Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a program designed to help people living with COPD or other chronic lung conditions feel better and breathe easier. Today, we are answering some questions to help you decide if PR is right for you.
What happens in a pulmonary rehabilitation program?
PR programs include exercise and simple classes that teach you how to manage symptoms of your lung condition and improve breathing. PR also helps you build strength and improve your ability to stay active without getting tired or short of breath.1 These programs are often done in groups, so people can support and encourage each other. PR is known as one of the most helpful treatments for people with lung conditions.2
How do I know if pulmonary rehab is right for me?
Pulmonary rehab is for people with COPD and other lung conditions. Think of these questions:
- Have you been diagnosed with a lung condition?
- Do you often feel short of breath, have fatigue, or coughing and wheezing?
- Are you taking treatments for your condition and don’t think the treatments are working?
- Do you struggle with breathing during daily activities?
If any of these sound familiar, then PR could be very helpful for you.
How long is a pulmonary rehab program?
Pulmonary rehab usually lasts 12 weeks.1 Some people may have more time in their program if they have more than one lung condition. In your sessions, you will learn healthy habits that you can keep up for the rest of your life.
Does pulmonary rehab actually help?
PR has been shown to be very effective. It can help lower the number of hospital visits and help you feel better and enjoy a better quality of life.3 When you have trouble breathing, it is natural to limit physical activity to avoid feeling worse. In a PR program, health experts teach you how to exercise safely and understand your condition. While you learn about your lungs, you are with other people who have similar challenges.
Does insurance cover pulmonary rehab?
Many programs accept insurance if you have been prescribed to attend. However, many insurance plans are different, so the amount you pay out of pocket may be different than others in your class.
Before you start pulmonary rehab, talk with the program’s staff about costs. These costs include out-of-pocket and other extra fees like parking or transportation. You can also call your insurance provider to ask about the co-pay.1
How do I enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program?
Visit the How to Select a Program page. The section titled Enrollment Process walks you through the steps of how to enroll in a program.1
What if there is no pulmonary rehab program available near me?
If there is no PR program in your area, virtual options are also available. Studies show that online pulmonary rehab works just as well as going to a program in-person. Because of this, medical experts say doctors and clinics should offer online programs to people who cannot get to an in-person program.3 To help people who face these challenges, the COPD Foundation, along with the American Lung Association and the American Thoracic Society, created a guide, What to Do When Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) Is Unavailable.
Finding the right program takes time. If you are currently or have previously participated in a pulmonary rehab program, share your experiences in the comments below.
References
- What is pulmonary rehabilitation? COPD Foundation. Accessed February 23, 2026. https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Pulmonary-Rehabilitation/What-is-Pulmonary-Rehabilitation.aspx.
- Lamberton CE, Mosher CL. Review of the Evidence for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD: Clinical Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness. Respir Care. 2024;69(6):686-696. Published 2024 May 28. doi:10.4187/respcare.11541
- Filizola H, Kumar A, Buhr RG, Schwab Jensen K. Outcomes of virtual pulmonary rehabilitation in oxygen-dependent COPD patients. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation. Published online 2025:184-189. doi:10.15326/jcopdf.2024.0572