November 30, 2017

The CHRISTUS St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital’s Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program has received certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). CHRISTUS St. Michael was recognized for its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing standards of care. 

The cardiac rehabilitation program is designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

The CHRISTUS St. Michael Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. 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.