Better Breathing, Better Quality of Life
Winchester Hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services help improve the wellbeing of people with chronic (long-lasting) breathing problems. Our comprehensive program has helped many area residents cope better with lung disorders and improve their quality of life.
Our program can help people who have been diagnosed with breathing problems such as:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
You will be closely supervised by qualified staff, should you have any questions or breathing symptoms. You will be given personal exercise guidelines, which take into consideration your health and medical history as well as your current level of conditioning. While you exercise with us, your oxygen saturation levels and heart rate are carefully monitored.
How to Participate
You need a referral from your doctor in order to participate. Here are the steps involved:
- Get a referral from your primary care physician (PCP)
- Be evaluated by your PCP and/or pulmonologist
- Have an exercise tolerance test (ETT)
- Be evaluated by our Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff
Staff members involved in your care include:
- Pulmonologist
- Respiratory therapist
- Exercise physiologist
- Registered nurse
- Registered dietician
- Social worker
- Health psychologist
Support from Others
Participants meet in small groups throughout the program to discuss topics such as:
- Monitoring your pulmonary status
- Relaxation techniques
- Stress management and coping skills
- Activities of daily living
- Energy-efficient techniques
- Sexuality
- Breathing exercises
- Independent exercise
In addition to group seminars, you will also receive one-on-one education during your exercise sessions. A support group facilitated by our health psychologist is also available.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans do cover our program. You should check with your insurance company to see if you have a co-payment or if you will be responsible for a portion of the cost. If you have any further questions regarding insurance coverage, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Maintenance Program
Throughout your participation, you will be counseled on incorporating exercise into your daily life. Upon completion of the program, you will be given written guidelines to keep you motivated and exercising safely.
These guidelines will be tailored to meet your personal needs and lifestyle. Following completion of the initial phase of rehabilitation, you have the option of entering our maintenance program.
Location & Hours of Operation
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is located at the Winchester Hospital Family Medical Center at 500 Salem Street in Wilmington. Get directions.
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call for specific appointment availability.
Our program coordinator is happy to answer any questions and assist you further. Please call us at 978-988-6131. We also invite you to download a brochure about our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services.
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