Heart & Vascular Care

Treatment & Recovery Programs - Cardiac Rehabilitation

The Cardiac Rehabilitation program helps individuals with heart disease maintain a state of physical and mental well-being. The professional staff (comprised of physicians, nurses, dietitians, exercise physiologists and specialists, and pharmacists) helps guide patients through the process of developing a healthy lifestyle one step at a time. They also help to inspire individuals to follow a new way of life with healthy approaches for them and their families by providing education, exercise and eating tips, and more.

There are three phases to the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, Inpatient, Outpatient and Maintenance. You can enter the program at any phase with your doctor’s permission. A doctor must write an order for you to begin the program.

All phases of cardiac rehabilitation are designed to assist and support you and your family in living with a heart condition. During this time of recovery, your family is encouraged to attend the exercise and education sessions.

There is a cost for cardiac rehabilitation. Medicare covers 100% of cardiac rehabilitation while in the hospital. For Outpatient/Phase II, Medicare covers 80% and most co-insurance covers the remaining 20%. Other insurances vary on the amount and type of coverage for cardiac rehabilitation. If this is a concern, call your insurance carrier.

If you are not from the Rapid City area, check to see if there is a cardiac rehabilitation program in your area. The cardiac rehabilitation staff and your doctor will be happy to refer you to a program near you.