The Respiratory Therapy staff specializes in all phases of Respiratory Care, including Ventilator and Airway Management. The Respiratory Therapy Services has certified Asthma Educators on staff. Our team of pulmonologists and respiratory staff treat diseases of the lungs and airways including; pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, occupational diseases, bronchitis, sleep disorders, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, interstitial lung diseases, and other complex disorders of the lungs.
Helping Patients Lead More Active And Enjoyable Lives
Respiratory and Pulmonary Services
- 24/7 Availability
- Comprehensive Respiratory Services
- Certified Asthma Educators
- Sleep Medicine
The Respiratory Therapy staff specializes in all phases of Respiratory Care, including Ventilator and Airway Management. The Respiratory Therapy Services has certified Asthma Educators on staff.
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Services Provided: Oxygen Therapy Ventilator Management Aerosol Therapy – delivery of medicine through a nebulizer Chest Physical Therapy – aids in secretion clearance Incentive Spiromety |
Diagnostic Services include: Arterial blood gas analysis – determines the level of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. Pulse Oximetry – a simple non-invasive measurement of oxygen in the blood. Sputum Induction Peak Flow Monitoring – determines if you are moving enough air in and out of your lungs. Pulmonary Function Testing – measures the function of your lungs. |
For more information or to schedule an appointment contact: or to make an appointment please call: (914) 964-4312
Out-patient Services Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT’s)
The Pulmonary Function Tests at St. John’s Riverside Hospital measures the function of lung capacity and lung and chest wall mechanics to determine whether or not a patient has a lung problem.
The program is staffed by registered respiratory therapists and Pulmonologists (MDs). When a patient is referred for a pulmonary function test, it means that a battery of tests may be performed on the patient, including:
- Simple Screening Spirometry
- Static Lung Volume Measurement
- Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide
- Airway Resistance
- Respiratory Muscle Strength
- Arterial Blood Gases
- Impulse Oscillometry
PFT’s are used for:
1. Screening for the presence of restrictive or obstructive diseases.
2. Document the progression of pulmonary disease.
3. Document the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention.
4. Evaluating a patient prior to surgery.
This is especially true for patients who:
- Are older than 60-65 years of age
- Are known to have pulmonary disease
- Are obese
- Have a history of smoking, coughing or wheezing
- Will be under anesthesia for a lengthy period of time
- Undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgery
An unofficial report can be faxed to the ordering physician as soon as the test is complete. Official reports are usually available within 24 hours of the completion of the test.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation & How The Program Works
The Pulmonary Rehab program at St. Johns Riverside Hospital helps participants better manage their lung conditions, so that they can lead more active and enjoyable lives. Through exercise and education, people in the Pulmonary Rehab program will maximize their strength and develop strategies to manage their disease, in the hopes of minimizing future exacerbation. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is individualized for each participant. The program lasts for 6 to 8 weeks. At the end of that time, you will have the option of enrolling in our maintenance program which will help you retain the conditioning you have received.
Participants meet in the CardioPulmonary Unit two to three times a week. Each one-hour session includes an individually prescribed and monitored program for warming up, stretching, exercising, and cooling down. Exercise equipment includes a treadmill, rowing machine, arm ergometer, stationery bicycle, free weights and more. Exercise sessions are approximately one hour long and include warm-up, aerobic conditioning and cool down. During each session you will work at your own speed and tolerance at work loads prescribed by the Pulmonary Rehab Team. A nurse or physical therapist will conduct exercises while a respiratory therapist monitors your oxygen level and tolerance to exercise.
The program is staffed by Registered Respiratory Therapists Registered nurses, Exercise Physiologists, Pulmonologists and Social workers. All exercise modules are required. All education classes are required.
Sessions may include all or some:
- Breathing Retraining Nutrition
- Medication Managing Secretions
- Oxygen Use Community Resources
- Introduction to Exercise Respiratory System
- Relaxation Time and Energy
- Conservation Inhaler Use
- Avoiding Irritants Psychosocial
- Warning Signs
Education sessions are approximately 1 ½ hour long each, and include lectures/discussion, videos, handouts. We encourage you to ask questions.
Sleep Medicine Services
Sleep Medicine is a subspecialty devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of sleep disturbances and disorders. Our sleep specialists treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep-wake cycle disorder, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy and nocturnal seizures.
Click here to learn more about Sleep Medicine Services
For more information about Respiratory Therapy, please contact: (914) 964-4312.
Or call our Physician Referral Service at (914) 964-4DOC (4362) or findadoc@riversidehealth.org for a recommended doctor.
