Heart patients are encouraged to speak with their physician if the topic of cardiac rehabilitation has not already come up. If the physician is supportive of the treatment but unsure of the closest program to where the patient lives, information can be obtained from a local hospital.

Although health insurance and Medicare generally cover cardiac rehabilitation for many heart conditions, it may be helpful to know in advance what out-of-pocket expenses will be expected before beginning a program. It may also be helpful to check out the facility in advance to meet the staff and the other participants, and to see if one feels comfortable there.

Research has clearly shown cardiac rehabilitation to be of significant benefit to heart patients. People are encouraged to speak with their physicians about taking advantage of this widely available option.