What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

• Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program of services designed to help individuals understand their pulmonary disease, improve their exercise tolerance, and develop healthy behaviors to improve their quality of life
  
• Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed for individuals who have:
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Emphysema
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Recent chest surgery
  • Other lung diseases

Why should I enter Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

• The pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve your physical condition, exercise tolerance, and quality of life
• By monitoring your exercise in a controlled environment, we will help you develop an exercise prescription that you can follow for the rest of your life
• The program is directed by a board-certified pulmonologist and staffed by a certified physical therapist, registered nurse, and respiratory therapist
• The program has been validated in the medical literature to achieve the stated goals and is consistent with American Thoracic Society guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation

The benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

• Improved breathing capacity to allow you to perform daily activities
• Improved endurance
• Improved strength
• Improved ability to perform breathing exercises and coordinate correct breathing techniques with activity
• Increased knowledge and understanding of lung disease
• Increased knowledge of your own medications and their side effects
  

What we offer:

• A medically supervised exercise program of 18 classes, including aerobic and strength training exercises, breathing exercises, symptom management training with activity, and relaxing techniques
• A dedicated exercise gymnasium containing treadmills, stationary bicycles, recumbent bicycles, upper body ergometers, and free weights
• Group and individual education sessions to help you understand your disease and make changes in your lifestyle
• Assistance with referrals to other resources for weight management, stress reduction, and nutritional guidance
• Direct communication with your physician on your progress, and assistance with the management of your medical condition (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)

Insurance information:

• Most insurance plans cover pulmonary rehabilitation. Our staff will contact your insurance company once you are referred by your physician and will verify your pulmonary rehabilitation benefits prior to your enrollment in the program

What you need to begin rehab:

• Referral from your physician
• Preliminary evaluation to be arranged by the Georgia Lung rehab staff
• Information on your medical condition/diagnosis and any recent diagnostic studies

When are Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes offered?

• Pulmonary rehabilitation classes are offered from 9-11 a.m. and
  2-4 p.m., Monday through Friday
• An introductory visit will be scheduled to discuss your program and anticipated outcomes. During this visit, we will schedule a regular class time for you

How do I contact Pulmonary Rehabilitation to begin?

• Once your physician decides you need pulmonary rehabilitation either you or your physician can contact our staff at
  770-819-2980 ext. 188

Medical Director:
Stuart Simon, MD, FCCP
Pulmonary Rehab Staff:
Eileen Gossett, RN
Mike Keys, RT
Peggy Kroswek, PT
Adam Tahlor, MPT
Tami Trader, RN

The Georgia Lung Center at Cobb

3820 Medical Park Drive
Austell, GA 30106
770-819-2980 ext. 188

The Georgia Lung Center at Kennestone

55 Whitcher St., Suite 160
Marietta, GA 30060
770-514-7550