Patients with advanced and or chronic pulmonary diseases may be referred to the pulmonary rehabilitation program at the Palmetto Health Richland Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center.  This comprehensive program may include exercise programs, nutrition assessment, and educational sessions. The multidisciplinary team that helps the patient includes the pulmonologist, respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists, nutritionist, and psychology nurse. An individualized program will be planned for each patient after they have completed their pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise stress test. A six-minute walk is also done before starting the program. Depending on the patient’s need, they may also be referred to a physical therapist or occupational therapist for evaluation before the exercise program is initiated. We accept referrals from primary care physicians or specialists. The referring physicians have the option of supervising the individual patient’s progress or deferring this to our medical director. A team meeting is held regularly to assess the progress of each patient in the program.