Tampa General Hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides a safe exercise environment for patients diagnosed with specific lung disease(s). Phase I of the program occurs while a patient is still hospitalized and Phase II and III occur after discharge with a physician’s referral. Medicare and most private health insurance plans cover all or most of pulmonary rehabilitation.
Patients can benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation if they:
- have a pulmonary disease such as COPD, IPF or emphysema
- have had a lung reduction surgery
- have had a uni- or bi-lateral lung transplant
PHASE I
Phase I of pulmonary rehabilitation occurs in the hospital after a respiratory event has occurred. A respiratory therapist specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation works with you to help improve and maintain your pulmonary function using specific modalities.
PHASE II
Phase II of pulmonary rehabilitation is an outpatient program that consists of two weekly visits of supervised exercise. An individualized treatment plan is developed and reviewed by the medical director and reevaluated every 30 days. This includes a six minute walk test and various outcome measurements. Patients in Phase II of pulmonary rehabilitation benefit from educational materials and learn the proper exercise techniques to use our exercise equipment. Smoking cessation guidance, nutritional and psychological counseling are available. Medication delivery and diaphragmatic breathing techniques are also addressed. Patient’s oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored to ensure a safe workout. Oxygen is available if necessary.
PHASE III
Called the maintenance phase, Phase III focuses on maintaining the progress that has been achieved. An individualized exercise plan for use at home is created to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle.
THE TGH PULMONARY REHABILITATION TEAM
Team members include a board certified pulmonary physician (medical director), pulmonary rehabilitation therapist, referring physician and most importantly, the patient. Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is supervised by a physician and trained interdisciplinary staff. Each team member is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
WHEN IS PULMONARY REHABILITATION AVAILABLE?
Exercise classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes begin hourly at 8:00 a.m. with the last class starting at 2:00 p.m. Once you are enrolled in pulmonary rehabilitation, you can attend the class that is most convenient for your schedule.
WHAT CLOTHING IS RECOMMENDED FOR THE PROGRAM?
Loose-fitting clothing and rubber-soled shoes are required. All participants can use locker room facilities including lockers, showers and towels. Tampa General Hospital's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides a safe exercise environment for patients diagnosed with specific lung disease(s). Phase I of the program occurs while a patient is still
hospitalized and Phase II and III occur after discharge with a physician’s referral. Medicare and most private health insurance plans cover all or most of pulmonary rehabilitation.