Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program is an important part of recovery after a significant cardiac event, heart disease, valve replacements, stents or balloon catheter (PTCA) procedure and other heart-related illnesses.
As you heal, it is essential to participate in a program of exercise to strengthen your heart following any illness or procedure. This guided activity helps you to recover faster, conditions your heart for future activities, and can help lower your risk of recurrence.
The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Our program is designed to educate and condition each of our patients so that they are confident that they have the ability and the knowledge to successfully navigate the lifestyle changes that will ensure them the healthiest future possible. Our Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The program meets the standards set forth by the American Heart Association, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Medicare.
The 4 stages to better heart health:
- Pre-Assessment: Prior to beginning your exercise program, a member of the Cardiac Rehabilitation team will meet with you to evaluate and discuss your needs. Afterward, a specific exercise and education plan will be developed to fit your needs. You may need to take a treadmill test before starting the exercise program so that your physician knows your exercise tolerance.
- Monitored Exercise: The Cardiac Rehabilitation classes meet three days a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at regularly scheduled class times for approximately one hour. At each session, you are outfitted with a telemetric monitoring device that allows our Registered Nurses to continuously monitor your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and other vital signs. This assures that each patient is staying within the stress parameters of their individual program.
- Education and counseling: Weekly education is provided to help you learn about cardiac health.
- Success Planning: Our goal is to help you plan for your future so our specialist discusses issues about a home-based conditioning plan, or how to enroll in our maintenance program.
Individual Attention
Our Cardiac Rehabilitation medical professionals will be beside you to take you step-by-step through each exercise session over a 6 to 12 week period. Each patient is different so the staff of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit custom tailors the program, educational elements, and physical training to each person. Even though classes are conducted in a group setting, each patient is treated as an individual and each patient progresses at their own speed to their own specific set of goals.
The program emphasizes cardio and toning exercises that are designed to elevate the patient’s heart rate to a prescribed rate for a prescribed period of time. This heart-strengthening protocol is partnered with an educational component that strives to prepare the patient for the rest of their lives. A shared goal is for each patient to successfully transition to a home-based routine.
We have found that group sessions allow shared experiences to forge new friendships. Many of our patients make life-long friends at our programs and continue to support each other at one of the local fitness centers as a group.
Learn more about the benefits of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation by reading this information from the CDC.
Knowledge is Power
An important part of our program is educational in nature. We provide classroom sessions on topics like and diet and nutrition, and various diagnoses and treatments. We offer personalized programs on an individual’s medications and what they do and how they affect treatment outcomes. We also offer access and advice about tobacco-use cessation programs.
The Cost of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
Monitored Cardiac Rehabilitation services are reimbursed by most third-party payors such as Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and other commercial insurance plans. There may be co-pays involved depending upon a specific patient’s insurance plan. The Cardiac Rehabilitation team works with you and your health insurance representative to determine the cost of your participation. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider for the exact out-of-pocket cost to them.
Transportation Options
While many of our patients drive themselves or have family members or friends to bring them to class, there are other alternatives. Many of our patients use the Lyon County Transportation L-Cat system or our patients from Coffey County use the Coffey County Transportation system.
How to Enroll
Since you will need your doctor’s approval to get started in Cardiac Rehabilitation, we encourage you to talk with your physician to see if this program is right for you. Even if your doctor is not affiliated with Newman Regional Health, they can still provide the appropriate approvals and you are always welcome to participate in our program here at Newman Regional Health.
For More Information
If you want to talk to one of our Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation specialists, please contact the Cardiopulmonary Services Department at Newman Regional Health at 620-343-6800, ext. 21309 or 21300. If you would like to observe a session, please contact us to arrange a time.