Brandi Bell, RRT, CPFT is an experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist who joined Southern West Virginia Health System in 2015. Since then, she has been working to improve the health and wellness of the patients she sees by providing local access to pulmonary services in southern West Virginia.  

Brandi Bell, RRT, CPFT leads the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at the LPCC campus, and she travels to other sites to conduct pulmonary function tests. Brandi is National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Certified for Spirometry Testing and Certified for Respirator Fit Testing.  Additionally, Brandi assists our patients with qualifying for supplemental oxygen through six-minute walk tests.   

Brandi is welcoming new patients and seeks to build a partnership with her patients in order to help them live their healthiest lives.  

Brandi Bell, RRT, CPFT practices at:  

• Lincoln Primary Care Center  

Areas of focus for Brandi Bell, RRT, CPFT include:  

• Pulmonary Function Testing 
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program  
• Respirator Fit Testing  

What is a RRT?  

RRT stands for a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory therapists work on treating issues that involve your breathing or your lungs. Respiratory therapists’ complete education at an accredited respiratory care program, and then they go through examinations to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.  

What is a CPFT?  This may need some work  

CPFT stands for Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist. To become a CPFT, you must complete a Pulmonary Function Testing Examination. This is an extensive examination to illustrate and determine that you are qualified to perform the tasks of a pulmonary function technologists.  

What is Pulmonary Function Testing? 

Pulmonary Function Testing is a non-invasive test that measures: 

• How much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs 
• How easily and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs 

What is the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program?  

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a supervised education and exercise program designed to help people with breathing problems return to a healthier and more active life. This is a 12-week program to help patients with diseases referred to as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which include: 

• Emphysema 
• Chronic Bronchitis 
• Asthma 

And helps patients who are diagnosed with: 

• Black Lung Disease 

What can I expect from the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program?  

During this program, our staff will monitor each patient and adjust the goals to fit each patient’s individual needs. A typical rehab group will have four to six patients.  The program is simple, yet powerful, and has three basic parts:spr 

• A complete medical history and physical evaluation with testing to measure breathing capacity 
• Education of patients and family members regarding the nature of breathing problems and how patients can better manage their disease 
• Mild, supervised exercise therapy to improve muscle conditioning, heart fitness and breathing 

What is NIOSH Certified spirometry testing?  

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Certified for Spirometry Testing is a test to assess your lung function. During your spirometry test, it will measure how much air you are inhaling and exhaling out of your lungs as well as how easily and fast you can blow the air out of your lungs.  This testing plays an important role in occupational respiratory health surveillance to help determine if a worker has a respiratory impairment.   

What is a fit test?  

Fit tests are conducted to ensure that a respirator is comfortable and protective for the one wearing the respirator. A respirator is a mask that is worn to protect yourself from inhaling airborne contaminants.  

How do I schedule an appointment with Brandi Bell, RRT, CPFT?  

In order to participate in this program, you will need a referral from your primary care provider. We accept outside referrals as well as referrals from our primary care providers. During your appointment with your primary care provider, mention your interest in our program. If you have any questions, please call: 304-824-5806 ext. 1276, and speak with a member of our Pulmonary Rehabilitation team.  

If you are in need of a primary care provider, we are accepting new patients at all of our locations, and we would be happy to schedule an appointment for you. Call the location nearest you to schedule an appointment.