Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Services include:
An exercise and educational program designed to help lung disease patients improve the quality of their life
Hill Health Center, 2nd floor
Free parking is available behind the Medical Center and is reached by following signs for the Hill Health Center. Additional free parking is available in the Visitors Lot located on Route 140. Complimentary valet parking is also available from 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. and is accessed at the entrance to the Hill Health Center in the back of the Medical Center.
508-422-2290
Breathe Easier
The Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Milford Regional is an exercise and educational program that is designed to help all patients with lung disease improve their quality of life. Participants enjoy the benefits of both an individualized exercise regimen and exciting group educational sessions. Our comprehensive team approach – which includes Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) respiratory therapists and a nurse practitioner, all under the direction of board certified pulmonary physicians – assures exceptional, seamless care.
Eligibility
To join our Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, you must have a lung disease or other medical disease that causes you to have difficult or uncomfortable breathing, abnormal breathing tests and difficulty breathing when performing necessary daily activities.
Getting Started
You must first obtain a referral. Any member of your healthcare team can provide the referral; however, all referrals should be approved by your primary care physician. Next, program participation involves an evaluation by a member of the rehabilitation staff. You will meet with either a lung physician, respiratory therapist or nurse practitioner specializing in lung disease prior to program enrollment. The purpose of this visit is to review your medical history, perform a brief monitored walking test and discuss your specific problems and goals. It is during this session that a customized exercise program will be developed for you. You will also participate in group education sessions.
Meeting Times
Program sessions are scheduled over an eight-week (24-class) period on Monday and Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. All sessions are supervised by the Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff.
After Graduation
Following participation in the eight-week program, you may enroll in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Maintenance Program for a small monthly fee. These sessions meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., 1:45 to 3 p.m. and 2:45 to 4 p.m. These sessions are also supervised by the Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff.
What You Can Expect
- Most of our patients are able to walk for 20-30 minutes without pause by the end of our program. Many are able to walk on a treadmill for the same time period.
- All of our patients report that they are able to perform their daily activities with less fatigue and less breathlessness.
- All of our patients report that they have a much better understanding of their lung disease and their medications.
- All of our patients state that they have learned valuable coping skills to ease their stress.
Insurance Matters
The initial eight-week, 24-class Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare. A member of our staff will be happy to meet with you to review individual insurance coverage.
Parking Made Easy
For your convenience, free valet parking is available near the entrance to the Hill Health Center located in the rear of Milford Regional off Route 140. Several handicapped parking spaces are also available in this location. Although parking is subject to availability, every effort is made to ensure appropriate parking for you. The program is held on the second floor of the Hill Health Center in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center.
For more information or to become part of our program, call Respiratory Care Services at 508-422-2290.