Granite County Medical Center Brings Advanced Pulmonary Testing to Philipsburg (and Our Neighbors!)

We are so excited to share that Granite County Medical Center (GCMC) has made a groundbreaking addition to its healthcare services with the acquisition of state-of-the-art Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) equipment.

These non-invasive tests measure lung capacity, airflow and other key metrics, offering physicians the information they need to tailor effective treatment plans. “The PFT allows our patients to stay in their community while still being able to receive the high-quality diagnostic care they deserve,” said Jessica Martin, GCMC’s Chief Medical Officer. We are so grateful to have this critical diagnostic tool, and it’s all due to the generous support of our partner, H&R Thrift Store. Thank you!

“PFTs are essential for diagnosing and monitoring chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, interstitial lung diseases, and pulmonary fibrosis. By offering PFTs on-site, patients don’t have to travel long distances for testing, which will improve convenience, compliance, and satisfaction.” -Scott Miner, Physicians Assistant, PA-C

A Rare Resource in Rural Healthcare

Pulmonary Function Test equipment is rare to find in rural hospitals due to its high cost—as much as $120,000—and the specialized training required to operate it. Rural facilities often prioritize general-purpose equipment over specialized tools like PFT machines, which are more commonly found in urban centers. Our ability to offer this service locally is a major step forward for our region!

Meeting a Surge in Demand

The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased the need for PFT equipment. Studies report that as many as 40% of post-COVID-19 patients experience lingering lung impairments, including reduced capacity and breathing challenges.

In fact, the demand for PFTs has created national backlogs, leaving many patients waiting weeks or even months for testing. Nationwide, rural residents frequently face extended travel times and weeks-long waits to access PFTs, which are also critical for diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“This has been so impactful and literally life-changing for me personally,” said one patient, Jaime. “I’ve been non-compliant for years in getting my annual PFT testing after battling asthma and undergoing surgery seven years ago that required deflating my lung. Now, I can get my suggested annual PFT right here in my community.”

For more information about Pulmonary Function Testing
or to schedule an appointment, call (406) 859-3271.