Cardiac Rehabilitation
What is Cardiac Rehabilitation? Cardiac Rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to prepare patients with heart disease for an active and productive lifestyle. Cardiac Rehabilitation has four components: evaluation, monitored exercise, education and support. Cardiac Rehabilitation is an outpatient service. The treatment of each patient is individualized to meet the specific patient needs. Patients attend Cardiac Rehabilitation three times per week for 6-12 weeks.
Evaluation Each Cardiac Rehabilitation patient participates in an initial assessment. This includes a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, as well as a review of their current health condition. A functional capacity assessment and physical evaluation are performed at this time.
Monitored Exercise A significant component of Cardiac Rehabilitation is the closely monitored exercise program. Patients exercise three days per week using aerobic exercise equipment (treadmill, stationary bicycles, NuStep, etc.) Patients are challenged to increase their tolerance to exercise through gradual increases in workloads. While exercising, patients have their heart rhythm, blood pressure, and (as needed) oxygen saturations monitored by trained healthcare professionals.
Education Education is provided in a group and/or individual setting to promote healthy lifestyle changes. Educational topics include diet/nutrition, cardiovascular disease risk factor modification, medications, stress management and benefits of exercise.
Support Throughout the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, patients benefit by working closely with highly trained and experienced healthcare professionals. Each patient’s program is individualized to his/her needs. Progress is monitored and adjusted to assist patients in reaching their optimal potential to meet their goals.
Will my insurance pay for Cardiac Rehabilitation? Medicare, as well as most third party insurance companies, will cover Cardiac Rehabilitation. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider prior to enrolling in the program.
Who is eligible for Cardiac Rehabilitation? Those who have had a heart attack, open heart surgery, heart transplant, stable angina, PTCA/stent, valve repair/replacement, heart failure patients who meet certain criteria are eligible for Cardiac Rehabilitation. A physician referral is required. Physician is updated on patient progress and concerns.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation? Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program of education and exercise training that stresses proper care and symptom management for the patient with pulmonary disease. Pulmonary Rehabilitation is offered on an outpatient basis. Patients attend rehab sessions two days a week. Sessions include education about pulmonary disease and breathing techniques, as well as regular exercise.
Evaluation Each Pulmonary Rehabilitation patient participates in an initial assessment. This includes a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, as well as a review of their current health condition. An exercise tolerance assessment and a physical evaluation are also performed at this time, including a 6 min walk test.
Monitored Exercise An essential component of Pulmonary Rehabilitation is the exercise program, with an emphasis on improving endurance through progressive training within the limits of each individual. The documented benefits of the exercise training include increased tolerance of shortness of breath, increased appetite, better physical capability, and improved quality of life.
Education Personalized education is provided to promote healthy lifestyle. Topics may include diet/nutrition, lung function, disease-specific information, oxygen use, ADLs and energy conservation, airway clearance techniques, medications, stress and relaxation.
Support Throughout the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, patients benefit by working closely with highly trained and experienced healthcare professionals. Each patient’s program is individualized to his/her needs. Progress is monitored and adjusted to assist patients in reaching their optimal potential to meet their goals.
Will my insurance pay for Pulmonary Rehabilitation? Most insurance companies will cover Pulmonary Rehabilitation services. We encourage patients to check with their insurance provider prior to enrolling in the program.
Who is eligible for Pulmonary Rehabilitation? Patients with impairment due to lung disease (including emphysema, COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, sarcoidosis, asbestosis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, pre/post lung transplant, restrictive lung disease) are eligible. A physician referral is required. Physician is updated on patient progress and concerns.