Cardiac Rehabilitation at
Griffin Hospital
The Griffin Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program offers a range of services for people with heart disease, including those who may have had a heart attack, undergone bypass surgery, angioplasty or have angina.
What is the program all about?
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed to provide a structure-supportive environment in which persons with a heart condition can safely work to restore normal physical activities. The program begins while you are a patient in the hospital with Phase I.
Phase I
Phase I is an inpatient program consisting of education and low level exercise which begins you while you are in the critical care unit and continues throughout your hospitalization. Self-care and mild activity will be monitored and progressed by the nursing and physical therapy staff. The nursing and cardiac rehabilitation staff will review your risk factors, discuss the nature of your illness and answer any questions or concerns you may have. You will also be seen by a dietician who will review your diet.
Phase II
Phase II is an outpatient program consisting of monitored exercise and education. Your physician needs to complete a referral form which will be forwarded to us. If not previously performed, your doctor will schedule an exercise stress test.
Prior to beginning Phase II, an initial evaluation will be scheduled to discuss the program and your goals and to answer any questions which you may have.
Participants meet for 1 1/2 hours, three times a week for a maximum of 12 weeks. Under the supervision of nurses and exercise specialists, an exercise program (based on your stress test) will be prescribed. You will be using stationary bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, stair-climbing machines, an arm ergometer and free weights.
Phase III/ Fitness Center
Phase III is a program for anyone who would like to exercise in the hospital - supervised fitness facility. Graduates of the Cardiac Rehab Phase II, as well as other hospital members may register for this self-pay program. This is ideal for maintenance of a new exercise habit or for beginners who would like personalized instruction in a safe, structured setting. Call for class times and prices.
How can this program help me?
Participation in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program can help you:
- prepare you for return to work or activities of daily living.
- improve your feelings of physical and mental well-being.
Is participation covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies. We encourage you to call your insurance company to determine if Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation is a covered benefit. We can assist in making that phone call or provide a letter that explains the program. You can also speak to a financial counselor in the hospital's Business Office with questions or set up a payment plan.
Why is Cardiac Rehabilitation important?
Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation can offer lasting physiological and psychological benefits to the heart patient. A multi-faceted program including exercise therapy, patient education and behavior modification will have the greatest influence on your health as well as the quality of your life.
For more information, please call Griffin Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at 203-732-7106.