Cardiopulmonary
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Cardiopulmonary Services in Artesia
Breathing is essential to everything you do. When a heart or lung condition makes it difficult to breathe, it can affect your entire life. At Artesia General Hospital, our Cardiopulmonary Services team provides critical respiratory care for patients throughout southeastern New Mexico, right here at our Artesia campus. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you breathe easier and live more fully.
Our team of Respiratory Therapists works closely with your physician to create a personalized care plan. Whether you are managing a chronic condition or need acute care, we are your dedicated local partners in respiratory health.
Is It Time to See a Respiratory Specialist?
It can be hard to know if breathing difficulties are a sign of a more serious condition. Our team provides expert care for a wide range of illnesses. You should talk to your primary care provider about a referral if you have been diagnosed with or have symptoms of:
- Asthma
- Chronic Bronchitis
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Lung Cancer
Advanced Local Care for Your Heart and Lungs
We are committed to providing our community with expert care and technology. Having access to these advanced diagnostics in Artesia means you can get the vital answers you need without the time, cost, and stress of long-distance travel.
- A Highly Credentialed Team: All our respiratory care practitioners are licensed and credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Our department is also certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
- A Regional Leader in Prevention: We are proud to have the only Lung Cancer Screening program in southeastern New Mexico accredited by the American College of Radiology. Our low-dose CT scanner can detect tumors in their earliest, most treatable stages.
- A Coordinated Approach: Our therapists are an integral part of your care team, working seamlessly with our Emergency Department, Cardiology clinic, and your primary care provider to ensure your treatment is integrated and effective.
Our Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT): A series of breathing tests to diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.
- Arterial Blood Gas Analysis: Measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood to assess lung function.
- Cardiac Stress Testing & Holter Monitoring: Diagnostic tests to evaluate your heart’s function and rhythm.
- Breathing Treatments: Including aerosol and bronchodilator therapies to open airways.
- Ventilation Therapy: Providing both invasive and non-invasive breathing support for critically ill patients.
- Oxygen Therapy & Overnight Oximetry: Assessing your oxygen needs and providing supplemental oxygen.
For more information about our services, please call our department.
For more information, please call: 575-748-3333, Ext. 1581
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Respiratory Therapist do?
A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who treats people with conditions affecting the heart and lungs. They perform diagnostic tests, administer breathing treatments, manage life support equipment like ventilators, and educate patients on how to manage their chronic respiratory diseases right here at our Artesia hospital.
My doctor ordered a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). What should I expect?
A PFT is a non-invasive test where you will be asked to breathe into a special mouthpiece in different ways. It doesn’t hurt, but it does require your best effort to get accurate results. The test helps your doctor measure how well your lungs are working to create the best treatment plan for you.
What is the difference between a breathing treatment here and my regular inhaler at home?
While both deliver medicine to your lungs, the breathing treatments we provide in the hospital, often called nebulizer treatments, can be more effective during an acute illness. A nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through a mask or mouthpiece, which can be easier than using an inhaler when you are very short of breath.
I’m a smoker with a chronic cough. Why is a Lung Cancer Screening important?
A low-dose CT screening is crucial because it can detect lung cancer at its earliest stage, often before any symptoms appear. For individuals with a high risk, such as a long-term history of smoking, early detection dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment. Our accredited program in Artesia offers this powerful preventative tool to everyone in our region.
How will I know how to manage my condition after I leave the hospital?
A key part of our job is to ensure you feel confident managing your health at home. Our Respiratory Therapists will teach you how to properly use your inhalers, provide education about your condition, and work with you and your family to create a plan that helps you stay healthy and avoid future hospital visits.
