CMS has approved Heart Failure (EF<35%) as an admitting diagnosis for Cardiac Rehabilitation. The actual date for usage of the diagnosis has yet to be determined, although we’re hoping for Spring 2014 date. By some estimates, the Heart Failure diagnosis, may increase your potential pool of eligible patients for your Cardiac Rehabilitation Program by 25-35%. Read more »
CHF patients will be in your rehab soon. This great news also comes with some unique exercise prescriptions. Knowing that CHF patients have impaired cardiac output and function, it is vital to keep track of their heart rates and know whether they are exercising within their correct prescription. The LSI heart rate monitor will ensure that the patient stays within their prescription or the clinician will be alerted by the telemetry monitoring system. Read more »
With the approval of heart failure coverage, rehabs can look forward to a much anticipated increase in patient volume. But with growth comes additional challenges. CHF (cardiac heart failure) patients have additional needs beyond the traditional exercise program supported by ECG telemetry monitoring. Signs and symptoms, such as dyspnea, decreased oxygen saturations, weight gain, and cardiac arrhythmias need to be carefully monitored. Read more »