North Fulton Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation program is designed for people recovering from heart attack and/or chest pain. Our two-phase program includes outpatient services that utilize exercise, education, and counseling to help patients with cardiovascular conditions reduce their risks and help prevent further complications from heart disease.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Most insurance plans will cover all or part of the cost of cardiac rehabilitation.
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What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac Rehabilitation typically begins while the person recovering from a heart attack or chest pain is in the hospital (Phase I). North Fulton Hospital offers an outpatient program for cardiac patients once they have gone home from the hospital. This outpatient program also is appropriate for people who are at high risk of cardiac disease.
The outpatient program is staffed by a team of professionals who are expert at dealing with a patient’s physical and emotional well being. The team works with cardiac patients to design a personalized educational program of recovery that includes exercise, nutrition, weight control, smoking cessation, emotional support, and pharmacy as well as many other areas relevant to rehabilitation.
Phase II: Beginning Outpatient Rehabilitation
The beginning outpatient rehabilitation phase is for individuals who have recently experienced a cardiac event and have been discharged from the hospital. Through a physician’s referral, the patient is assessed, and a program is designed to meet the patient’s individual needs.
A typical patient attends Phase II three times a week for up to 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s needs and insurance plan. During each session, the patient’s heart rate and rhythm are continuously monitored by EKG. Telemetry and blood pressure are frequently checked. Regular progress reports are sent to each patient’s referring physician. Individual education is offered to help the patient and family adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Phase III: Advanced/Maintenance Outpatient Rehabilitation
Phase III is for patients completing the Phase II program. It also may be a starting point for those who are at risk for a cardiac event. This phase may continue indefinitely. As in Phase II, patients exercise in a medially supervised setting. Blood pressure and heart rates are monitored at each exercise session. An EKG is monitored monthly.
How do I get started?
Enrollment in the Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program requires a referral by your doctor. Your doctor may send us the referral by telephone or by fax. We ask your doctor for a current medical history and the results of a recent (within three months) exercise stress test, which helps design a personalized exercise program. We also would like to have a lipid profile (a test for the fat content of your blood) to better assess the need for dietary change.
When attending Cardiac Rehabilitation sessions, be sure to wear workout clothing and athletic shoes.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance plans may cover all or part of the cost of an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. Coverage is determined by your individual policy. Medicare has benefits that may cover costs. Because insurance plans and benefits can vary, it is recommended that you discuss the costs with your company health benefits coordinator or a staff member of North Fulton Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
Our Location
The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is located on the third floor of the main hospital building. Parking is free in the parking deck across from the main entrance.
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To learn more about Cardiac Rehabilitation at North Fulton Hospital, please call 770-751-2785.