Cardiac Rehabilitation

This is the inpatient portion of your recovery.

This program usually begins about two weeks after hospitalization. Diagnoses that are typically covered by Medicare and most commercial insurance companies include:

• Myocardial Infarction (MI)
• PTCA/stent
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Valve repair/replacement
• Stable angina
• Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) implant
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)

Someone from our office will contact the patient within a week from date of discharge. The initial visit will be with a nurse and a rehab exercise specialist. During this visit, the nurse will review the patient's medical history and medications, and assess functional capacity by performing a 6-minute walk test.

Rehab classes consist of supervised exercise sessions lasting approximately 1 hour, 3 times per week. These classes are done in a group setting. Exercise equipment used includes: treadmills, recumbent bikes, arm ergometers, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, free weights and resistance equipment. There is a cardiologist in the building on call at all times during the rehab classes/sessions should the need arise.

The length of the program is individualized and based upon medical necessity and insurance coverage. However, most patients continue in the program for 3 to 12 weeks. The patient’s insurance will be verified prior to the initial rehab visit.

The Phase III program is designed to serve as a maintenance program following completion of Phase II rehab. This program is also available to patients who do not qualify for Phase II, along with a current referral from their cardiologist. There is no limit on how long a patient is a member of this program. An annual treadmill test and office visit with patient’s cardiologist is recommended to remain a current member.

• The patient’s physician will determine whether an exercise stress test (monitored by cardiologist) or a six-minute walk test (monitored by cardiac rehab staff) will be performed prior to starting the program.

Sessions are available Monday through Friday, lasting approximately 1 hour, 3 to 5 times per week. To qualify for these programs, the individual must be independent and track his or her progress with each exercise session. Supervision is provided by rehab staff. Staff perform a weekly resting and exercise blood pressure reading.