Seattle Health Blog

Your doctor or nurse may recommend a particular program or help you make arrangements to receive exercise training, education, counseling and other services. Many hospitals and outpatient centers offer cardiac rehabilitation services, and certain local schools and community centers also offer them. You yourself can check the phone directory (Yellow Pages) to find services.

When you choose rehabilitation services, ask the following questions:

- The time that is given. Do you offer services to a time that is convenient and does not cause more problems? Sometimes services in the workplace are a good choice.
- Place. Is it easy to get where services are offered? Remember that traffic problems or use public transportation can cause emotional stress. Is there any where to park? Is the public transportation is adequate to get there?
- Type of services. Are they taught individually or in groups? Can deliver at home, or is in another place? Think if you prefer to participate in a group with appropriate professional supervision.
- Content of services. Do they offer a wide variety of activities? Even more importantly, covers topics that are important, such as quitting smoking?
- Cost. Do you have an affordable price for its resources? Is it covered by company health insurance? Your health insurance company may cover part or all of the cost of some services but not others. Find out what costs will be covered by insurance and for how long. Consider what you can afford, and for how long.

Cardiac rehabilitation benefits are for life, so it is recommended that you choose the best services in the areas where you need more help. For example, if you smoke, get a program to help you quit. Choose services that include activities you enjoy, such as walking in a mall or a park. Before enrolling, please visit the rehabilitation center or service and ask anything you want to know.