Heart & Vascular Institute

Phase I Pulmonary Rehab

What is Phase I Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Phase I Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program designed for those who have been hospitalized for any of a number of lung illnesses. Most common diagnoses are Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, which includes pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema and more.

When you are in the hospital a therapist will meet with you to evaluate your strength. They will develop a treatment plan to begin improving your functional status during this time. The goal of rehab at this stage is to help strengthen your body through some exercise and activities in order to allow you to return home as quickly as you can. Education is also a very important part of rehab. Phase I Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program to educate you on how to best manage your illness or disease process.

When does this program start?
Patients must be hospitalized to receive Phase I Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This phase occurs after an individual has experienced an illness affecting their lungs.

How can I receive Phase I Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Your physician at Mercy Health Partners will make the appropriate referral to the rehab department if they feel you are qualified to participate. Once this referral is received, a Phase I Therapist will visit you each day a referral is made.

Who is my Rehab Therapist?
Your Rehab Therapist is an exercise physiologist trained in the rehabilitation of the heart and lungs. They have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, specifically focusing on how the entire body is affected by exercise. They are also trained in basic and advanced cardiac support.

How am I monitored?
Your therapist will monitor your heart rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturations. They want to be sure that when you do any activity or exercise, that all of these things are controlled and responding appropriately. Should you have any complication or difficulties during your visits with your therapist, they will alert your health care team to take any action necessary.

How is this program covered?
Phase I Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program generally covered by your insurance company. If you do not receive pulmonary rehabilitation while in the hospital, you may still attend an outpatient Pulmonary Rehab program. In this case, you should call your insurance to determine your benefits for this phase of rehab.

What is next?
If we receive approval for you to begin outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation, your therapist will discuss this option with you. They will refer you to a facility providing Phase II Pulmonary Rehabilitation per orders from your physician. You can choose where to participate in rehab or if you will participate in an outpatient program. These programs are highly recommended, but voluntary.