Respiratory Therapists are specially trained care professionals working under the Physician orders to provide care to patients with bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, shortness of breath, sleep apnea, cystic fibrosis, and other lung or lung-related conditions.
Services available at Community Medical Center is the capability for Pulmonary Function Testing, Sleep Studies, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, patient education and different therapy modalities.
All staff therapists hold national credentials as Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), and are licensed to practice as Respiratory Care Practitioners in the state of Nebraska.
Community Medical Center has one full-time staff therapist, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
To speak to the CMC Respiratory Therapy Department, please call 402-245-6614.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
Pulmonary Function Testing is a series of tests done that measure lung volumes. Once interpreted by a specialty physician, this test helps in the diagnosis of specific lung diseases.
Sleep Study
Sleep Study testing is performed overnight in comfortable rooms. This test helps diagnose sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a class offered three times a week, Monday-Wednesday-Friday. This class caters to those who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other specific breathing difficulties. This class offers the benefit of lung exercise monitored by a Respiratory Therapist and Registered Nurse. Pulmonary Rehab sets and works toward reaching goals to decrease shortness of breath and increase lung endurance.
Patient Education
Personalized education and materials is available for all services provided in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation department, including CPAP, MDI technique, Oxygen use, Breathing re-training, and Asthma management.
Therapy Modalities
Other treatments may include aerosol treatments, MDI, Incentive Spirometry, Chest Percussion, Oxygen Therapy, Oxygen Monitoring, Vest Therapy, and others.