The Cardiac Rehab program at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) has earned certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification recognizes EAMC’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
"This certification reflects the dedication of our team to providing exceptional, evidence-based care for our patients," said Chris Clark, East Alabama Health’s chief clinical services officer. "We are committed to walking alongside our patients and their families as they work toward recovery and a healthier future."
Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems and pulmonary problems recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
The Cardiac Rehab program at EAMC serves patients who have experienced heart attacks, heart surgery, angioplasty or other cardiac conditions. The program combines medically supervised exercise with education on nutrition, stress management and lifestyle changes. Patients work with a multidisciplinary team to build strength, improve heart health and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
To earn accreditation, EAMC’s 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 related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.
"Our goal is not only to help patients recover but also to empower them with the tools they need to thrive long-term," said Riley Belcher, director of Cardiology at EAMC. "This certification demonstrates that we are providing care that meets the highest national standards and truly makes a difference in the lives of our patients."
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 cardiovascular and 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.
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About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital that is currently under construction to add 30 critical care beds. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.
