The Respiratory Therapy Department provides a pulmonary disease management program for people who have disorders affecting the lungs, such as:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Infections like influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis
• Lung cancer
• Other breathing problems 

The goal of the Pulmonary Disease Management Program is to improve the quality of life for our participants by providing the necessary education, as well as aerobic and strength training exercises, to improve physical health and help with self-management of the disease.

Exercise and Classroom Sessions

Sessions are held in The Fralick Cardiac Rehabilitation and Fitness Center at F.F. Thompson Hospital, located just to the right of the Information Desk in the hospital main lobby.

• Exercise sessions occur every Tuesday and Thursday
• Classroom sessions occur every Thursday

You will receive your own schedule of classes and gym sessions after registering for the program

Additional Benefits of our Pulmonary Disease Management Program

• Locating resources for durable medical equipment
• Working with your oxygen company to find the equipment that best meets your needs
• Finding a primary physician or pulmonologist
• Working with drug companies to find affordable medications
• Working with your family so they can help you with your disease management
• Developing an at-home exercise regimen

How to Begin the Program

Contact us by calling (585) 396-6277. We will send an information package to your home.

Complete the following documentation:

• Recent Pulmonary Function Test (within the last year)
• Referral from primary doctor or pulmonologist
• Prescription for oxygen with exercise and a flow rate titration order
• Completed participant questionnaire

Once the program has received all of the required material, one of our team members will call you to schedule your first session.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

• A tour of the gym and a brief orientation of the facility
• A meeting with a Respiratory Therapist to review your participant questionnaire, discuss the correct use of pulmonary medications and address any oxygen therapy issues
• A meet with a Cardiac Rehabilitation nurse for a brief assessment
• A 6-minute walk test
• Establish goals for your personalized program
• Participate in a demo of warm up/cool down exercises

A water machine is available in the gym, and you may bring a bottle of water. We recommend you eat only a light meal an hour and a half before a workout. If you use oxygen, it is available in the gym, but please make sure you bring enough for the trip to Thompson and back.

Cost of Program

This is a self-pay program. We suggest that you call your insurance provider and ask what is covered, as some providers will cover a gym membership. If you have additional questions about cost, call us at (585) 396-6277, or you can call Thompson Health’s Consumer Price Line at (585) 396-6194 during the hours of 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, you can leave a message and will receive a returned call the next business day.