How does this effect health care systems? Dr. Han answered that one million Americans with COPD are admitted to hospitals annually and 20 percent are readmitted within a month of discharge. As a result, COPD is now on Medicare’s radar. The NIH projects that costs for care of the COPD patient will reach $49 billion by 2020. Dr. Han reports that there is no continuum of care, citing poor coordination both inside and outside the hospital setting. Patients are discharged with limited education and support. She noted the need to increase funding for COPD research and to improve access to care.

Brian Walsh, current AARC president, shared with attendees that COPD must be addressed with accurate diagnosis, proper inpatient treatment, ongoing support, and long-term management. He stated that this should be important to hospitals across the country as it results in decreased admissions, improved outcomes, and a greater focus on patient care.
Walsh stressed the importance of early screening and diagnosis of COPD and predicted that the future of COPD care management is with telemedicine. He reminded attendees of three pending Congressional bills related to telemedicine: H.R. 2550, the Medicare Telehealth Parity Act; H.R. 2291, the Helping Expand Access to Rural Telemedicine (HEART) Act; and H.R. 766, Telehealth in Public Housing.

Vendors at this year’s AARC exhibit reflected support of the COPD patient with diagnostic and therapeutic systems for the inpatient as well as innovative products for home care therapies. Vyaire Health’s broad product line includes a range of complete pulmonary functions systems, portable spirometers for clinics and physician offices, units for pulmonary rehabilitation, handheld units for home care applications, and screening devices for smoking cessation programs.

MGC Diagnostics also offers a portfolio of products — from sophisticated pulmonary function systems to a portable, complete spirometry system. Both companies provide advanced software solutions to improve collection, review, and management of patient data.

Monaghan Medical showcased products for peak flow meters, airway clearance, and drug delivery. The Aerobika device offers OPEP (oscillating positive pressure expiratory pressure) to assist in airway clearance for those with chronic lung disease. The AeroEclipse product is a breath-actuated nebulizer for patients who require medication delivery. D R Burton Healthcare demonstrated the new iPEP® device, which combines both incentive spirometry and PEP (positive expiratory pressure).

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