If you’ve ever felt like you’re struggling to catch your breath, you’re not alone. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a serious health concern that affects millions of people. It’s a category of lung diseases that make it difficult to get air out of your lungs, which in turn leads to a feeling of breathlessness and a chronic lack of lung function. For many years, the third leading cause of death from chronic diseases has been COPD, affecting a large portion of the population, especially baby boomers who may have a history of smoking. While smoking is the primary cause, it’s important to remember that other factors can also lead to the disease, so a history of smoking isn’t a prerequisite.
Recognizing the need for a more proactive approach to managing this condition, CCMH has developed a new COPD management program aimed at keeping patients healthier and out of the hospital. This program is a mix of guided care and self-care, empowering patients to manage their symptoms effectively.
What to Expect From the Program
Our program is designed to prevent unnecessary visits to the doctor’s office or the emergency room by catching symptoms early. The first step is to get you in the program. You’ll need a referral and an order from your physician. Once that’s complete, our team will reach out to you.
The program includes:
- Initial Home Visit: Our director of cardiopulmonary rehab, Patrick Stevens, will likely make an initial home visit to assess your living environment and its potential impact on your health.
- Ongoing Support: We’ll provide ongoing support through follow-up calls or additional home visits as needed.
- Education and Self-Care: You’ll learn about “red flags” to look out for, helping you recognize when to call a doctor early. You’ll also be educated on proper self-care, including how to use inhalers and nebulizers correctly, and how to manage your medications.
- Exercise and Wellness: A key component of the program is promoting an active lifestyle. Patients will receive education on the importance of exercise and how to stay mobile without overdoing it, which is one of the best things a person with COPD can do for their health.
- Rescue Packs: Some patients will be given a “rescue pack” of medications to have at home. If you call with specific symptoms, we may instruct you to start these medications, which could help prevent a trip to the ER.
How to Get Started
There are three easy ways to get involved with the program:
- Physician Referral: Your doctor can refer you directly to the program.
- Self-Referral to a Physician: You can ask your doctor about the program and get a referral.
- Contact Us Directly: You can call Patrick Stevens in the CCMH cardiopulmonary department, and he’ll work with you to see if you qualify.
The program is billed through insurance, with a small co-pay of typically $15 to $20 per contact. While this is an out-of-pocket expense, it’s far less than the cost of a doctor’s appointment or an emergency room visit.
This new program is a great opportunity to take control of your health and manage your COPD more effectively. We believe that by working together, we can help you live a longer, healthier, and more productive life.
Get Started Today!
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with COPD and would like to learn more, please contact Patrick Stevens at 712-265-2667 or the CCMH Medical Clinic at 712-265-2700.
