Abstract 11184: Effects of Supervised Exercise on Select Outcomes for Patients With Heart Failure

EFFECTS OF SUPERVISED EXERCISE ON SELECT OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE Background: There is an urgent need to implement strategies to improve outcomes for heart failure (HF) patients. Supervised exercise programs are a Class A recommendation for a multitude of cardiac conditions and are reimbursable by Medicare and most insurance carriers. Stating lack of evidence of improved patient outcomes, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services deny/limit HF as a reimbursable diagnosis for such programs. Hypothesis: To determine the impact of a supervised exercise program for HF patients on the functional capacity, quality of life, level of depression, and rate of hospital readmission. Methods: A before-after cohort study of HF patients who participated in an outpatient phase II cardiac rehabilitation program was done. HF patients (n = 70) with stable New York Heart Association class II-IV diastolic or systolic heart failure were enrolled during an outpatient nurse navigation contact or referral by ...