The purpose of the six minute walk is to test exercise tolerance in patients with chronic respiratory disease and/or heart failure.
It is used to detect changes in exercise tolerance for patients following intervention medication to track its effectiveness.
The six-minute walk test measures the distance you are able to walk over a total of six minutes on a hard, flat surface. The goal is for the patient to walk as far as possible in six minutes. You are able to walk at your own pace and rest as needed.
The walk may be performed with or without mobile oxygen.
This inexpensive test is a valuable diagnostic tool for Professor Allen in your treatment but unfortunately does not qualify for a Medicare rebate.