Regional Hospital of Scranton Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Certified by Industry Leader

Scranton, Pa. – Regional Hospital of Scranton is proud to announce the certification of its Cardiac and Pulmonary rehabilitation programs by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Regional Hospital of Scranton was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (such as heart attacks and coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory symptoms) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

"Physicians refer patients to Regional's certified cardiac and pulmonary programs with confidence knowing that this staff provides an extension of excellent cardiovascular care to the patient," says Thomas M. Roe, M.D., medical director of the cardiac rehab program and a cardiologist at Great Valley Cardiology Associates.

"This certification demonstrates that our hospital adheres to guidelines approved by industry leaders for the effective outpatient care of patients with cardiac or pulmonary issues," says Chief Operating Officer Cindy Segar-Miller. "Patients and their families can have peace of mind, knowing that our staff has the experience and skills necessary to deal with the health issues in a cardiac or pulmonary diagnosis."

Regional's Cardiac and Pulmonary rehabilitation programs participated in the one year application process which requires extensive documentation of the programs' practices. The AACVPR program certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR national certification committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR board of directors. AACVPR program certification is valid for three years.

Certified AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available.