Respiratory Therapy
Hours of Service
7 Days a week, 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
P: (660) 686- 2337 or (888) 385-2029
F: (660) 686-2687
The respiratory therapist treats people with health care issues affecting the cardiopulmonary system such as COPD, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, cardiovascular disorders, pulmonary hypertension, and trauma.
In the hospital setting, the respiratory therapist provides care and life support to patients in the emergency room, general hospital areas, the pulmonary diagnostics laboratory and other specialty areas such as rehabilitation. They use high-tech equipment and the latest medical procedures to help patients and may be employed in non-hospital environments as well.
Patients receiving care from a respiratory therapist range in age from the premature infant to geriatrics. The respiratory professional is also involved in the diagnostic testing of infants, children and adults with underlying medical concerns including disease and sleep disorders.
Outpatient services offered by the Respiratory Therapy Department:
Pulmonary Function Testing:
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.
Sleep Studies
CH-F’s respiratory department offers sleep study services on an outpatient basis. Sleep Studies are offered to patients when referred by their physician. Community Hospital-Fairfax offers two types of sleep studies. You and your physician will decide which study is best for you.
Home Sleep Studies
Home sleep studies are done in the convenience of your own home. A home sleep test measures oxygen saturation, heart rate, airflow, movement in your chest and abdomen and it will also record time spent snoring and your sleep position. After the test is returned to the hospital, the home sleep test is interpreted by a physician certified in sleep medicine.
In-Lab Sleep Studies
A sleep study is a test that measures how well you sleep and determines whether you have any sleep problems, as well as how severe any sleep problems are. Since people aren’t typically aware of their breathing, movements, and other habits while they sleep. A sleep study will help your physician examine your sleeping pattern and diagnose any sleep disorders.
Overnight Pulse Oximetry
This is a test to monitor oxygen saturation during your sleeping hours. A monitor is worn on your finger while you are sleeping. This test is done at home. After the monitor is returned to the hospital, a computer downloads the informational data and a report is sent to the ordering physician.
Exercise Oximetry
This is a test to monitor oxygen saturation during exercise. A monitor is worn on your finger and the test only takes minutes, a computer downloads the informational data and a report is sent to the ordering physician.
Cardiac Holter Monitoring
The holter monitor has 5 electrodes applied to patient’s chest with a tiny monitor to carry with them for 24 or 48 hours as ordered by a physician. A heart monitor may be ordered for 30 days as well. After the monitor has been worn for the appropriate length of time, the respiratory therapist will take the monitor and scan the report. The report will then go to the ordering physician and further evaluation or testing will be ordered if necessary.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
The test is done to check electrical current of heart. The testing may be performed on all ages of patients and the average length of the test is 5 to 10 minutes. The report will then go to the ordering physician and further evaluation or testing will be ordered if necessary.
For all respiratory services, please note:
- Physician referral is necessary
- Appointments can be schedule with Cardiopulmonary Services at 660-686-2337
- Patient needs to confer with their insurance company for pre-certification or referral options