Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach to helping individuals with cardiovascular diseases improve the quality of their lives.

The purposes of the Wayne Memorial Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program are:

  • To increase the functional exercise capacity of the patient
  • To provide education regarding cardiovascular disease and risk factors associated with its development
  • To help patients and their families deal with the emotional aspects of cardiovascular disease

Who needs Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Individuals:

  • Diagnosed with a heart attack
  • Recovering from cardiac surgery (valve and/or bypass surgery)
  • Recovering from stents or angioplasty
  • Suffering from stable angina (predictable chest pain)
  • Heart transplant

Entry into the Program

A physician’s referral is necessary to become involved in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

What are the benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation?

  • Better health
  • Reduced risk of future heart problems/hospitalization
  • Improved strength and fitness
  • Increased ease of normal activities
  • Knowledge of safe exercise methods
  • Learning healthy food choices and meal planning
  • Stress reduction
  • Increased confidence
  • Fellowship with cardiac patients
  • Support/motivation from caring staff

What services does Cardiac Rehabilitation offer?

  • Clinically supervised exercise with heart monitoring
  • Individualized treatment plans and dietary counseling
  • Healthy lifestyle education classes
  • Ongoing contact with MD regarding progress

Education

Patient education plays a major roll throughout the cardiac rehabilitation program. Our professional cardiac rehabilitation team, along with your personal physician, encourages the development of a healthy lifestyle. Individual educational needs are assessed and goals are set for long-term cardiac risk factor modification.

Participants will enjoy learning about a wide variety of educational topics, including:

  • Anatomy and physiology of the heart
  • Risk factors for heart disease
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Weight management
  • Medication
  • Low-fat diet modifications
  • Stress reduction
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Benefits of exercise
  • Many other topics relevant to successful rehabilitation

After a cardiac event, many physicians refer their patients to a Cardiac Rehabilitation program to help them learn how to return to healthy and productive lifestyles. Cardiac events include heart attack, bypass and valve surgery, angioplasty with a stent, heart transplant, stable angina or other complications of cardiac disease, The Cardiac Rehabilitation professionals at Wayne Memorial Hospital are committed to improving the lives and health of their patients through exercise and education within a Three Phase Program.

Phase I

Phase I is delivered in an inpatient setting where you receive bedside education about diet modification and exercise. After you are discharged, you need a physician’s prescription to continue with Phase II of Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Phase II

Phase II consists of 36 sessions of education and monitored exercise designed to meet your personal health goals. At your first Phase II session the cardiac rehab team will take your medical history, evaluate your physical condition and administer a six-minute walk test. After your initial assessment you will receive a personalized exercise program approved by your referring physician. This program, three days a week over the course of 12 weeks, is supervised by an exercise physiologist and cardiac rehab nurse. To help reduce your risk for future cardiac problems, you may also receive helpful information regarding lifestyle changes, such as changes in your diet, your exercise routine, smoking cessation, medi-cation intake, stress management, diabetes and hypertension management.

Phase III

Upon completion of Phase II you are eligible to participate in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department’s Maintenance Program. This twice-weekly exercise program is designed to help you maintain the gains achieved during Phase II. During this stage your Rehab team will continue to modify your exercise program to suit your physical needs and reinforce your plan to take control of risk factors.

Appointments:

A physician’s prescription is required before beginning your Cardiac Rehabilitation program. To schedule an appointment call the Cardiac Rehabilitation Office at (570) 253-8253. We make every effort to honor time commitments and request that you extend the same courtesy to us. Please call to cancel a scheduled appointment.

Hours of Operation:

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department is open Monday through Friday, alternating days for the Phase II and Maintenance programs.

Phase II : Monday–Wednesday–Friday | 7am to 2pm

Fees and Payments:

Wayne Memorial Hospital accepts most types of insurance including Aetna, Blue Cross, First Priority Health, Freedom Blue, Geisinger, Geisinger Gold, United Health Care, PA Access, and Medicare. Contracted networks include Devon, Intergroup, Integrated Health Plan, MultiPlan, PHCS and others.

Please call for further information about insurance and payment options. Check with your insurance provider before your scheduled evaluation.

How do I enroll?

You will need a referral from your primary care provider or cardiologist. Most insurance plans cover rehabilitation expenses (with a required diagnosis) for 8 to 12 weeks. In order to avoid unexpected medical expenses, it is always best for you to contact your insurance company prior to treatment to confirm coverage. For more information, call the Cardiac Rehabilitation office at (570) 253-8253.