The What, the Who, and the Why of Pulmonary Rehab
Lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and lung fibrosis cannot be cured. It is vital we utilize every tool available to cope and possibly thrive despite these diseases. As an integrated pulmonary telemedicine practice, we serve the complex needs of patients with lung diseases from all over.
Yet we have underutilized one of the most effective therapies we have against chronic lung diseases. The need for travel and inconsistent insurer coverage has deprived many patients of the overwhelming benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) with less than 10% of eligible patients being referred.
Written by: Avinesh S Bhar, MD, a Sleep doctor in Virginia.