team is available on an as-needed basis.  

 

Taking the First Step

You may contact us directly at (570) 882-4514 to inquire about the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. However, entrance into the program is by physician referral only. Please talk to your primary care physician and ask for a referral. Information on your progress during the program will be sent to your physician.

 

Fees for the Program:

Medicare and many health plans cover most of the component fees for pulmonary rehabilitation. Check with your carrier to be sure.

 

 

Getting to Know You

At your first appointment, you will meet with the pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator, who will ask questions about your health and your breathing difficulties as well as discuss the program and establish goals.

Please wear loose-fitting clothing and sneakers or comfortable walking shoes to this and future appointments.

 

We will perform a simple test called a six-minute walk to help determine what types of exercise will benefit you.

 

Our Six Week Plan

Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is divided into 12, three-hour sessions conducted over six weeks, but can be modified to your individual needs. Half of the class time is dedicated to learning more about breathing and related topics, such as: 

• Breathing exercises

• Coping with chronic illness

• Energy conservation

• Oxygen therapy

• Proper use of breathing equipment

• Relaxation and panic control

• Understanding your disease

• Understanding your medications

 The other half is devoted to exercise, which may include:

• Aerobic conditioning

• Breathing retraining

• Daily living exercises

• Strength and flexibility exercises

 Our pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator will demonstrate the use of special exercise equipment, and help you plan your exercise workout. These sessions are designed with your goals in mind. Before you leave, you will be given your own exercise prescription -- routines that you should do at home in between sessions.

 

Graduation and Follow-Up:

At the end of the 12 sessions, the results of your progress will be shared with you and your primary care physician. You will be given an individualized prescription for exercise and other therapies that may help you maintain or even improve your newly-gained breathing status. In addition, our pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator will contact you at one month and six months following completion of the program to see how you are doing. A pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance program is available if needed.

 

You are also invited to attend the American Lung Association’s Better Breathers’ Group held at Robert Packer Hospital on a regular basis.  For more information, please call (570) 882-4514.