Shown from left are members of the MMC Pulmonary Rehabilitation team Respiratory Therapist Bethanne Tinkler, Registered Nurse Mallory Collins, Administrative Director of Cardiology Services, Renal & Nursing Resources Maureen Bowe, Exercise Physiologist Chrissy Castillo-Chumpitaz, and Cardiopulmonary Care Center Patient Care Director Marietta Datar.
Long Branch, NJ, August 15, 2023 – Monmouth Medical Center is proud to announce the recertification of its pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of MMC’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
The Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program at MMC is the first program in Monmouth County to be certified for both cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation by the AACVPR. A national, multidisciplinary association, the AACVPR is dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is open to individuals who have either obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease. Individuals should consult with their physician about a referral. All or a portion of Pulmonary Rehabilitation is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
“The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Monmouth Medical Center is designed for individuals who are living with pulmonary disease, who through exercise and education, can become more active and independent,” said the program’s medical director, Pulmonologist and MMC Chair of Medicine Dean Patton, M.D. “Additionally, participants learn about the pulmonary disease process and the signs, symptoms and complications associated with the disease.”
Dr. Patton notes that certification recognizes that programs reviewed by the national AACVPR board meet the highest standards of care, including a therapeutic plan, intervention and evaluation, preparedness for medical emergencies and physician involvement.
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and pulmonary problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support to improve the quality of life and health for people with heart and lung disease. The program reduces the risk of recurrence and teaches participants how to manage their disease and achieve optimal independence.
To earn accreditation, MMC’s 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 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.
In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
To learn more about the Cardiopulmonary Program at MMC, call 732.923.7454.
CONTACT: Kathy Horan
(732) 546-6317
Kathy.Horan@rwjbh.org