COPD Foundation Podcast

Episode 21 : Denied Doesn’t Mean No: How to Access Advanced COPD Treatments and Navigate Insurance Barriers

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here [https://youtu.be/zF8umPBjlmg]. Feeling stuck trying to access the care you need? You’re not alone. And you’re not out of options. In this episode of the COPD Foundation Podcast, respiratory therapist Jonnie Korinko, and registered nurse Amanda Atkinson break down one of the most frustrating challenges facing people living with COPD and other chronic conditions: navigating the healthcare system to access advanced treatments. You’ll learn why insurance denials aren’t always final, how specialty pharmacies fit into the process, and where to find financial assistance programs that can make expensive medications more affordable. Most importantly, this conversation highlights the powerful role you play as your own advocate, and how asking the right questions can move your care forward faster. Whether you’re dealing with prior authorizations, delays, coverage challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers practical strategies, insider insight, and reassurance that you’re not alone. Episode Resources: * Specialty pharmacy & pharmaceutical financial assistance and patient support: * NeedyMeds [https://www.needymeds.org/] comprehensive nonprofit database for patient assistance programs, drug coupons, and free- or low-cost clinics. * Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) [https://www.helpingpatients.org/] free service that helps people find public, private, and pharmaceutical assistance programs. * RxAssist [https://www.rxassist.org/] database of pharmaceutical assistance programs. * Community Foundations: * PAN Foundation [https://www.panfoundation.org/] helps people access affordable, equitable health care through financial assistance, advocacy, and education. * Fund Finder [https://fundfinder.panfoundation.org/] PAN Foundation tool that searches for available funds. * HealthWell Foundation [https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/] financial assistance for coinsurance, premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. * Patient Advocate Foundation [https://www.patientadvocate.org/] free case management services for people with chronic conditions. * PAF offers a co-pay relief program [https://copays.org/] for people with certain chronic conditions. * The Assistance Fund (TAF) [https://tafcares.org/] financial assistance with out-of-pocket costs for people with certain chronic conditions. * GoodDays [https://mygooddays.org/] assists with medical expenses, including co-pays, travel costs for treatment, and premiums. * COPD Foundation resources Hosts: Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS Respiratory Therapist & Educator, COPD Foundation Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN Registered Nurse & Educator, COPD Foundation Contact & Support: For more information and resources, visit the COPD Foundation website [https://www.copdfoundation.org/] or reach out to your health care team.

Episode 20 : Hidden In Plain Sight: Why Alpha-1 Testing Is Still Being Missed and What You Can Do About It.

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here [https://youtu.be/afGXBJBJ_2U]. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is still widely missed in COPD care. In this episode, Amanda Atkinson and Dr. Charlie Strange discuss why Alpha-1 testing is often overlooked, how documentation gaps happen, and what clinicians can do to improve early detection. Learn practical steps to reduce diagnostic delay. Identify Alpha-1 sooner. The receipt of free Alpha-1 screening or testing services does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer. This episode has been sponsored by Grifols.

Episode 19 : COPD Research Under Attack: Protecting NIH Funding

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here [https://youtu.be/QI428IVg1FY]. Innovation for new COPD therapies and early diagnosis can only happen because of research, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research is responsible for many of these activities. Unfortunately, NIH funding—and consequently research for new COPD therapies—has recently been under attack. Join us for a conversation with COPD Foundation’s Senior Manager of Advocacy and Public Policy Bailey McCrary, Director of Education Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS, and MeiLan Han, MD, MS, about what this means for our community and what you can do.

Episode 18 : When The Symptoms Just Don’t Fit: Diagnosing What Others Miss

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here [https://youtu.be/JI8v8h48q7U]. Not all shortness of breath is the same. When patients adapt to their symptoms, or when a current diagnosis just doesn’t fit, it’s time to dig deeper and see what is missing. In this episode, Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN, talks with Physician Associate Brian Bizik, who shares clinical insight and his family’s personal story with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Unexplained breathlessness isn’t normal, and alpha-1 isn’t rare; it is just underdiagnosed. Join us and learn what you can do as a provider when symptoms just don’t add up. This episode has been sponsored by Grifols. To order free screening kits for your practice visit https://copdf.co/alpha1-orderkit [https://copdf.co/alpha1-orderkit]. The receipt of these free testing services does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service by any manufacturer.

Episode 17 : Real Stories of Living on Oxygen Therapy: A World Oxygen Day Special Podcast

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here [https://youtu.be/Kacqx07ZS00]. What is it really like to live with an oxygen therapy prescription? Join us for a conversation with two supplemental oxygen users, Jean and Art, who share their personal journeys with oxygen therapy. They are joined by “the Oxygen Guy,” Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT, Senior Director of Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs at the COPD Foundation, who helps uncover the challenges and benefits of navigating a supplemental oxygen prescription. Together, the group discusses topics including advice for new users, pulmonary rehabilitation, differences in quality of life on oxygen therapy, and how clinicians can better support their patients. World Oxygen Day is October 2. This episode is part two of a two-part series in honor of those who need or benefit from oxygen therapy. Learn more about World Oxygen Day at WorldOxygenDay.org [https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Get-Involved/World-Oxygen-Day.aspx]