Procedures and Services

Inpatient Care

Atrium Medical Center’s (Atrium) Inpatient Respiratory Care Department provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every floor of the hospital is staffed with Respiratory Therapists who are ready to serve patients and consult with physicians and nurses. We perform all types of respiratory therapy care, including:

• Ventilator management
• Arterial blood gas measurement
• Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• Education and instruction on the use of inhalers
• Smoking cessation education
• Asthma management

Atrium’s Respiratory Therapists treat a wide spectrum of patients, including those with:

• Asthma
• Cardiac conditions
• Pneumonia
• Chronic lung diseases
• Emphysema
• Emergency situations that impair breathing

Outpatient Services

Our on-site Pulmonary Function Department works on an outpatient basis with patients who are experiencing breathing problems. By testing their lung function, we help diagnose and treat respiratory conditions and disorders. We perform complete pulmonary function studies, including:

• Thoracic gas volume (TGV)
• Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO)
• Diagnostic spirometery
• Arterial blood gasses
• Resting and exercise pulse oximetery

We also work with asthma patients on an outpatient basis, educating them so they can better manage their conditions.

We offer individualized Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services for those with chronic lung diseases to help improve muscle strength and endurance for better performance of daily activities.