WCH Pulmonary Health

The pulmonary health department at Wooster Community Hospital serves people with lung conditions or diseases – such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, emphysema, sleep apnea, and tuberculosis – in a variety of ways.

For hospitalized patients, state-licensed registered respiratory therapists monitor oxygen levels, provide aerosol therapy and airway clearance, manage and maintain ventilator support devices (such as BIPAP, CPAP, and ventilators), and provide education with regard to the patient’s current lung condition.

We also provide outpatient services such as:

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation – Helping patients self-manage their chronic lung disease and improve their quality of life through customized treatment plans, physician-prescribed exercise, and education and training
• Tobacco Cessation – A six-week program that provides one-on-one guidance, education, and support to quit smoking

Self-Pay Package Pricing

If you are self-pay or have a high deductible, we can help.  Please contact us to discuss package price discounts for services at WCH, call (330)263-8158.

Pulmonary Tests

• Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) Blood Test – This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to determine how well the lungs are pumping oxygen into and removing carbon dioxide out of the blood. It is often used to assess the effectiveness of supplemental oxygen, or BIPAP, CPAP, or ventilator settings.
• Simple Exercise/6 minute Walk Test: A walking test is used to identify the need for supplemental oxygen use at home. Procedure time typically takes less than half an hour.
• Endobronchial Ultrasound – A highly effective, non-invasive, outpatient procedure used to diagnose lung cancer and other lung diseases.
• Methacholine Challenge/bronchoprovocation Test: A test performed to evaluate the reactiveness of one’s airways by inhaling low doses of a medication called methacholine and then performing a breath maneuver test. The procedure time is about an hour.
• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) – A group of noninvasive tests using specific breathing maneuvers used to assess the lungs and airways of adults and children. The tests involved may include those that measure lung capacity and airflow rate (spirometry), lung volume (plethysmography), and gas exchange (diffusion capacity test).
• Lung Cancer Screening - High-risk patients meet with a provider to discuss the risks and benefits of a low-dose CT scan of the chest. If appropriate, patients will go on to complete an imaging study and receive same-day results. To be eligible for this lung cancer screening, patients must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Age 55-77 years
  • A current cigarette smoker, or quit smoking within the last 15 years
  • Smoking history of 30 packs per year* or more
  • No current signs or symptoms of cancer and willing to undergo treatment if cancer is detected

Pulmonary Medicine of Wooster, part of the Wooster Community Hospital Health System, provides care, testing, and monitoring services to individuals who are either admitted to Wooster Community Hospital or are outpatient visitors. Read what patients have to say: They Gave Me Hope.

For more information about the pulmonary health services at Wooster Community Hospital, call (330) 263-8400.