Getting Started

Anyone who has had a recent cardiovascular event can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation. Those eligible include anyone who experienced:

• A heart attack
• Bypass or valve surgery
• Stable angina pectoris
• Heart transplant
• Stent or balloon angioplasty
• Weak heart (CHF or cardiomyopathy)

Is Cardiac Rehab Safe?

In order to begin cardiac rehabilitation, you will need to be released by your cardiologist and/or surgeon. Your physician will determine when you are medically stable to begin. Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation is a telemetry monitored program. Your cardiac rehab team will monitor your heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure throughout your entire session. The cardiac rehab team will remain in close contact with your physicians in order to provide you with the most effective care.

• There ALWAYS is a physician immediately available during every monitored cardiac rehab session.
• Your program is individually tailored to your personal needs and goals.
• Your cardiac rehab staff will obtain all pertinent medical records to assure the highest level of safety.

Three Simple Steps to Getting Started

1. Most doctors recommend you begin your program as early as 2 to 3 weeks after a heart attack and 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Because it is necessary to have a prescription from your doctor, you will not be able to begin until you have had a follow-up visit. Discuss cardiac rehabilitation with your doctor at your first follow-up visit.
2. Contact the cardiac rehabilitation department to schedule an initial interview.
   
   Have the following available:
   • Prescription from your doctor
   • List of medications
   • Insurance cards
   • Picture ID

   Download and print the following documents:

   • Welcome Letter
   • Patient Questionnaire
   • Duke Activity Status Index
3. During the appointment we will review your medical history, discuss program needs and goals and answer all your questions about cardiac rehab.

Educational Opportunities

Our Staff

Insurance

Most insurance covers cardiac rehab at 80% to 100% of the reasonable charge or contracted rate. Coverage is considered reasonable at 2 to 3 days per week for 12 to 18 weeks. The cardiac rehab staff will confirm coverage prior to starting your program to alleviate any concerns.

If you wish to contact your insurance carrier in advance, state, “I would like to verify benefits for phase 2 outpatient monitored cardiac rehabilitation (code: 93798).