Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.
Fort HealthCare is proud to announce they have once again received certification for their pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Fort HealthCare’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed to help people with lung problems (e.g., COPD/Emphysema, Asthma, shortness of breath) improve their physical condition to make daily living easier. The program involves progressive individualized exercise designed by a clinical exercise physiologist who will monitor heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, blood pressure and exertion levels to ensure the safe progression of activity. One-on-one and group education sessions including breathing techniques and information on the nature and course of specific lung issues are also supported by members of the healthcare team.
To earn certification, Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
“This program goes beyond just exercise,” said Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator Cardiopulmonary Services – ACSM RCEP, CEP. “Continuing education and support for our patients and their families is also essential in building the specialized, comprehensive care program and we’re honored to have it recognized at a national level.”
For more information about Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program, please visit www.forthealthcare.com/clinic/cardio-pulmonary-rehabilitation/
Colleen Voll, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CEP; Leah Rebout, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CCRP; Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator, CEP; Amanda Baneck, RN
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.
About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.AACVPR.org.
In the photo, pictured (left to right): Colleen Voll, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CEP; Leah Rebout, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CCRP; Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator, CEP; Amanda Baneck, RN
