Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

The cardiac rehabilitation program is open to individuals who have had open-heart surgery, other cardiac procedures, myocardial infarction (heart attack), or who have risk factors which could lead to cardiovascular disease. The program is designed to teach patients about cardiovascular disease as well as provide structured, supervised exercise. A specially trained staff of nurses, exercise physiologists and dietitians assists each patient through the program. The staff works under the general direction of the referring physician to help restore each patient's cardiovascular system to its maximum capacity. The overall goal of the cardiac rehabilitation program is to help patients make permanent lifestyle changes to reduce the risk factors for coronary artery disease. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is part of the OSF Regional Heart Institute. The office is located at 444 Roxbury Road - Suite 300, Rockford.

The OSF Fitness Center is located at 5510 East State Street, Rockford.

All patients entering Phases II-IV receive a comprehensive health and lifestyle evaluation.

PHASE I is a combination exercise and education program starting immediately after a coronary event, while the patient is still hospitalized.

PHASE II is usually an eight-week outpatient telemetry monitored program for individuals who have experienced open-heart surgery, myocardial infarction (heart attack), valve replacement, angioplasty, coronary stent placement or other cardiac procedures.

This phase is designed to restore the maximum amount of cardiovascular efficiency for each patient.  Included at this phase are classes which teach the patient permanent lifestyle changes.  Regular progress notes are sent to the attending physician and/or cardiologist.

PHASE III-IV is a medically supervised exercise and education program for individuals who have coronary artery disease or who are at least 12 weeks post open-heart surgery, myocardial infarction (heart attack), valve replacement, angioplasty, coronary stent placement or other cardiac procedures.

It is also intended to help those who have significant cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.

Program Admission and Cost

After the attending physician signs a referral form, you will be contacted for an initial appointment. The costs of Phases I and II are generally reimbursed by most insurance companies. Please check with your individual plan for coverage. The other phases are provided on a self-pay basis. If you have any questions regarding the program or insurance reimbursement, please call us at 815-484-7490.