Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services are medically supervised and monitored exercise and educational programs for individuals with heart disease or chronic lung disease. Through cardiopulmonary rehab services, participants are helped to safely reach and maintain their optimal level of exercise and activity.

Cardiac rehab is a program designed to optimize a cardiac patient's physical, psychosocial and social functioning. Pulmonary rehab programs are designed to help patients with chronic lung disease reduce symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue, increase muscle strength and endurance, and increase their ability to do daily activities with less effort while improving the overall physical, emotional and social effects of decreased lung capacity.

Candidates for cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation include people who:

• Have had myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).
• Are recovering from cardiovascular surgery. (e.g. angioplasty/stents, bypass surgery, heart valve replacement/repair)
• Chronic Heart Failure
• Have lung disease (COPD, emphysema or asthma).
• A doctor's referral is necessary for admission to the program. If you do not have a doctor, we will be happy to refer you to a physician.

Outpatient Phase II of cardiopulmonary rehab consists of exercise and educational classes monitored by an experienced team of professionals that include cardiac nurses, respiratory therapists, registered dietitians and social workers. Phase II is a reimbursable service under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies.

When a patient completes Phase II of the program, they can choose to continue as a Phase III participant for as long as they wish. Phase III is a long-term maintenance program designed to provide a supportive environment for permanent lifestyle changes. Exercise classes, stress management and dietary support remain available throughout the program. A small fee is charged for Phase III Maintenance sessions.