COPD monitoring
Find care
Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Need to know more about COPD monitoring? We’ve got you covered.
What is COPD monitoring?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. If you have COPD, it's important to be monitored regularly to make sure your symptoms aren't getting worse. Monitoring can also help you determine any lifestyle changes you may need to make to maintain your health.
The best way to monitor COPD is through regular monitoring visits. A health care provider will monitor your condition by performing tests during these visits. Tests that help diagnose and monitor COPD may include:
- Pulse oximetry: A clip-like sensor is attached to your finger or ear to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
- Spirometry: This measures the amount of air you can breathe in and out.
- Chest X-ray: X-rays monitor for changes in your lungs.
- Blood gas analysis: This test measures the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
- Echocardiogram: This method monitors your heart function.
What are some ways to manage COPD?
There is no cure for COPD, but there are steps you can take to help improve symptoms and reduce your risk of future complications. If you're a smoker, the best step is to quit smoking, but if you're a non-smoker there are other ways to reduce symptoms.
In addition to monitoring, there are lifestyle changes that can help with COPD, including:
- Quitting smoking:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding exposure to air pollution
- Managing stress
Getting help
A MinuteClinic provider can regularly monitor and educate you on your condition. They can also evaluate your treatment options if your COPD symptoms suddenly become worse.
- You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
COPD monitoring causes, symptoms and treatment
COPD symptoms often develop gradually, so you might not realize you have it until your breathing becomes difficult. Symptoms of COPD may include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
Having a health care provider monitor your condition and following your COPD treatment plan will help keep your symptoms under control. If you notice any worsening of COPD symptoms, such as increased shortness of breath or coughing up mucus, be sure to speak with your provider right away.
Your provider will help you determine how often you need to be monitored. The frequency of monitoring will be based on the severity of your condition. In many cases, however, COPD patients receive an evaluation every 6 to 12 months.
If you're experiencing worsening COPD symptoms, consider making an in-person visit to your local MinuteClinic as soon as possible. In addition to COPD monitoring, MinuteClinic offers a range of services, including COPD screening, that can help with early diagnosis and treatment, including lab testing and immunizations.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
-
1. COPD - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (Accessed December 15, 2021)
-
2. COPD - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (Accessed December 15, 2021)
-
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | American Lung Association. (Accessed December 15, 2021)