FLORENCE, Alabama – The Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at North Alabama Medical Center achieved a new milestone in October. The department recorded a record number of outpatient visits in the month, providing care for 392 patients.

As of October, the cardiopulmonary rehab department has already seen a record 3,334 patients for the year. That total is up from the previous record of 3,021 patients seen in the entire year in 2024.

“Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab are fantastic programs designed to not only get patients in a routine of exercise but also restore confidence in their abilities,” said NAMC Cardiopulmonary Rehab Coordinator Joshua Wood. “Recovery from cardiac events can be a huge hurdle to overcome for some patients. Pulmonary conditions often cause patients to lose their endurance and ability to live a fulfilling life. In cardiopulmonary rehab, we enjoy assisting patients to achieve their goals and gain confidence to live life to the fullest. We have the greatest team of dedicated and compassionate coworkers that I have ever had the privilege to work with.”

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary stents, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, heart valve repair/replacement, and congestive heart failure) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], interstitial lung diseases, etc.) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

In September, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) also awarded recertification to the cardiac rehabilitation program at NAMC. AACVPR certification demonstrates that an organization's cardiac rehabilitation program is aligned with current guidelines as approved by the AACVPR for the appropriate and effective early outpatient care of patients with cardiac issues.

Program certification by AACVPR 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.