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Pulmonary rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs help people with chronic lung diseases, including COPD, better manage their condition through breathing retraining, exercise, nutritional counseling, and emotional support. The goal of pulmonary rehab is to help people lead satisfying lives by restoring them to their highest functional capacity.
There are many differences in the scheduling, length, and individual components of these programs. Because of these differences, the cost may vary. The cost also may be influenced by the geographic location, the type of center, and the type of healthcare professionals involved in the program. For example, programs with medical evaluation and individualized exercise training are more costly than programs where exercise is simply recommended and education occurs in group sessions.
Medicare and most insurance plans provide varying levels of coverage. Coverage depends on the severity of your lung disease, billing procedures, and the number of services provided. To find a program, check with your local American Lung Association or a hospital in your area.
When considering programs, keep these important questions in mind:
- Do you need a referral from a doctor?
- Is there active involvement by a team of healthcare providers?
- What services does the program offer?
- How long does the program last?
- What activities can you expect?
- Does your insurance cover the program?
This section has more on pulmonary rehab and:
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