Advanced Respiratory Care

The Respiratory Care Department is committed to helping individuals improve or manage their respiratory health. At CRMC, skilled and compassionate respiratory specialists utilize state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Offering both inpatient and outpatient care, the CRMC Respiratory Care Department serves individuals with varying levels of respiratory conditions.

Quality Respiratory Care Recognition

The department earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services available in hospitals. Facilities earning QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services, including: All respiratory therapists hold either certified or registered credential; respiratory therapists are available 24 hours a day; a doctor of medicine is designated as medical director for respiratory care services.

Only 700 of 5,000 hospitals nationwide have been name Quality Respiratory Care institutions. 

Inpatient Respiratory Services

New York State licensed respiratory therapists deliver care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to patients during their stay. Critical and acute care patients are treated using the most advanced ventilators. These patient sensitive machines provide superior comfort and improved patient outcomes.

Outpatient Respiratory Treatments & Technology

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

A full array of testing is offered at our state-of-the-art pulmonary lab including spirometric lung volume and lung diffusion testing, and diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory conditions.

Impulse Oscillometry System (IOS)

CRMC's Respiratory Care Department was the first in Central New York to offer IOS technology. This innovative system is used in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory such as asthma in children as young as age 3. Utiliizing sound waves, this painless and relatively quick procedure allows medical professionals to obtain a highly accurate picture of the respiratory system.

Pulmonary Exercise Program

Trained respiratory therapists monitor patients as they participate in a physician-approved exercise program. The goal is to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic pulmonary conditions through safe exercise.

Arterial Blood Gas Test

To gain a better understanding of lung functions, an arterial blood draw may be ordered. This procedure requires blood drawn from an artery rather than a vein in order to measure levels of various gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) and pH levels in the body.

Nocturnal Oximetry

This test monitors a patient's oxygen level overnight in their own home. The data is then reported to the patient's healthcare provider for evaluation and to determine if further testing is necessary.

Respiratory Education Services

Smoking Cessation Classes

Smoking cessation classes are focused on helping smokers become "Tobacco Free for Life" through lifestyle changes. Smoking cessation information is also offered withing the CRMC Cardiac Rehabilitation program.

The Respiratory Care staff have been recognized by HANYS (Healthcare Association of New York State) for a 95% compliance rate for smoking cessation counseling of hospital inpatients. Team Act, of the Tobacco Coalition, also awarded CRMC for referrals to the NYS Smoker's Quitline.

Community Outreach & Education

Our therapists work closely with the Asthma Coalition of the Southern Tier (ACOST), the NYS Department of Health, and the American Lung Association to bring educational materials and services to schools, day care facilities, and other community institutions. CRMC also participates annually in Great American Smokeout events.

Screening for Respiratory Conditions

The Respiratory Care Department offers free screenings at health fairs throughout the year for asthma, chronic lung disease, and other conditions.

If you have any questions about any of our services, please call the Respiratory Care Department at (607)756-3807.