The Lung School at Durham Regional Hospital will put you at the center of a team of therapists with a goal of helping you to live a satisfying and productive life. The rehabilitation program is designed around your needs and physical abilities.
Our program will help you understand your lung condition, gain increased physical strength and function, get smarter, get healthier, and develop the skills you need to breathe easier and to manage your lung disease.
Lung School includes:
- Informal education classes covering a number of topics -- from understanding how lungs work and the medications to treat lung disorders, to techniques for managing breathlessness, wheezing, and chronic cough
- Individualized exercise training to improve your heart and lung function while strengthening your muscles, building stamina, and controlling shortness of breath
- Directed training of the respiratory muscles
- Nutrition counseling specific for lung disease and for other chronic conditions
- Resources and support to help you quit smoking
People suffering from lung disease sometimes struggle with physical and emotional challenges that come as a result of chronic illness. The Lung School offers you a support network of others who suffer from the same condition and symptoms.
We will help you to identify your strengths and sources of emotional support as you reach your rehabilitation goals. We welcome family members who wish to exercise and attend education classes with you.
What to Expect
Because we tailor the program to meet your individual needs, you will be scheduled to meet with several different health care professionals when you start the program. This will help identify your physical function, education and training needs, and barriers to success.
If needed, our staff will also help you access additional services that may encourage your success (medications, oxygen, respiratory and adaptive equipment, Meals on Wheels, etc.).
Lung School consists of 36 sessions over 18 weeks. Classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at two different times:
- 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
A few things to remember when you come to Lung School:
- Always bring your prescribed inhaled rescue medications. If you use a nebulizer machine, bring a dose or two of your prescription liquid medication to your first visit and we will keep it here for you.
- You will be exercising, so be sure to dress comfortably -- wear loose clothes, soft-soled shoes or sneakers, and bring a sweater or a sweatshirt.
- Eat a light meal prior to coming, as you will need energy. Feel free to bring a snack with you.
Certification
The Lung School at Durham Regional Hospital is nationally certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Insurance
Respiratory services associated with pulmonary rehabilitation are usually a covered benefit by most health insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid. Wellness Institute staff will verify benefits and obtain pre-certification as needed.
Participation Requirements
A physician referral is required to take part in pulmonary rehabilitation. You may qualify for the program if you have a chronic pulmonary diagnosis. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
Refer a Patient
Physician referrals are required for enrollment in Wellness Institute programs. To refer a patient, fax the Lung School referral form (DOC, 29 KB) to 919-470-8156. Please be sure to clearly state the patient’s name, diagnosis, and contact information.
After receiving a referral form, we will follow up with the patient to obtain insurance information and coordinate enrollment in the appropriate program.
Providers
- Pat Lovell, BS, RRT, RCP, manager, Wellness Institute
- Dorothy Potter, BS, RRT, RCP, pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator
- Michelle Ethridge, BS, R-EP, exercise physiologist
- Mary Compton, BS, RD, LDN, dietitian
- Christine Coates, RN, staff nurse
- Maya McNeilly, PhD, clinical psychologist
Physicians
Physicians offering this service include:
