Therapist-directed protocols designed with health-care reform in mind

There is no doubt that therapist-directed protocols are an effective way of providing therapy to patients in need of respiratory care. Therapist-directed protocols have been shown to provide the right therapy to the right patients in an effective and efficient manner. The current investigation presents us with an additional reason for promoting the use of therapist-directed protocols by suggesting a reduced readmission rate in the therapist-directed care group. Respiratory therapists must advocate for the continued or expanded use of these therapist-driven protocols as a way of assisting their institutions to potentially reduce COPD readmissions and minimize CMS reimbursement reductions.