2,543
Respiratory Therapists
100%
Accepting patients
45%
Most common: RRT
FindClarity lists 2,543 respiratory therapists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is RRT (45%).
Respiratory therapists (RTs) specialize in treating conditions that affect breathing and lung function. They hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory care and must pass national board exams to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Most states require licensure.
RTs work primarily in hospitals, managing ventilators for critically ill patients, administering breathing treatments, performing pulmonary function tests, and assisting with emergency airway management. Outside hospitals, RTs work in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, sleep labs, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics.
Respiratory therapists play a critical role in managing chronic lung diseases (COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis), providing life support in ICUs, assisting during surgery, and helping patients transition from ventilator support to independent breathing. They also manage home oxygen therapy and CPAP/BiPAP devices for sleep apnea.
You may work with a respiratory therapist if you are hospitalized for a breathing problem, in the ICU on a ventilator, diagnosed with COPD or severe asthma and referred for pulmonary rehabilitation, prescribed home oxygen therapy, having a pulmonary function test (spirometry, lung volumes), prescribed a CPAP or BiPAP for sleep apnea, or receiving breathing treatments (nebulizer, inhaler) in a hospital or clinic. Most patients encounter RTs during hospital stays rather than seeking them out independently.
In a hospital, the RT will administer breathing treatments (bronchodilators via nebulizer), manage your ventilator settings if applicable, help you with breathing exercises, and monitor your oxygen levels. For pulmonary function testing, the RT guides you through a series of breathing maneuvers into a machine that measures lung capacity and airflow (the test takes 30 to 60 minutes). In pulmonary rehabilitation, the RT leads exercise sessions and teaches breathing techniques over a 6 to 12 week program. For home equipment (CPAP, oxygen), the RT sets up the device, teaches you how to use it, and provides ongoing support.
Pulmonary function test: $30-75 copay · Pulmonary rehabilitation session: $20-50 copay · Home oxygen setup: covered by DME benefit · CPAP machine: $0-200 after insurance · Nebulizer: $0-50 after insurance
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised exercise and education program for people with chronic lung disease (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, post-COVID lung complications). Sessions are typically two to three times per week for six to twelve weeks. A respiratory therapist leads exercises that improve endurance, teaches breathing techniques (pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing), and provides education on managing your condition. Research shows pulmonary rehab reduces hospitalization and improves quality of life.
Hospital-based respiratory therapy is covered as part of your inpatient or emergency room care. Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation is covered by Medicare (36 sessions) and most insurance plans with prior authorization. Home oxygen equipment is covered by Medicare Part B and most plans when prescribed by a doctor. CPAP machines for sleep apnea are covered after a qualifying sleep study. Pulmonary function tests ordered by a physician are covered as diagnostic procedures.
In most cases, respiratory therapy services require a physician order or referral. You cannot self-refer to a respiratory therapist for clinical services. However, respiratory therapists lead pulmonary rehabilitation programs (ordered by your doctor) and are available in hospitals and clinics as part of your care team. For CPAP supplies and home oxygen, your doctor writes the prescription and a respiratory therapy company provides the equipment and support.
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Inpatient respiratory therapy is covered as part of your hospital stay. Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation is covered by Medicare (up to 36 sessions with possible extension to 72) and most commercial plans with prior authorization. Home oxygen therapy and CPAP/BiPAP machines are covered under durable medical equipment (DME) benefits when prescribed. Medicare covers 80% of the approved amount for DME after the deductible. Replacement CPAP supplies (masks, tubing) are covered on a schedule. Pulmonary function tests are covered as diagnostic procedures.