Fidelity Health Care Offers New Respiratory Therapy Treatment

By Joni Donoher, senior manager of customer service, Fidelity Health Care; and Melissa Dillard, application analyst, Fidelity Health Care

Fidelity now offers Non Invasive Ventilation (NIV) treatment for chronic respiratory failure patients. NIV is a type of advanced bilevel ventilator that provides a higher level of oxygen support via positive pressure, which aids patients in maintaining normal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Patients who will benefit from this treatment include those with advanced illnesses such as COPD, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and some neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and ALS.

Fidelity’s goal is to assist as many patients as possible. This is an excellent alternative treatment to NIV done at the hospital and other acute care facilities and could help some patients return to the comfort of their homes. NIV patients receiving treatment at home can be monitored remotely, and a respiratory therapist can follow up with patients routinely for a higher level of care in the home setting. NIV delivers pressure via a sealed mask placed over the mouth, nose, or whole face, depending on the patient's needs. This treatment does not include endotracheal intubation and has a reduced risk of complications associated with intubation. NIV does not bypass the patient’s upper airway, which helps maintain the patient’s respiratory defenses while being more comfortable for the patient. It is also less costly than in-facility treatment and gives the patient greater independence and a better quality of life.

If you are interested in prescribing this treatment for your patients or have further questions, please contact Melissa Kerr, respiratory therapist manager, at (937) 208-6506(937) 208-6506 and (937) 467-5542(937) 467-5542.

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