Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (Phase 2)

Supervision during exercise soon after a heart attack, open-heart surgery, angioplasty/stenting or other heart-related procedures is very important in minimizing the risk of preventable problems during exercise.

The UHS Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is a comprehensive, medically supervised exercise and education program for patients who have experienced the above-mentioned cardiac problems/procedures. It is an individualized program designed to promote the fullest possible recovery, prevent further cardiac complications, and provide education to improve one’s understanding of heart disease.

Other Benefits Include

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Enhance your heart's efficiency and reduce the risk of future heart events.
• Increased Physical Fitness: Develop a customized exercise plan to boost your stamina and overall physical health.
• Better Lifestyle Choices: Receive education and support to adopt healthier habits, including diet, exercise, stress management and smoking cessation.
• Better Control of Blood Pressure: Decreased reliance on medications
• Reduced Risk of Hospitalization: Lower the chances of future cardiac issues and related hospital visits.
• Emotional Support: Benefit from counseling and support to navigate the emotional aspects of heart disease and recovery.
• Lipid Management: Increased HDL (good) cholesterol, Decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol

Timeline to Start Cardiac Rehab

Referral & Initial Consultation (Weeks 1-2):

• Referral: Obtain a referral from your cardiologist or primary care physician after cardiac problem/procedure.
• Initial Consultation: Schedule an appointment with our cardiac rehab team to discuss your medical history and rehabilitation goals.

Pre-Rehabilitation Assessment (Weeks 2-4):

• Medical Evaluation: Complete a thorough evaluation, including a health history exam, review of blood tests, and cardiac rehab specific assessments.
• Fitness Assessment: Assess your current physical condition to tailor your exercise plan.
• Program Planning: Individualized Plan Development: Work with our team to create a personalized rehabilitation plan, including exercise, nutrition, and educational components.
• Set Goals: Define specific, measurable goals for your rehabilitation journey.

Program Start (Weeks 3-4 and Beyond):

• Start of Exercise: An individualized exercise prescription will be created by our exercise physiologists at the beginning of your cardiac rehab program according to the individualized plan developed for you.
• Ongoing Adjustments: Attend regular follow-up appointments to track progress and make necessary adjustments to your program.

Program Duration:

• Typically 12-16 Weeks (Up to 36 visits): The duration may vary based on individual needs and progress.
• Long-Term Maintenance: Guidance on how to maintain your heart health independently.

Covered Diagnoses

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed to support individuals with a range of cardiovascular conditions, including:

• Post-Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
• Heart Valve Replacement/Repair
• Heart Failure
• Stable Angina

If you have a heart condition not listed, please contact us to discuss how our program may still benefit you.

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Team

• Cardiologists: Specialists in heart health who oversee your treatment and rehabilitation progress.
• Exercise Physiologists: Experts in creating safe and effective exercise programs tailored to your heart condition.
• Nurses: Care providers with an extensive knowledge in the field of cardiology who monitor your health, provide support, and ensure your safety throughout the program.

Enrollment and Cost

Patients are accepted into this program by physician referral. Since UHS Binghamton General Cardiac Rehabilitation is a medically accepted and supervisor program prescribed by your physician, it is covered by most insurance contracts for most cardiac diagnoses. Our team will help you determine your insurance coverage at your initial intake appointment which is done at no cost to you. 

Program Hours and Facility

Exercise sessions are available Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 4:00pm. Patient may register to attend two or three sessions per week. Determination of session dates and times occurs upon the initial intake appointment. Please report to your session 10-minutes prior to the scheduled start time. 

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Gym is located in Phelps Hall, the first large (5 Story) brick building on the right, down the street from the hospital’s main entrance. It is an air-conditioned facility complete with a wide range of exercise equipment. 

Weather

In case of a State of Emergency, Cardiac Rehabilitation will be closed.

Cardiac Rehabilitation (Phase 2)  services are now also offered at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital's new Cardiac Rehabilitation facility. Cardiac Rehab, also known as Phase 2 Rehab, is a Nurse monitored, low-pace exercise program in which heart care patients wear wireless heart monitoring devices with constant nurse supervision.  

The program was not previously offered locally and required travel out of the area. Staff member Joel Cummings, RN, is specially trained to work with cardiac rehab patients and help them through the process of getting back to a comfortable and safe lifestyle.

Benefits:

• Better management of your heart’s responses to exercise
• Improved cardiac stability during physical activity
• Better blood pressure control; Increased HDL (good) cholesterol and decreased LDL (Bad) cholesterol
• Improved physical fitness
• Weight loss
• Decreased dependence on certain cardiac medications
• Increased self-confidence and sense of well being
• Ongoing motivation and encouragement from our caring staff
• Support system for those with heart disease.

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Team

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team includes an Advanced Cardiac Life Support credentialed, registered nurse; a physical therapist and is physician-supervised. Consultations with a registered dietitian, social worker and psycho-social worker are available as needed.

Enrollment

Enrollment and Cost Patients are accepted into this program by physician referral. Eligible participants will meet with a Cardiac Rehabilitation Registered Nurse for an initial interview. An individualized exercise prescription will then be developed by one of our Physical Therapists. Classes are offered 2x or 3x/week. Days and times will be determined at the time of initial interview and are based on availability. Since UHS Cardiac Rehabilitation is a medically accepted and supervised program prescribed by your doctor, it is covered by most insurance contracts for most cardiac diagnoses. Our team will help you determine your insurance coverage at your initial intake appointment.

Program and Hours

Exercise sessions are flexible with your schedule and are usually conducted in one hour intervals. Participants may attend 2 or 3 times each week. The program generally runs for 12 weeks.

UHS Cardiac Rehabilitation at UHS Delaware Valley Hospital is nationally certified by AACVPR, maintaining the highest level of commitment and care to our cardiac patients.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II Program is a comprehensive medically supervised exercise and education program for patients who have had a heart attack, open heart surgery, valve replacement surgery, chronic heart failure (CHF), angina, angioplasty/stents or other major heart problems.

Supervision during exercise soon after a cardiac diagnosis, event or procedure is very important in minimizing the risk for preventable problems during exercise and in building the patient’s confidence in their ability to exercise.  

The program is individualized and designed for each patient to promote the fullest possible recovery from heart disease. The Phase II program focuses on improving your heart’s status while enhancing your understanding of your condition and building confidence. 

Enrollment

Patients are accepted into this program by primary or specialty physician referral. Eligible participants will meet with a Cardiac Rehabilitation Registered Nurse for an initial interview. An individualized exercise program will be developed by one of our Physical Therapists and the nurse.

Classes are offered 2x or 3x/week. Days and times will be determined at the time of initial interview and are based on availability. Since UHS Cardiac Rehabilitation is a medically accepted and supervised program prescribed by your doctor, it is covered by most insurance contracts for most cardiac diagnoses. Our team will help you determine your insurance coverage at your initial intake appointment.

Cardiac Rehab Phase III may be available to patients completing Cardiac Rehab Phase II program.