Austin Medical Center Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs have been awarded re-certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Certification recognizes programs that have been reviewed by a national board and found to meet the outlined essential requirements for standards of patient care.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to limit the physiological and psychological effect of cardiac illness; reduce the risk for sudden death or relapse; control cardiac symptoms; stabilize and/or improve the patient’s condition; and enhance the patient’s quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs involve a multidimensional continuum of services by interdisciplinary specialists, directed to persons with pulmonary disease and their families. The goal is to have the patient achieve and maintain a maximum level of independence and functioning in the community.

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs must provide patients with the tools to modify their individual risk factors, develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, and learn symptoms recognition and management to decrease morbidity and mortality.  Program re-certification means that Austin Medical Center is utilizing the latest educational tools and assessment practices set forth by the AACVPR.

Jill Hart, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Austin Medical Center, says Austin Medical Center’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs continue to seek excellence in patient care.

“We were originally certified in 2000 and are very pleased to have both programs continually re-certified,” Hart said. “The re-certification exemplifies that we meet the highest standards possible, which improves patient care.”

The AACVPR is a national, multidisciplinary association dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry, and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve.

For more information about Austin Medical Center’s Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs, call The Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Center at 434-1999 or visit Austin Medical Center’s web site at www.austinmedicalcenter.org and click on Medical Services and Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.