Heart & Vascular Institute
Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation
What is Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Phase III is a supervised exercise program whereby individuals
learn to self-manage their overall cardiovascular health. It
is designed for those with known risk factors, for those with
existing heart problems, or for those simply wishing to improve
their level of cardiovascular fitness. If you become involved
in this program, you will initially meet with a nurse to discuss
the program and discuss your health history. You will then
be set up for a regular class time to attend.
When Will I have Phase III Cardiac Rehab? Who is eligible?
Participants of Phase III Cardiac Rehab have risk factors for
heart disease, have known coronary artery disease, or have
other heart related problems, which require some level of monitoring.
An individual can become enrolled in this program after Phase
II Cardiac Rehab if the patient has recently had a heart attack
or bypass surgery. Individuals can also be referred by their
primary care physician or cardiologist / surgeon at any time
to begin this phase. It is not necessary to have completed
Phase I and Phase II Cardiac Rehab.
How do I become involved in Phase III?
Your doctor may refer you if they feel you are a candidate. You
can also call us and find out if you are eligible for this
program if you are interested. Ultimately, we will need a prescription
from your primary care doctor requesting Phase III Cardiac
Rehab, with a diagnosis.
How am I monitored?
At Mercy HEART Center, trained nurses will supervise and monitor
your exercise. Before and after exercise we will obtain your
heart rate and blood pressure. During exercise we will obtain
your heart rate in order to determine if you are within the
best heart rate range to strengthen your heart and body. Monthly,
we will obtain an EKG. Certainly, if any problems are encountered
your nurse will perform other tests and ask further questions
in order to treat any problems you may be having. They will
appropriately refer you to your physician if they feel you
are showing serious signs or symptoms.
How is this program covered?
Most insurance companies do not cover this phase of rehab. Some
will however, so be sure to call your insurance company for
specifics on your coverage. If your insurance plan does cover
a number of visits, you will need to inform your nurse of this
information. Your first assessment will cost $32.00. Each rehab
session after this is $5.50. One session equals 1 hour. You
will be billed for only the number of visits you attend each
month, on a monthly basis.
When are classes?
Classes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Class
times are 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00
PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:15 PM. There is a size limit to each of
these classes, therefore, it is necessary to speak to your
nurse to determine what times are available for you.
What is next?
Phase III Cardiac Rehab is a program you can stay in indefinitely.
You can choose the number of classes you would like to attend
each week or each month. This can change at any time, as these
classes are very flexible. If you feel you need to change a
class time on a particular day, it is usually not a problem,
however, make arrangements in advance to do so. Phase IV Cardiac
Rehabilitation may also be an option for you if your therapist
feels you can advance into a completely independent exercise
program at the H.E.A.R.T. Center.
If you choose to participate in another program or in home exercise,
you can terminate this program at any time.
|
