Cardiac Rehabilitation

Our physician supervised Cardiac Rehabilitation program can often improve functional capacity, reduce symptoms and create a sense of well-being for patients. A physician may prescribe cardiac rehabilitation for patients with a range of cardiovascular diseases including:

• Aortic valve replacement
• Cardiac stent placement
• Cardiovascular surgery
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Coronary balloon angioplasty
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Heart transplant
• Mitral valve replacement
• Stable angina pectoris
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

About Our Program

Columbus Regional Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program offers a two-phase program that focuses on education and exercise in order to make the lifestyle changes necessary to effectively manage your heart disease.

Since 2015, Columbus Regional Health has partnered with Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation. The Pritikin Program emphasizes exercise, a healthy mindset, and an eating plan focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meat, nonfat dairy, and protein-rich plant foods like legumes or beans. The Pritikin Program is a scientifically-proven approach to reducing your chances of having another heart event.

Phase I

Phase I begins when patients are still in the hospital. During Phase I patients will:

• Increase their understanding of cardiovascular disease
• Learn about individual risk factor modification

Phase II

Phase II is for patients who have been discharged from the hospital and are ready to begin an outpatient exercise program. Phase II is generally between six to 12 weeks, depending on the program. Patients receive comprehensive education and participate in monitored exercise to:

• Increase strength and energy levels to return to daily activities or work
• Learn to modify individual risk factors through education including:
  • Diet, cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight, and stress management
  • Receive assistance with smoking cessation
  • Receive assistance with diabetic education

Maintenance

We offer a maintenance program to continue throughout your lifetime in order to lower your risk of having another event. During maintenance, patients continue their exercise and risk factors management programs. Various options are offered to fit your lifestyle and can be scheduled through our Wellness Center.

Heart Health Tools

In addition to exercises, while at Cardiac Rehab, patients also:

• Watch educational videos about reducing their risk factors for heart disease
• Learn about heart-healthy nutrition
• Attend healthy-cooking demonstrations
• Learn stress-reduction techniques

Medicare Coverage

Cardiac Rehab and Pritikin Programs are covered by Medicare for qualifying individuals. The medical conditions that qualify for Medicare reimbursement include:

• Angioplasty
• Cardiac stent placement
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Heart attack
• Heart transplants
• Heart valve repair or replacements
• Stable angina (chest pain)

Our Team

Cardiac Rehabilitation programs can be conducted while a patient is still in the hospital or on an outpatient basis. Cardiac Rehabilitation services are provided by a multi-disciplinary team to ensure that you receive the best possible care including:

• Cardiologists
• Cardiology medical director
• Cardiovascular surgeons
• Diabetic educators
• Dietitians
• Exercise physiologists
• Nurses & Nurse Practitioners
• Pharmacists
• Social service professionals

Our staff will communicate with your physician through progress reports and evaluations of your cardiovascular health.

Getting Started

You will need a referral from your doctor to enter the program. Please contact your physician and ask him or her to send a referral to Columbus Regional Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. We will then contact you to schedule an exercise orientation. Most insurance plans provide reimbursement for Cardiac Rehabilitation services. Please contact your insurance carrier for more information. Cardiac Rehab and Pritikin are covered by Medicare.

For More Information

For more information about Columbus Regional Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, please call us at 812.376.5247 or 800.841.4938, ext. 5247, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.