@mbi I feel ya re insurance issues.

I'm 73, had my septal myectomy in late July. At the time I was still covered by employer health insurance. I switched to Medicare Part B, plus supplemental (aka Medigap), effective September 1.

I discovered that neither employment-related insurance nor Medicare with supplemental covers cardiac rehab after a septal myectomy, but I had a mitral valve repair at the same time as the myectomy, and both insurances cover cardiac rehab after the valve repair. So I am 3 weeks into the 12-week cardiac rehab program and find it very helpful, not least because I'm wearing a heart monitor at the rehab sessions, which I find reassuring as I build up confidence that my newly reconfigured heart can take the stress of exercise.

I personally don't know the medical/insurance justification for treating the two differently, but I see karukgirl Debra sez she was told post-myectomy rehab is not covered because HCM is congenital.

I agree with Debra that that is a distinction without a legitimately justifiable difference, as anyone undergoing open heart surgery could benefit from a structured, guided post-op program as they return to active physical activity.

I'm a member of the HCM Association. Writing this makes me think I'll suggest to that organization that they lobby for coverage of post-op cardiac rehab for all septal myectomy patients (or maybe the HCMA already recognizes this issue; I'll at least look into it with them). In any event, the HCMA is a great resource for a host of reasons. Find them at < 4hcm.org>.