Tampa General Hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides a safe exercise environment for patients diagnosed with lung disease(s). The purpose of Pulmonary Rehabilitation is to help you reduce your shortness of breath, improve your ability to function and improve your quality of life.
Patients can benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation if they:
- Have a pulmonary disease such as COPD, Emphysema, IPF, ILD, Asthma and other disorders of the lungs
- Have had thoracic surgery
- Are pre/post lung transplant
- Are pre/post valve placement
- Have Long Covid
Phases of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Phase I
Phase I of pulmonary rehabilitation occurs in the hospital after a respiratory event has occurred. A respiratory therapist specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation will provide specific modalities of exercise to improve and maintain pulmonary function. The respiratory therapist will also offer education and guidance on respiratory medication delivery, breathing techniques and exercises the patient can perform independently between pulmonary rehabilitation sessions.
Phase II
Phase II of pulmonary rehabilitation occurs after discharge from the hospital and any time your physician believes you will benefit from the service. The outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program consists of two visits each week for at least five weeks or a minimum of ten visits. During Phase II, an individualized treatment plan is developed and approved by the Medical Director and reevaluated every 30 days. Phase II pulmonary rehabilitation offers exercise, education, nutrition, and psychological support as well as smoking cessation guidance. Patients will also learn proper medication delivery, breathing techniques and oxygen use and safety. Patients heart rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure are monitored to ensure a safe workout. Oxygen is available if necessary. On completion of Phase II, patients will know how to set up the exercise equipment and be comfortable with knowing at what intensity level they should be exercising.
Phase III
Phase III is the maintenance phase. Phase III is an independent phase but offers the comfort of having a Respiratory Therapist available to assist if necessary. Phase III focuses on maintaining the progress that has been achieved in Phase II. Patients in Phase III will have vital signs monitored before and after their workout. Patients may also use oxygen tanks available during the workout to preserve their own tanks or portable oxygen system battery.
Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Phase II in Home)
The Virtual Program is a video monitored exercise program that was established to reach a specific population of patients. Post Covid Tampa General Hospital and its team of Respiratory Therapist sought out to fulfill a need that was desperately needed in our local and surrounding communities. For a nominal fee, patients can be monitored and guided by a skilled respiratory practitioner via video from the comforts of their homes. Patients must meet certain criteria. Please call for more information.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Goals
The primary goals of pulmonary rehabilitation are to:
- Control symptoms and complications of respiratory impairment
- Improve overall quality of life
- Avoid long-term convalescence
- Promote independence and ability to perform daily activities
- Reduce the need for hospitalization and emergency room visits
- Ensure proper medication delivery for the best benefit
Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Tampa General Hospital
Our Team
The TGH Pulmonary Rehab program is provided by Registered Respiratory Therapists with ACLS certification, certifications in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Disease education. Team members also include a board-certified pulmonary physician (medical director), referring physician and the patient. Success in the program is dependent on participation from patient, therapist, and the patient’s doctor.
Our Location
TGH’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is conveniently located in the TGH Outpatient Rehabilitation at South Armenia building at 509 S. Armenia Ave, Tampa, Fl 33609, Suite 301.
Our Hours of Operation
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 7:00am – 5:00pm
Class Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:00am – 3:00pm
Our Contact Information
Phone: (813) 844-7343
Fax: (813) 844-7746
Email: pulmonaryrehab@tgh.org
Pulmonary Rehab FAQ
Find answers to frequently asked questions about pulmonary rehabilitation below. If you still have questions about the TGH Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, call our team at (813) 844-7343 for more information.
Pulmonary Rehab classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes are one hour in length and class times are hourly from 7:00am to 11:00 am and 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Once enrolled, you can take a class at an available time that is best for you.
Loose-fitting clothing and rubber-soled shoes are required. All participants can use locker room facilities including lockers, showers, and towels.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a covered service with Medicare and most insurance plans, but not all insurance cover the service. If you have no insurance, or the service is not covered, call for other options.
The first step is to ask your doctor about pulmonary rehab. A doctor must order Pulmonary Rehab. Once this is done, the referral must be authorized through insurance, and you will be called to set up your evaluation appointment.