Shortness of breath, bronchiolitis, COPD: when home respiratory physiotherapy becomes essential

Breathing is a natural act, but certain illnesses or situations can make it difficult: lung infections, chronic diseases like asthma or COPD, and after-effects of hospitalization or surgery. In these cases, respiratory physiotherapy helps improve lung function and quality of life.

And when traveling to a clinic is difficult, it is possible to receive care directly at home, under certain conditions defined by the CNS.

What is Respiratory Physiotherapy?

Respiratory physiotherapy encompasses various techniques and exercises aimed at:

Clearing the airways,
Improving ventilation and reducing shortness of breath,
Strengthening respiratory muscles,
Preventing complications and promoting recovery.

This care applies to infants, adults, and the elderly alike.

When to Use it?

For babies and children: bronchiolitis, asthma, recurrent bronchitis, cystic fibrosis.
For adults: severe asthma, COPD, lung infections like pneumonia, post-Covid after-effects.
After hospitalization or surgery: respiratory recovery and prevention of complications.

Why Choose Home Sessions?

Having your physiotherapist come to your home is a practical option when it’s difficult to travel. This allows for:

Reducing fatigue and stress related to transportation,
Limiting the risk of exposure to other infections,
Adapting advice and exercises to the patient’s real environment.

Family members can also be involved, which facilitates the continuity of recommendations between sessions.

What Happens During a Session?

A session generally lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The physiotherapist begins by observing breathing and gathering useful medical information. Then, they apply bronchial clearance techniques, suggest adapted exercises (diaphragmatic breathing, prolonged exhalation, muscle strengthening), and provide personalized advice on positions or habits that promote better breathing.

Each session is adapted to the patient’s health condition and specific needs.

Prescription and Reimbursement: What You Need to Know (ZK12 Code)

In Luxembourg, respiratory physiotherapy is prescribed by a doctor via a standardized prescription. This must mention the code ZK12.

Number of sessions: Generally, the prescription covers 8 sessions. For severe chronic diseases, this can go up to 64 sessions. After surgery, the maximum limit is 32 sessions per intervention.
Two sessions per day: The CNS exceptionally authorizes two respiratory physiotherapy sessions per day if the situation justifies it.
New prescription: If the planned sessions are not sufficient, the doctor can write a new prescription to continue care.
Combination with other care: If other rehabilitation is necessary (e.g., orthopedic), the doctor can issue an additional prescription.

Important: For home sessions to be reimbursed by the CNS, the prescription must clearly state that the treatment must take place at the patient’s home, and this modality must be justified by their health condition. Without this mention, reimbursement for home visits is not possible.

Practical Example

After hospitalization for pneumonia, a patient receives a prescription for 8 respiratory physiotherapy sessions (ZK12). As they are too tired to travel, the doctor specifies on the prescription that the sessions must take place at home. After these sessions, if difficulties persist, a new prescription can be issued. If needed, two sessions per day are possible, or additional rehabilitation can be prescribed (e.g., for the back) with a separate prescription.

FAQ – your Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Painful?

No. The techniques used are gentle and adapted to each patient. They may be tiring at first, but they do not cause pain.

How Long before I See Improvement?

It depends on the pathology. Some people feel relief after a few sessions, while others require longer follow-up.

Can I Have Two Sessions in the Same Day?

Yes, it is possible for respiratory physiotherapy (ZK12), if the doctor indicates it and if the health condition justifies it.

Is it Reimbursed?

Yes, provided you have a medical prescription. For home sessions, the explicit mention of home must be indicated by the doctor and justified by the medical situation.

Do I Need to Prepare Anything before the Session?

Prepare a quiet and comfortable space, and have your usual treatments on hand if necessary.

Mon-Kiné by your Side

Our physiotherapists come to your home, anywhere in Luxembourg. We provide care for:

Infants with bronchiolitis,
Children suffering from asthma or respiratory disorders,
Adults and seniors living with COPD or severe asthma,
Patients recovering after surgery or an infection like Covid-19.

We work in collaboration with your doctor and respect the recommendations of the CNS so that your care is properly adapted and covered.

In Summary

Home respiratory physiotherapy is an effective solution to improve breathing and support patients in their recovery.
With a medical prescription (ZK12 code), your sessions are reimbursed by the CNS. For home care, it is essential that the doctor clearly indicates on the prescription that the treatment must take place at your home and that this is medically justified.

Do you or a loved one need home respiratory follow-up in Luxembourg? Contact Mon-Kiné today to organize your sessions with a qualified professional.