The one-year mark signals a lot of success for Newman Regional Health’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department.
That was the assessment from Cardiopulmonary Director Donny Bellomy and Pulmonary Rehab Case Manager Connie Coble on KVOE’s Morning Show on Friday. Bellomy says 12 months of operation is “a huge milestone.”
There is education and a lot of physical health included, as well as information about medications.
Coble says over 60 patients have been screened and an unlisted number have gone through the program, with a dozen graduates.
Patients must be referred by their medical providers and then evaluated by Pulmonary Rehab before they are accepted. Medicare covers many patients suffering from chronic bronchitis, post-COVID-19 issues, COPD and emphysema. Private insurance also may cover other conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and both pre-operative and post-operative conditioning.
Friday’s interview comes at the end of Pulmonary Rehab Week. Residents wanting to learn more about the Pulmonary Rehab Unit can call Coble at 620-343-6800 ext. 21312 or go online to newmanrh.org/pulmonary.
