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Winter & COPD

Proper Scarf Wear for COPD PatientsAlthough we're still at the beginning of 2014, we've already experienced some extremely cold, windy days.

Winter can be difficult for people with COPD. The cold air and wind are often a problem. A person with COPD may experience shortness of breath and could fatigue easily.

If you or someone you know has COPD, it's best to avoid exposure to inclement weather. But if you have to venture out, here are some tips that may help:
1) Wear a scarf or mask and try to breathe through your nose to warm the air you're breathing.
2) Wear several layers of loose-fitting garments so as not to constrict your breathing but allow protection against the cold.
3) If you're using oxygen, keep your tubing inside your clothes to warm the air.
4) Try to limit exposure to the cold as much as possible and not over-exert yourself.
5) Call your doctor and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms of infection such as increased shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, or coughing, fever, or chills.

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Pulmonary Rehab & COPD

Stretching Exercise Pulmonary RehabFormal pulmonary rehabilitation programs have been in existence since the mid-1990s, but a rudimentary form was used to treat tuberculosis as far back as the 1880s. Over the years, diagnostic tools and intervention methods have been refined and the therapy has expanded its use to a wide range of respiratory conditions from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to cystic fibrosis (CF) and many others in between.

For the most part, traditional pulmonary rehab programs serve the same patient population and follow a similar treatment protocol. Richard Novitch, MD, pulmonary rehabilitation director and director of the pulmonary function laboratory and blood gas laboratory at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, New York, explained that the treatment is directed toward patients suffering from a reduction in quality of life due to COPD or other lung diseases. "It's a way to help people develop coping strategies with the limitations of life activities," he said. "Regardless of age and underlying diagnosis, the quality of life issues are the same."

Shortness of breath often prompts a referral from a pulmonologist, internist, or primary care physician. Patients sometimes ask to self-enroll; however, in order to comply with Medicare guidelines, which drive pulmonary rehab protocols, the patient must have a physician referral.

Medicare Part B may cover the cost of pulmonary rehab if certain conditions are met. The patient must have a diagnosis of moderate to very severe COPD (validated by pulmonary function tests), and must be documented to meet Medicare's GOLD Classification II, III, or IV. Medicare also requires all pulmonary rehab programs to include physician-prescribed exercise, education, and training customized to each patient, along with psychosocial and outcome assessments. Moreover, the exercise plan must designate mode, target intensity, duration of each session, and frequency.

The physician must review the treatment plan every 30 days. A total of 36 visits are allowed with an additional 36 upon receipt of a letter recommending more rehabilitation. Other insurers may cover pulmonary rehab, and many often follow Medicare's protocol requirements.

Risks in pulmonary rehab programs are virtually nonexistent, said Novitch. "Patients exercise to tolerance of risk. The lungs act as governor on an engine. If the patients are sick, they don't show up. Also, Medicare guidelines require a doctor to be within walking distance- 300 feet- of a program," Novitch noted, adding that other clinical professionals are in attendance at all times.

To keep reading the full article, click here to visit RT Magazine online.

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Hanlon, Phyllis. (2013, October 14). Pulmonary Rehab: Expanding Its Clinical Impact. [Web log post]. Retrieved November 21, 2013, from http://www.rtmagazine.com/clinical/19206-pulmonary-rehab-expanding-its-clinical-impact.

Changing Seasons & COPD

This blog post was written by Joanna Murray.

Fall Foliage and Changing SeasonsIt amazes me how things can change with the blink of an eye when it comes to COPD. There were times when my mom could almost do summersaults and dance across the room, and then there were times when she was down for the count and couldn't move. Any effort to move was just too much for her. Her breathing would become labored and her lung function decreased and became difficult to control.

I remember times when Mom would come over to my house and help me clean. She was amazing! I had more energy than she did, but she would always out-do me every time. She didn't want her illness to get her down. No matter what, when I needed her, she was there with bells on.

Now that it's been almost seven months since Mom's death, I can really sit back and take a hard look at her illness. My mom became a daily part of my life. I did a lot for her and vice versa. Even if she was having trouble breathing- if it came down to her spending time with her grandkids or staying home, she would choose her grandkids.

Seasonal COPD was the hardest for her and our family. When the seasons changed, she would get asthma that would eventually turn into bronchitis, and then she would end up with pneumonia. She would be hospitalized sometimes four to six times a year. Anyone that has COPD or is a caregiver can understand this.

When taking care of Mom, some of the things that I noticed during seasonal changes were that she had more of an issue with her lung capabilities with both the outdoor climates as well as the temperature of the house. A fall or rise in either one of these could drastically change her need for oxygen. During the cold weather, she was more at risk of getting infections. During the summer months, she would get so over-heated that breathing would be difficult. When she moved in with me the last month of her life, I had central air conditioning. But for her, that was not enough and my husband had to install a portable air conditioner in the window to help keep her room cool.

I noticed over the years that there were certain things that Mom incorporated in her life to help her get through. One thing was she took a daily multivitamin and Vitamin D. She also would have a yearly flu shot. I realize now there were more things my mom could have done in her daily routine to help maintain her oxygen levels. I miss her dearly but am grateful she enjoyed her life.

Pro2 LLC Buffalo NY Oxygen COPD

Turner, Katelyn. (2011, May 13). The Changing Seasons and COPD. [Web log post]. Retrieved September 24, 2013, from http://blog.copdfoundation.org/the-changing-seasons-and-copd.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Portable Oxygen Concentrator Pro2 LLC Buffalo NYPortable Oxygen Concentrators are everywhere lately- in TV commercials, magazine ads, even the news. We receive many phone calls from patients interested in these devices. Let's take a few minutes to talk about the who, what, and where of it all.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators are state-of-the-art pieces of equipment designed for patients that require oxygen so they can be mobile outside of the home.

Each patient has different needs at different points in his or her life. Please keep in mind that when you call a manufacturer to inquire about purchasing one of these devices, you're speaking with a customer service representative or sales person- not a clinician.

At Pro2, our Respiratory Therapists will assess your needs to make sure that the appropriate equipment is used at all times. If you or your loved one is able to use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator, our Therapist will advise you of this. Many patients do not maintain good oxygen levels on these portable devices, which means that Portable Oxygen Concentrators aren't for everyone.

There are drawbacks to the technology, such as limited battery life, the need to recharge batteries, and added noise. In many instances, portable oxygen cylinders may be the best answer for patients wishing to be mobile while on oxygen.

Please call us if you have questions and let us help you while you gather information at 716-667-9600.

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Competitive Bidding Complaints Roll-in

Beneficiaries, caregivers, and health care professionals from around the country have been calling People for Quality Care's Complaint Hotline to discuss the issues they're experiencing as a result of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program.

So far, they've fielded more than 900 calls which has resulted in over 400 complaints being categorized and sent to Congress and Medicare Ombudsmen!

The most frequent complaint heard so far is general disgust over the need to change providers. See the table below for a full breakdown of the complaints received to date.

CBA Complaints to Date

The most powerful weapon in the fight against the recent changes to home medical equipment policies for Medicare beneficiaries is you.

Are you a Medicare beneficiary or caregiver? Do you have a Medicare complaint that needs to be heard?

Medicare Complaint Hotline

The Medicare Complaint Hotline was created so you can share your concerns and complaints with Congress and important Medicare officials. People for Quality Care's Medicare complaint reports will be sent biweekly to those officials who have the power to amend the program and return choice and access to better equipment and service to those who need it most.

If you have a Medicare complaint, please call the Medicare Complaint Hotline at 800-404-8702 today and make your voice heard.

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