FAQs for rehabilitation and fitness center, ground floor

We are located on the ground floor of the Heart and Vascular Center. Take the elevator or stairs to the ground floor.

Park in the Blue Ramp in front of the center. Bring your parking ticket to your appointment to receive a discounted rate.

A referral from your doctor is needed to participate in the Phase II program. You do not need a referral to participate in Phase III, although you do need to get approval from your doctor.

Most insurance companies cover Phase II cardiac rehabilitation, but we recommend you call your insurance company to verify coverage and whether there is a copay or other cost to you. Medicare will pay for up to 36 sessions within an 18-week period for diagnoses of MI (heart attack), CABG (bypass surgery), stable angina, stent, valve surgery or heart transplant.

We will review your medical history and you will exercise for about 30 minutes. You will be on a heart rate monitor and we’ll be taking your blood pressure several times, so we can watch how your heart responds to exercise. While you’re exercising we will teach you about aerobic exercise, signs and symptoms of overexertion, heart rate guidelines and other aspects of safe exercise.

We recommend you bring your insurance card, a list of your current medications, and your glucometer if you are diabetic. Please wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes.

Your first appointment will last about one hour and thirty minutes. Subsequent appointments will last about one hour and fifteen minutes.

You will be scheduled to come to cardiac rehab two to three times per week for one to six weeks. Your program is completely individualized to your medical condition and your level of activity. Sessions can be added if more are needed.

To change an appointment, please call 993-5485. If you have a question for a nurse or physical therapist, please call 993-2650.

Call 952-993-2650 if you need to talk to a nurse or physical therapist.

Your exercise sessions will be supervised by trained staff who will modify your activities to match your tolerance. These activities are designed to gradually increase your heart’s workload and to improve its function. There is a risk of unpredictable changes during or following the exercise session, but every effort will be made to avoid such events by observation and evaluation of blood pressure, heart rate and EKG. Emergency equipment and trained staff are available to deal with urgent situations should they occur.

Information sheet for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (PDF)