Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Mercy South Earns Re-certification

Pulmonary rehabilitation provides a safe, monitored environment for patients to improve their recovery from lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory conditions. Now, patients at Mercy Hospital South have the added comfort of knowing the pulmonary rehabilitation program has earned its re-certification.

The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation has re-certified Mercy Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation – 10012 Kennerly in recognition of the program’s commitment to improving patients’ quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

“Our patients can trust our team to provide a safe lung rehab environment along with providing the caring and compassion to help them improve their lives,” said Mike Knobbe, Mercy Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation supervisor. “We’re honored to have earned this certification as a way to show our dedication to meeting the highest patient care standards.”

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help lung patients lead healthier lives. The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families. Patients benefit from a reduced risk of death, fewer symptoms, better following of their medication instructions, improved exercise performance, improved mood and more.

To earn accreditation, Mercy Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. This certification program is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to evaluate individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and other related professional societies. Each application is reviewed by a program certification committee, and certification is awarded by the association’s board of directors.

In 2018, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful results. Certified programs are leaders in the field because they offer the most advanced practices available with proven track records of high-quality patient care. The certification is valid for three years.