Humboldt General Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program achieved
a landmark milestone July 28 when it was re-certified by the American
Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
The designation recognizes Humboldt General Hospital for its commitment
to improving quality of life by enhancing standards of care.
Program facilitator Billie Lucero said it was hard to contain her excitement
at the news. Not only has the program been greenlighted for three more
years under the AACVPR designation, but Lucero received the news just
as welcome renovations within her department were finally complete.
“We want our patients to know that in every way—both clinically
and physically speaking—we are striving to provide the best patient
experience possible,” said Lucero.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised exercise and education
program designed to improve the quality of life of those who have cardiovascular
problems; participants may attend up to 36 sessions that include exercise,
education, counseling, and support for themselves and their families.
Humboldt General Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab team includes physical
therapists who oversee the program’s exercise component, Respiratory
Therapist Clarissa Vincent who oversees patient monitoring, and Lucero,
the hospital’s Wellness Coordinator, who oversees the wellness portion
as well as day-to-day operations of the program.
Lucero also coordinates with hospital Food and Nutrition Services Director
Tiffani Nalivka to provide participants with heart-healthy education.
Dr. Robert Westling provides the program’s direction and medical
supervision.
“This is a well-rounded program that addresses the needs a cardiac
patient might have,” explained Lucero. “It’s not just
about making sure that people are OK in the Cardiac Rehab room; it’s
about teaching them lifestyle changes that will help them have good heart
health for the rest of their lives.”
Humboldt General Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Program requires a physician
referral. Anyone with a history of heart disease is a prime candidate
for the program. Program participants also may include those who have
had a heart attack, heart surgery, congestive heart failure, angioplasty,
angina (chest pain), a heart pacemaker or a heart transplant.
AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process
designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and
guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies.
Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee
and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.
AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular
and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices
available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
For more information on Humboldt General Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation
program, please call HGH Wellness Coordinator Billie Lucero at (775) 623-5222,
ext. 1297. Interested persons should also visit with their medical provider;
questions regarding insurance eligibility should be directed to the HGH
Business Office at (775) 253-3058.