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Sunday, June 7, 2009
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Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation What is Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation?Surviving a heart attack or any other cardiovascular or pulmonary event doesn't end with the trip home from the hospital. A program for rebuilding cardiovascular and pulmonary function is crucial for complete recovery. This is the reason for Aspen Valley Hospital's Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program. It helps people who have cardiovascular or pulmonary disease to reclaim the richness of an active life. History Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation was started at AVH in the fall of 1995 under the direction of cardiologist Morris Cohen, MD, and Melody Durham, RN. After an initial focus on acute cardiac patients (following stent or surgery), it quickly expanded to meet the needs of the community. The department now offers classes for both Cardiac and Pulmonary patients, as well as those with diabetes, metabolic syndrome and those looking to reduce their risk for these diseases. Initially occupying a small corner of Physical Therapy, Cardiopulmonary Rehab now has a dedicated area on the Patient Care Unit. The department looks to the future as their new 3,000 square foot facility is projected for completion in 2010. Facility The rehabilitation room boasts a full expanse of windows with state-of-the-art aerobic equipment including rowers, treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines. A bathroom and shower are available for patient use. A separate entrance near the parking lot allows direct access and prevents patients from having to walk through the hospital. Staff All therapists are trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and a physician is on site at all times should an emergency arise. Melody Durham, RN, BSN, Director Julie Puchkoff, MS, CSCS, Exercise Physiologist Linda Killian, RN, Therapist Phase I Cardiac Rehabilitation This phase occurs during hospitalization following a cardiac event such as a heart attack, angina, heart surgery, or stent placement. Following a physician’s referral, Cardiopulmonary Rehab staff provide an introduction to the rehab program and limited education to the patient while hospitalized. This is covered by insurance as an inpatient service. Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation This phase requires a physician prescription and is typically covered by insurance for up to 36 sessions at three days per week. Diagnoses which are typically covered by insurance include coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty, heart attack, stable angina, heart/lung transplant and valve replacement/repair. Other diagnoses such as coronary dissection or aortic aneurysm may also be covered. It is an outpatient service that offers comprehensive education and supervised, monitored exercise for cardiac patients immediately following hospitalization. Monitoring includes telemetry, BP, weight, and any cardiac symptoms. Education focuses on risk reduction through life-long maintenance of exercise and a heart-healthy lifestyle. Teaching is individualized to patient need and includes: medications, understanding heart disease, risk factors, home exercise, heart-healthy diet, stress, and smoking cessation (if necessary). A registered dietitian participates in this phase of the program. Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation This important final phase involves maintaining an exercise program at AVH, home, or at a health club. It is the patient's choice. Insurance does not cover the Phase III program, and those patients who continue to exercise at AVH purchase a "punch card" at a very affordable price. Classes continue to be offered three days per week for patients in this phase. Patients no longer need the cardiac monitor and blood pressures are taken weekly. Cardiac Rehab Life Skills Group We offer this support and discussion group once a month to promote healthier living. While exercise is an important aspect of cardiopulmonary health, it is equally important to live a full, relaxed, and balanced life. Our goals include stress management, relaxation, altering perspective, resolving conflict, improving communication, dealing with depression and anxiety, and strengthening interpersonal relationships. All sessions are facilitated by a marriage and family therapist. The Cardiopulmonary Rehab department works closely with our staff Cardiologists Gordon Gerson, MD, and Morris Cohen, MD. For patients with newly diagnosed cardiac disease, a cardiology consult may be the first step to better health. The initial introduction to our program typically follows an acute exacerbation of a pulmonary condition, such as pneumonia, acute asthmatic episode, bronchitis, or emphysema. The attending physician, along with a Cardiopulmonary Rehab staff member, will determine a patient’s likelihood to benefit from our Pulmonary Rehab program. The primary goals of Pulmonary Rehabilitation are to help patients control symptoms, improve their activities of daily living and restore their ability to function independently. Our team of Respiratory Therapists, Registered Nurses, Dietitians, and an Exercise Physiologist will provide the patient with optimal care and guidance in learning how to live with their disease and improve their quality of life. Phase II Pulmonary Rehabilitation This phase requires a physician prescription and a pulmonary function test (PFTs) within one year. Based on the results of the PFTs, it may be covered by insurance up to 36 sessions at three days per week. It is an outpatient service that offers comprehensive education and supervised, monitored exercise for pulmonary patients. We monitor oxygen saturation and heart rate and provide portable oxygen. Education is individualized to patient need and includes: coping techniques, anatomy and physiology, breathing techniques, exercise, medications, supplemental oxygen, preventing infection, triggers, diet and nutrition, and traveling with oxygen. A registered dietitian participates in this program. Covered diagnoses include: asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, chronic obstructive bronchitis, bronchiectasis, COPD (emphysema and bronchitis), and pulmonary fibrosis. Phase III Pulmonary Rehabilitation This important final phase involves maintaining an exercise program at AVH, home, or at a health club. It is the patient's choice. Insurance does not cover the Phase III program, and those patients who continue to exercise at AVH purchase a "punch card" at a very affordable price. Classes continue to be offered three days per week for patients in this phase. Oxygen saturation and heart rate are monitored by the patient, while blood pressure is taken weekly. The Cardiopulmonary Rehab department works closely with physicians at National Jewish Hospital through our monthly Pulmonology Clinic. For patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary disease or worsening of symptoms, a consultation may be the first step to better health. If interested in any of our programs, call 970-544-1119 or email Melody Durham, RN. Useful Links |
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