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Fort HealthCare Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program Recertified by Industry Leader

Community Health
Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Fort HealthCare is proud to announce they have once again received certification of its cardiovascular rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Fort HealthCare’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.

Staff of Fort HealthCare’s cardiovascular rehabilitation program. Pictured (left to right): Leah Rebout, Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Amanda Baneck. Not pictured: Colleen Voll.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) recover faster and live healthier.  The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

Fort HealthCare’s program is divided into three phases, the first beginning while patients are admitted to the hospital with a focus on recovery. The second phase is focused on healing. After discharge, if the provider feels the patient are ready, they can start phase two through a specially designed exercise program unique to them. After completing that stage, patients are then eligible for phase three, the Cardiopulmonary Exercise and Wellness Program at Fort HealthCare.

To earn accreditation, Fort HealthCare’s cardiovascular rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

“This program goes beyond just exercise,” said Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator Cardiopulmonary Services – ACSM RCEP, CEP. “Continuing education and support for our patients and the families is also essential in building the specialized, comprehensive care program and we’re honored to have it recognized at a national level.”

For more information about Fort HealthCare’s cardiovascular rehabilitation program, visit Forthealthcare.com/cardiac-rehabilitation-program/.

About AACVPR

Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.AACVPR.org.