Blessing Health System is proud to announce the recertification of its Cardiac Rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The certification recognizes the program’s commitment to improving patients’ quality of life while meeting rigorous standards for cardiovascular rehabilitation care.
Cardiac rehabilitation helps people recovering from heart attacks, coronary artery bypass surgery, and other cardiovascular conditions improve their health and reduce future risks. The program combines monitored exercise, education, counseling and support to help patients build healthier lifestyles and achieve better long-term outcomes.
Earning the certification requires an extensive review of a program’s practices and outcomes. Blessing’s Cardiac Rehabilitation team submits annual data on patients referred to and participating in the outpatient program including outcomes related to smoking cessation, psychosocial and physical health, blood pressure control, and other core measures.
Every three years, the program undergoes a comprehensive recertification process that includes the submission of hundreds of pages of patient data, policies, outcomes information, and other documentation for review.
“This team’s dedication to providing the best and highest quality care for our cardiac patients, all while seeing numbers at their all-time high, has been remarkable,” said Nurse Manager, Melissa Vahlkamp, of Blessing’s Non-Invasive Cardiology & Cardiac Rehab Department. “To say that I am proud of my team is quite an understatement. They continue to provide an excellent level of care and service with patient volumes.”
About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Its mission centers on improving quality of life for patients and their families.