Respiratory Therapy

Every breath you take supplies your body with essential oxygen. When a health condition affects your ability to breathe, the respiratory therapy team at Mayo Clinic Health System offers vital support.

Our respiratory therapists work with pulmonologists, cardiologists and other specialists to provide testing, treatment and education. They help ease symptoms, such as breathlessness, wheezing and frequent coughing so that you can breathe easier.

Find out more about our respiratory therapy services:

• Conditions
• Diagnosis and treatments
• Respiratory therapy specialists
• Referrals
• FAQ
• Respiratory therapy locations near you
• Respiratory therapy providers near you

Conditions

Our respiratory therapy team is committed to improving the quality of life of patients across all age groups for conditions such as:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Acute respiratory failure
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Bronchiolitis
• Bronchitis
• Chest trauma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD
• Interstitial lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung cancer
• Muscular dystrophy
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary edema
• Sleep-related breathing disorders, such assleep apnea

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Diagnosis and treatments

We offer respiratory care in our hospitals and emergency rooms. You may also see a respiratory therapist in an outpatient clinic, pulmonary rehabilitation or education program.

Respiratory therapists conduct or assist with many types of diagnostic tests, including:

• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• Arterial blood gas testing
• Breath alcohol test
• Bronchodilator (lung function) testing
• Bronchoscopy
• Cardiac monitoring
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
• Methacholine challenge testing
• Pulmonary function testing, or PFT
• Pulse oximetry
• Spirometry
• Twelve-lead electrocardiogram, or ECG

Treatments our respiratory therapists provide include:

• Artificial airway management
• Medication and aerosol therapy
• Mucus removal treatment for the lungs
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Respiratory equipment setup and management, including continuous positive airway pressure, also known as CPAP, machines
• Tobacco treatment counseling

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Respiratory therapy specialists

Our respiratory care specialists use their experience and the latest technology to ensure you receive a precise diagnosis and effective treatment. Whether you have a short illness or need long-term breathing support, they deliver high-quality care, backed by the expertise of Mayo Clinic.

Our specialists include:

• Respiratory therapists
• Pulmonologists
• Advanced practice providers
• Nurses

You may also receive care from specialists in:

• Allergy and asthma
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Sleep medicine

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Referrals

A referral is required for respiratory therapy. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if respiratory therapy is right for you and to arrange a referral.

If you are a provider, you can refer a patient online, by phone or by fax.

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FAQ

Do you offer a pulmonary rehabilitation program?

Yes, some locations offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs taught by a team of respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists, registered nurses, chaplains, dietitians and social workers.

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to:

• Improve quality of life
• Improve capability for carrying out daily activities
• Increase exercise tolerance
• Reduce anxiety, panic and depression
• Increase feelings of control and self-esteem
• Assist in developing a support system
• Promote independence
• Reduce hospitalization and health problems

Pulmonary rehabilitation program topics include:

• Physical conditioning
• Living with chronic respiratory disease
• Medication review
• Relaxation techniques
• Learning about home respiratory equipment
• Breathing techniques
• Pacing yourself in daily activity
• Nutrition
• Advance directives
• Coping skills

In addition to individualized attention, some of our locations offer small group sessions for social support with others who share similar experiences. All services are provided on an outpatient basis.

Medicare, Medical Assistance or private insurance carriers often cover costs of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Please check with your insurance provider.

Our pulmonary rehabilitation program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Our Patient Account Services representatives can assist you with any issues related to billing and insurance. We also offer financial assistance if you are unable to pay for care due to financial hardship.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, review our care options.

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Explore locations or providers near you for details on respiratory therapy: