North Kansas City Hospital

Whether you’re ready for that first child, need a new knee, suffering from chronic pain or experiencing a life-threatening health problem, North Kansas City Hospital can help. An overview of each of our services is provided in this section of our website.

Change Text Size:

This medical specialty is concerned with disorders of the lungs and airways. Some conditions include asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema and cancer.

North Kansas City Hospital offers a comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program for inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary disease is one of the most devastating diseases in this nation. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute it is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of disability. More than 12 million people are living with COPD.

Program Description
The Hospital's Pulmonary Rehab team includes specialists in respiratory therapy, exercise physiology, diet and nutrition, pharmacy, as well as nurses. The program is supervised by pulmonologists. With their help, Pulmonary Rehab can help patients:

Control and reduce the symptoms and complications of pulmonary disease.

Improve the overall well-being of patients living with COPD through education and exercise.

Reduce hospital readmissions.

Undergraduate Pulmonary Rehab is a nine-week program tailored to each patient’s individual needs. To receive maximum benefit, patients should attend two-hour sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are four session times available throughout the day. For patients who complete the program, there is a graduate, or maintenance class, available Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

Initial Pulmonary Rehab Session
At the first Pulmonary Rehab session, the team will perform a comprehensive assessment, including a medical history. They also will discuss quality of life issues and goals. For many patients, their goals include returning to work, spending time with family and friends, or pursuing hobbies and other outside interests.

Ongoing Pulmonary Rehab
Two of the most important issues Pulmonary Rehab focuses on are education and exercise. The team can help patients learn the importance of exercise, strength and endurance training; energy conservation techniques; and how medication affects the lungs. The team also will address lifestyle issues, such as smoking cessation, nutrition and stress management.

Insurance Coverage
In most cases, insurance covers the Undergraduate Pulmonary Rehab Program. Most insurance companies cover 36 hours of pulmonary rehab, but program duration is based on achievement of goals. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to call and verify their coverage. Any co-pays or deductibles are the patient’s responsibility. Typically, insurance does not cover the Graduate Program. A member of the Pulmonary Rehab team will be happy to discuss questions regarding coverage further.

A physician referral is required for Undergraduate Pulmonary Rehab. Pulmonary Rehab is conveniently located on the fourth floor of North Kansas City Hospital’s Health Services Pavilion in the Cardiac Rehab area. For more information about Pulmonary Rehab, call 816-691-1575.

To find a physician, select from the links below.

Northland Chest Consultants, Inc.

Pulmonary Medicine Associates.

Print This Page