CRMC Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Certified by Industry Leader
October 8, 2014 – Cullman Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is proud to announce the certification of its cardiovascular/pulmonary
rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). CRMC was
recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks,
coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory
symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for
patients and their families.
CRMC’s cardiovascular/pulmonary 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 professional
societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR
Board of Directors.
AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer
the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
“This is our second time to be certified,” said CRMC Program Manager Rixie Smith, RN. “The process gets more involved every time
you are certified, but we hope it will make a difference and make patients and physicians feel more comfortable. We always put our
patients first.”
CRMC’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program is a medically prescribed and supervised exercise program for people who have
experienced a cardiac or pulmonary health issue – including people who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, documented chest
pain, considered at high risk for heart disease or those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The program is
individually prescribed based on the patient’s abilities and increased as tolerated. Each patient’s blood pressure, heart rate and
rhythm, oxygen capacity and overall response to exercise are constantly monitored throughout the exercise program.
“The program gives patients a sense of security by having nurses supervising there activity after overcoming a major or minor
cardiac or pulmonary issue,” Smith said. “This security gets them back to living active lives rather than allowing fear to cripple them
in achieving a healthier lifestyle.”
CRMC’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab program is open for patients every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. All
patients must be referred by a physician and require an appointment. For more information, call (256) 737-2274 or visit online at
www.crmchospital.com.
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Photo Caption:
Rixie Smith, Manager of CRMC Cardio & Pulmonary Rehab program monitors a patient through the CRMC Supervised Cardiac &
Pulmonary Rehab program which gives patients who have experienced a cardiac or pulmonary illness security while getting in shape
by monitoring their heart and breathing rhythms as they exercise..
About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization
dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through
education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of
life for patients and their families.
About Cullman Regional Medical Center
Cullman Regional Medical Center is a fully accredited 145-bed medical center which covers a six-county service area of 175,000
residents and has been a part of the community since 1939. CRMC is dedicated to promoting wellness by providing excellent
healthcare services in the most efficient manner and exceeding the expectations of those we serve. For more information on the
services provided by CRMC, visit www.crmchospital.com