Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation offers Phase I, II, III and IV cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services, and is accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The department also sponsors a Healthy Hearts support group for cardiac patients and a Better Breathers Support group for pulmonary patients.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Cardiac rehabilitation at Chester River Hospital Center is a four-phase comprehensive program to assist cardiac patients in achieving a heart healthy lifestyle after a heart attack, bypass surgery or other cardiac disease. The cardiac rehabilitation program involves conditioning exercises that are performed under close medical supervision, and education about how to live with and manage heart disease. Participants are required to receive a referral from their physician.

Phase 1

Phase 1 begins during the patient's hospitalization at Chester River Hospital Center after a heart attack or after bypass surgery or angioplasty. It emphasizes education about heart disease and steps to recovery. The exercise component of recovery begins with walking in the hospital; instructions are given for activities at home. 
Phase 1 is included in your hospitalization charges.

Phase 2

Phase 2 is an outpatient program lasting two to three months. It begins approximately one month after bypass surgery or two weeks after a heart attack has occurred. Following angioplasty, rehabilitation may begin as soon as the catheterization site has healed.

During the exercise sessions, the participant wears a heart monitor as a nurse works closely with him or her to develop a personalized exercise program.

The Phase 2 educational component features group or individual classes that address medications, blood pressure control, diet and stress management.

Family members are encouraged to attend the sessions with the participant.

The cost of Phase 2 is usually covered by medical insurance.

Phase 3

During Phase 3 the participant graduates to exercising independently but with a nurse present. Participants learn to take their pulse and keep their own exercise records.

Those who complete this phase have mastered the routine of the exercise sessions but continue to need occasional monitoring and support from the Cardiac Rehabilitation staff.

Insurance does not cover the cost of Phase 3.

Phase 4

Phase 4 is a continuing exercise program offered in a supportive atmosphere with other cardiac rehab members who have completed Phase 3.

Phase 4 participants exercise at Kent Athletic and Wellness Center located on High Street in Chestertown. Continuing educational classes and support group meetings are held at Chester River Hospital Center. Phase 4 participants arrange their exercise schedules to meet their own needs.

Phase 4 is not covered by insurance; please ask about charges.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Pulmonary rehabilitation provides supervised exercise training, respiratory care instruction, smoking cessation, nutritional counseling, psychosocial support, oxygen therapy and education to help patients meet the day to day challenges of living with a chronic lung disorder.

A team of health professionals including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and nutritionists works with each patient to develop an individualized treatment program. The rehabilitation program consists of one-hour exercise sessions, three days a week for up to 12 weeks. In addition, educational sessions are provided to patients and family members.

Each exercise session is conducted under the close supervision of qualified, trained hospital staff who continually monitor the participant's vital signs and breathing technique.

Enrollment in the pulmonary rehabilitation program requires a referral from a physician. Your doctor may send a referral to the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator of Chester River Hospital Center.

The Cardiac Rehabilitaion Center is located on the first floor of the Medical Services Building, 100 Brown Street, Chestertown. Phone: 410-778-3300, extention 2222.