Cardiac rehabilitation is for patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease or with an identified high risk for developing cardiac disease.

This includes people who are recovering from a heart attack, recovering from heart surgery, or who have a stent, angioplasty or heart transplant.

CoxHealth’s cardiac rehab teams in Springfield, Branson, Monett, Lamar and Branson West consist of nurses trained in cardiac care, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, psychologists and respiratory therapists. These health care professionals work with your referring physician to provide you with the best possible care.

What to Expect During Your Visit

There are several things you should anticipate during your cardiac rehab visit(s).

Your first visit to cardiac rehab will take about an hour and a half. Wear comfortable loose clothing and walking shoes as we’ll do baseline testing and take your measurements.
Your cardiac rehab team will discuss your needs with you and develop a plan designed to improve your cardiac health. We encourage family members to attend any of your sessions and provide support throughout the program.
Exercise sessions are conducted three times per week and are designed to increase cardiac strength and endurance. You’ll be supervised and closely monitored by our team of professionals.
During rehab, you’ll learn correct methods for muscle conditioning, and you’ll experience improved cardiac function and lowered heart oxygen requirements. The progression of plaque build-up will slow and you’ll gain a level of control over your weight, blood pressure and blood fat levels.

Before you begin rehab, it’s important to understand the cardiac disease process. The education you receive will help you take control of your cardiac risk factors and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Educational Sessions for Cardiac Rehab

Understanding heart disease
Exercising safely
Benefits of life-long exercise
Risk factors and how to control them
Identifying and managing stress
Medications you take

Recognizing symptoms to report to your physician
Good eating habits and diet instructions
Smoking cessation
Managing daily activities
Understanding and managing cholesterol and other blood fats

Pulmonary Rehab is designed for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic lung conditions.

It offers a number of benefits, including decreased symptoms, improved quality of life, increased exercise tolerance and greater independence.

CoxHealth’s pulmonary rehab team consists of respiratory therapists trained in pulmonary care, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, psychologists and nurses. These health care professionals work with your referring physician to provide you with the best care.

For some patients the program begins with an introductory session during hospitalization. Others may be referred by a physician. Your first visit will take about an hour and a half. Baseline testing and measurements will be taken, so please wear comfortable, loose clothing and walking shoes. We will discuss your individual needs and develop a plan to improve your pulmonary health.

We encourage family members to attend any session and provide support.

Medicare and most insurance companies provide coverage for pulmonary rehabilitation. During registration you’ll be asked for your insurance information. If you’re unsure about your insurance coverage, we recommend you check with your insurance company.

Exercise sessions are conducted three times per week and are designed to increase your strength and endurance. You’ll be supervised and closely monitored by our team of professionals.

During your exercise sessions, you’ll learn the correct methods for muscle conditioning. You’ll gain improved physical function, lowered heart oxygen requirements, and control of your weight, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

We’ll also teach you about the cardiac disease process.

Educational Sessions for Pulmonary Rehab

Understanding pulmonary disease
Understanding heart disease
Exercising safely
Benefits of life-long exercise
Identifying and managing stress
Medications

Recognizing symptoms to report to your physician
Good eating habits and diet instructions
Smoking cessation
Managing daily activities
Understanding and managing oxygen use

Bridge to Health

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death and permanent disability in our area, leading to heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, blockages in the legs and many other life-threatening conditions. But it doesn't have to be.

Our Bridge to Health program is designed to help people who are uninsured, have high co-pays or have plans with limited coverage. The program gives participants the basics of a heart-health lifestyle, such as proper diet, taking necessary medication, listening to your body and exercise.

With Bridge to Health, we can customize a cardiovascular disease prevention plan just for you. This personalized program is designed to address your unique risk factors. We'll work with you to help you quit smoking, control your blood pressure, manage your weight, develop an exercise plan, reduce stress and manage your cholesterol or diabetes. You only have one heart, so keep it healthy. Take control of your cardiovascular health.

Cardiopulmonary Rehab