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LAURIUM — Melanie Miller, a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium, has completed specialty training in pulmonary function testing through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). She now advances to Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT), and is the only licensed RPFT practicing in Houghton and Keweenaw counties, and the surrounding area.
An RPFT is a respiratory therapist who has successfully attained the advanced level RPFT credentials from the NBRC by taking the national boards.
As an RPFT, Miller specializes in advanced diagnostic testing to assess potential pulmonary function conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer and other related diseases. Pulmonary function technologists work under the supervision of a physician to deliver respiratory care services to patients.
Pulmonary function tests are a series of breathing tests that provide feedback on how the lungs are functioning. Tests are performed using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, called a plethysmograph, to assess lung volumes, capacities, rates of flow, and gas exchange. Tests not only aid in diagnosis, but they help monitor response to treatment and can guide decisions regarding further treatment and intervention.
Cardiopulmonary Manager Joseph Schleicher, RRT, said they see a large number of asthmatic and COPD patients at Aspirus Keweenaw. Having Miller’s advanced expertise and the latest in diagnostic technology onsite ensures patients receive the highest quality care.
“Patients feel at ease knowing their conditions are in the professional hands of our highly skilled respiratory therapists,” he said. “I’m really proud of our team for always striving to deliver patients the highest levels of care close to home.”
For more information about the Respiratory Department at Aspirus Keweenaw, please call 906.337.6520.
About Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital
Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital is a non-profit, community-directed health care organization based in Laurium, Mich., with clinics and outreach services in Laurium, Houghton and Lake Linden. Aspirus Keweenaw is part of the Aspirus Inc. exclusive hospital and clinic network, home health and hospice care, pharmacy, critical care, medical goods and a philanthropic foundation.
About the NBRC
The National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. (NBRC) is a voluntary health certifying board which was created in 1960 to evaluate the professional competence of respiratory therapists. The NBRC strives for excellence in providing credentialing examinations and associated services to the respiratory community, and intends to remain at the forefront of the testing field by offering valid, reliable credentialing examinations, consistent with leading measurement standards and techniques.
