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BREATHING EASY - Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Background A breath of fresh air! Sounds simple enough ... yet despite major advances in the treatment of lung diseases, thousands of people in our society continue to suffer from a host of breathing related disorders. As a result, quality of life is often severely affected. Simple activities, such as walking down the street, visiting neighbors, or playing with grandchildren are often impossible. If you’ve ever experienced difficulty breathing, you understand the overall impact on your life. The sense of hopelessness and helplessness that evolves is often overwhelming. It’s a challenge to maintain a positive outlook when it’s so hard to catch your breath. It’s obvious that when it comes to respiratory illnesses, the cure is not in the bottle, or in medication alone. For while you were hospitalized, you had the opportunity to work with a respiratory therapist, a highly trained individual who administered specialized treatments that helped you to breathe more fully and to clear your lungs. Yet after returning home, (and without the same respiratory care) the very same situation that caused you to be admitted to the hospital in the first place, seemed to develop again. And despite your best efforts, the cycle continues to repeat itself. Breathing Easy Imagine for a moment that your life was different ... that you could enjoy the activities which were once a great source of pleasure and fulfillment. Picture yourself walking hand-in-hand with a loved-one, or a child, and consider how much happier life would be for you and for those who you care about. Impossible … you might think. Think again. Thousands of people throughout the world are enjoying the benefits of comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs that support traditional medical approaches. Our team of medical professionals at the Mind-Body Wellness Center is convinced that learning to take an active role in your own well-being, as a supportive element to traditional medical care can truly make a meaningful difference in the quality of your life. About
Our Program At the Mind-Body Wellness Center, our Pulmonary Rehab Program was designed from the ground up based upon the American Thoracic Association Guidelines. Our team approach focuses on you as a “whole person.” We know that success requires more than just breathing exercises. Our health care professionals view their roles as coaches, and we address your particular needs in mind, body and spirit. Proper nutrition, exercise, relaxation, stress management and emotional support are key components of our program. With
You In Mind At the Mind-Body Wellness Center, your well-being is our primary concern. As health care professionals, we respect the fact that each of us has different capabilities and personal goals. Therefore, with you in mind, we carefully customize the breathing and exercise components of our program to precisely match your needs. Your individualized program is essentially based on two important factors; the results of your respiratory exercise test performed by Dr. Sullivan, and your personal progress that is closely monitored during exercise sessions. We provide a safe and nuturing environment that ensures a pleasurable, meaningful and productive experience. Our Team William Sullivan, MD is the Center’s Director of Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Dr. Sullivan is a highly experienced clinician who has practiced Pulmonary Medicine in Meadville over the last 15 years. He also serves as the co-director of Meadville Medical Center’s Sleep Disorders Center. Barry Bittman, MD, neurologist, researcher, international mind-body lecturer, author and inventor is the Center’s Director. Dr. Bittman’s work and research focuses on teaching individuals to maximize their inner healing resources. Along with Dr. Sullivan, he is the co-director of Meadville Medical Center’s Sleep Disorders Center. Stella Deater, Director of Clinical Services - Mind-Body Wellness Center oversees and directs all aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation. Chris Gates, Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician, is the Center’s chief therapist, with over 16 years of experience in all aspects of pulmonary function testing and rehabilitation. Mr. Gates works closely with Dr. Sullivan in developing individualized exercise prescriptions to ensure that each patient reaches their maximum rehabilitation potential. Our
staff is a coordinated team of experienced and enthusiastic physicians,
nurses, counselors, physical therapists, nutritionists and talented experts
who are convinced that working together under the same roof produces incredible
results. We recognize the value of the team approach that ensures optimum Goals less
breathing difficulty associated with activity or exercise Frequently Asked Questions Does a patient’s physician have to refer the patient to the Center? This depends in part, on your insurance. While a referral is suggested, it is not essential. We appreciate the opportunity to work closely with your personal physician, and we will provide updates on a regular basis. A patient may however, contact the Center directly. Who
conducts the sessions? Sessions are conducted by Chris Gates, Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician and the staff at the Mind-Body Wellness Center. Drs. Sullivan and Bittman also participate in the program. How
does one enter the program? Each patient must contact the Mind-Body Wellness Center for a preliminary consultation with Dr. Sullivan, who will schedule the necessary pulmonary testing for the program. Who
can accompany a patient to the sessions? Emotional support is considered important to this approach. Married patients should be accompanied by their spouse. Single patients are encouraged to bring their most significant other, a family member or a close friend. What
is the time frame for the program? Programs are held each Tuesday and Thursday over 8 weeks for a total of 16 sessions. Each group session lasts approximately 2 hours. What
is the cost for the program? Your total out-of-pocket charge for 16 sessions is only $120, or $60/month. The remaining fees are billed to your insurance carrier. Additional treatment modalities are available (not covered in the program fee). Does
insurance cover the fee? Please
check with the Mind-Body Wellness Center’s billing department and
your insurance carrier. Most policies pay for some of the costs. Your
out-of-pocket costs are minimal and must be paid directly to the Center.
We will complete your insurance forms and provide itemized statements
for submission to your insurance carrier.
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