Heart & Vascular Institute

Phase II Pulmonary Rehabilitation

What is Phase II Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Phase II Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a medically monitored exercise training program. It is designed to provide instruction and education on how to exercise appropriately. In addition, you will receive education on respiratory care, smoking cessation, nutrition, and oxygen therapy. An individualized treatment plan is designed for you by your therapists. The goal of these plans is to develop realistic goals for improving your health both physically and emotionally. A diagnosis of lung disease renders many as feeling hopeless, helpless, depressed, frustrated, angry, and anxious. A large part of rehab is developing coping and support skills.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a great way to learn how to achieve an optimal level of independence and physical capabilities. Your health care team is also there to listen to any difficulties you may be having and help to have you treated. It results in a reduction in hospitalizations by catching infections soon and decreasing illness.

When will I have Phase II Pulmonary Rehabilitation? Who is eligible?
Phase II Pulmonary Rehab will usually begin in the first few weeks after being discharged from hospitalization. You can also be referred for this program if you have not been hospitalized. If you have recently been diagnosed (within the last 6 months to 1 year) with any one of a number of lung illnesses, you may be eligible for this program. Your insurance coverage will also determine if you can participate in this program.

How do I become involved in Phase II Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
If you are hospitalized and are referred for this program by your doctor, you will most likely see a rehab therapist or talk to a nurse about getting started in Phase II. They will set up an initial assessment and consultation with a Respiratory Therapist or a Registered Nurse at the H.E.A.R.T. Center. You can also call the H.E.A.R.T. Center to set up your own appointment. If you have not been hospitalized, your doctor can call and make a referral or you can call to determine if you are eligible. Your initial assessment is about 1 hour long. During this time we will obtain a health history, your medical records, and discuss treatment with you. Within usually 1 week you can begin rehab. We will need to obtain a prescription from your doctor first.

How am I monitored?
Your therapists will monitor your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen saturations every day you attend rehab. You will have an EKG done twice daily during your exercise session. If you should have any complications or difficulty during rehab, your therapist will appropriately refer you to your physician and / or treat as necessary. The exercise sessions are meant to slowly progress your activity into a level that will make your heart and lungs stronger, without stressing your existing condition.

How is this program covered?
Many insurances will cover this program, depending on your diagnosis. Be sure to call your insurance company to determine your eligibility before you begin Pulmonary Rehab. It will be your responsibility to determine if you have the appropriate coverage. Your therapist will send information to your doctor requesting authorization of rehab visits if this is necessary. You will also want to determine whether you will have a co pay or coinsurance that will apply to each visit. If your insurance does not cover this program, please discuss this with a rehab therapist. In some cases, other sources of financial assistance can be obtained.

When are classes?
Those who are enrolled in Phase II Pulmonary Rehabilitation must attend classes three days a week. Classes are offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for 1 hour. Class times are at 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:15 PM. There is a size limit to each of these classes, so please speak to a therapist to enroll.

What is next?
This stage of rehab usually will last 3 months at a maximum. After these three months, many patients decide to continue on into Phase III Pulmonary Rehabilitation at the H.E.A.R.T. Center. Phase III is a maintenance exercise program for Pulmonary patients who have been deemed as being medically stable by their physicians. This program does have an out-of-pocket cost.

If you choose not to continue into Phase III, you can continue with your exercise program at home or elsewhere. If you have questions concerning the best exercise for you, talk to your rehab therapist.