No Medicare coverage for Cardio Rehab?

@morninglory I see that you just joined Mayo Connect, so let me welcome you and congratulate you on what appears to have been a successful surgery. I am sorry to hear that you have been declined coverage of cardiac rehab by Medicare. Although, I'm anticipating a surgery to replace the aortic valve, I have no experience with the kind of surgery you mentioned nor why Medicare has denied coverage. However, there are many people in the Mayo Connect Community who may have had a similar experience and hopefully someone will be able to provide more information or suggestions. I do applaud you, however, for developing your own cardiac rehab program by walking and stair climbing. You are certainly working hard at your own rehab. Best wishes!

Though I was approved for rehab, we were traveling and where we were did not have a rehab facility. I did what you are doing, walking and some stair climbing, trying to walk 30 minutes 5 days a week though I don't always make it. At any rate, I am feeling fine and think you are doing the right exercises. I did ask a rehab nurse (I was able to go 4 times) what I should do without formal rehab and she said the exact same exercises you are doing plus a few light (like easy jumping jacks etc) exercises plus small weights to warm up. I had surgery in May. Feel this program has worked out well. Best to you-you are obviously very motivated.

Thank you for your input. Based on the info I received from Medicare since the word "valve" will be in your diagnoses you will be covered for rehab. Since my repair was on the curve of the aorta it is not covered......sounds crazy to me and I am going to speak with a Advocacy Director regarding this as seems to me there may be others falling thru the cracks on this issue. It's laughable, little old me suggesting a inclusion of coverage to Medicare, oh well, someone has to try.
I am wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery and rest assured they have come so far with heart surgery that you will be fine in no time. I am very certain that my fast recovery was assisted by my complete faith in the talent of my thoracic surgeon. I had no, none, nada idea of anything but positive outcome and that's exactly what has happened. The mind is a powerful part of helping us through difficult times. Good Health. Let us know how you progress.

I am so happy to hear from you as it sounds as though we've developed " our very own" cardio rehab program and yours has apparently worked out well for you. I will continue with mine and perhaps add in small weights also. I had been in a weight lifting program prior to my diagnoses of the heart problem and miss using the heavy weights very much, perhaps in time I can return to that as it was a wonderful program. Thank you again for your info, it lifted my spirits.

@morninglory Thanks! You are so right, the mind is a powerful part of our healing process. I wish you well as you attempt to change Medicare coverage - I hope you are successful!

@morningglory @crhp194 Reading your conversations about exercising since your heart surgery has me (almost) looking forward to the valve replacement surgery. I've missed taking long walks and being more active. I'm happy for you both!