Pulmonary Rehabilitation


Pulmonary rehabilitation can help people with chronic lung diseases improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life through education and exercise.

When is Pulmonary Rehabilitation Necessary?

Services must be reasonable and medically necessary. Patients who require Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) services shall meet all of the following criteria: 

  • Diagnosis of a chronic, but stable, respiratory system impairment that is under optimal medical management. Although PR efforts are often focused on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema), other conditions appropriate for this process include, but are not limited to, patients with asthma, interstitial disease, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, chest wall diseases, neuromuscular disorders, ventilator dependency, and before and after lung surgery for transplantation, volume reduction, or cancer. Note: Optimal medical management indicates that the patient has stopped smoking or is actively engaged in efforts to stop smoking. 

  • Moderate, severe, or very severe COPD, according the Global Strategy for Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of COPD Classification of Severity of Airflow Limitation in COPD* 

  • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) revealing FEVl/FVC < 0.70: 
    • GOLD 1: Mild - FEVl > 80% predicted
    • GOLD 2: Moderate - 50% < FEVl < 80% predicted
    • GOLD 3: Severe - 30% < FEVl < 50% predicted
    • GOLD 4: Very Severe - FEVl < 30% predicted
    • *Based on Post-Bronchodilator FEVl 
  • Exhibit disabling symptoms which significantly impair the patient's level of functioning.

  • Expectation of measurable improvement in a reasonable and predictable timeframe.

  • Be physically able, motivated and willing to participate in PR.

How are These Patients Admitted to Pulmonary Rehab?

  • FAX the doctor's order, including complete PFT, with patient demographics to 209-564-4273.

  • We will contact the patient and have them come in and sign a records release.

  • Once we have the patient records, we will make an appointment for the initial interview and first session of Pulmonary Rehabilitation.