Cardiac Care
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Shamokin Area Community Hospital offers direction, support and education to the cardiac client, their family members or significant others to assist them in making lifestyle changes to promote "heart healthy" choices.

The SACH program is managed by registered nurses with cardiac and critical care training, each of whom has specialized in Cardiac Rehabilitation practice. These highly trained nurses monitor the participants' progress, keeping their physician informed. The entire rehab team involves the participant, their family members or significant others, physician, Cardiac Rehab nurse and medical advisor, and other health care specialists (dietician, physical therapist, etc.)

Participation in the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at SACH does require a physician referral order, however, anyone with cardiac concerns, or who has had a recent cardiac event may contact the program either by calling or stopping by the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, located on the first floor of Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

About our Program
SACH opened its Cardiac Rehabilitation department June 1, 1990 under the state hospital system. The funds for the purchase of the required equipment were donated by the hospital's auxiliary. The Cardiac Rehabilitation department provides services to more than 100 patients annually...

Since it inception, SACH's program has achieved many awards for it performance presented by Nursing Enrichment Consultants.

Proven Success - Nursing Achievement Awards

1992	Best Rehab Careplan
1994	Best Patient Outcomes
1996	Best Quality Improvement Program
2000	Best Overall Program for Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation (within 5 state radius)
2002	National Program Certification awarded by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR)

One vital aspect to the success of Cardiac Rehabilitation is exercise. The exercise room at SACH boasts an array of exercise equipment to provide a comprehensive exercise experience for the Cardiac Rehab patient. Each client receives individualized instruction and evaluation of appropriate use according to their physical capabilities. After an orientation period, clients move into group exercise classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Education is equally important to work toward the prevention of further cardiac episodes. The education room provides an opportunity for the cardiac client to learn about coronary artery disease and the modifiable risk factors to support the behavioral changes necessary for lifestyle management. Education is presented in a variety of manners in individual and group formats.

Once a client graduates from the program, there are still resources available to support the changes they have worked so hard to attain. A follow-up visit is scheduled to evaluate the client's home management of exercise and to provide psychosocial support for encouragement of continued success.

A Commitment to Health Change does not occur overnight. Although the typical Cardiac Rehab Program consists of 12 weeks with 2-3 visits per week, some programs can be as short as only 6 weeks. This variance is dependent on the client's cardiac event and information obtained on chart review for the risk stratification process. Proper education is essential to the client's success of risk factor management and secondary prevention.

Insurance plans generally cover the cost of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Individual plans may cover all, or part of the services at Shamokin Hospital. Program participants should check with their carrier prior to enrollment in the program

Who can benefit from the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program?
Almost anyone with heart disease can benefit from some type of cardiac rehabilitation. Patients recovering from a recent heart attack, coronary bypass surgery, congestive heart failure, heart transplant, angioplasty (balloon catheter procedure), stint, or stable angina pectoris are suitable candidates for cardiac rehabilitation.

How is the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Structured?
The Shamokin Area Community Hospital' s cardiac rehabilitation program is divided into three levels: a six-week program, an eight-week program, or a 12-week program. All three programs are considered an acceptable length of time by most insurance companies to provide cardiac education and supervised exercise training.

Maintenance Program
The maintenance program provides an opportunity for graduates of the program to continue their physical training in a supervised setting. During the maintenance program participants attend a once-a-week workout session in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center and are then encouraged to exercise at home three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes to maintain cardiovascular fitness.

Cardiac rehabilitation helps you understand your heart condition, risk factors, how to make heart healthy lifestyle changes and achieve a level of cardiac wellness to enjoy life and possibly reduce any future cardiac events.

Who is responsible for the care of the cardiac rehabilitation patient?
Cardiac rehabilitation patients are monitored under the direct supervision of the cardiac rehabilitation nurse. The cardiac rehabilitation nurse measures the patient' s progress, provides for cardiac monitoring, and updates the patient' s physician. The cardiac rehabilitation team involves you, your physician, the cardiac rehabilitation nurse and medical advisor, and other health care specialists (dietician, diabetes education nurse, and physical therapist).

How can I participate in the cardiac rehabilitation program?
Physician referral is required for admission to the cardiac rehabilitation program. The cardiac rehabilitation nurse will interview you and review the program with you. The cardiac rehabilitation nurse, medical advisor, or your family physician will formulate your cardiac rehabilitation program.

How do I pay for cardiac rehabilitation?
Costs for cardiac rehabilitation are covered by the majority of health insurance companies, including cost reimbursement from Medicare. Your insurance may cover all or part of the cost for some cardiac rehabilitation services, but not for others. Once your find out what your insurance company covers, you should consider what you can afford and for how long. The Shamokin Area Community Hospital' s Patient Accounts Office is available to answer any of your questions regarding payment for cardiac rehabilitation services.

For additional information, contact your physician or call the Shamokin Area Community Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at 570-644-4348