Covenant Health South Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
- Therapy Center

Key Components of Cardiopulmonary Rehab at South
- Medically supervised exercises — Our team will design a plan of care using aerobic exercise, strength training, and other functional activities.
- Tailored just for you — Your exercise program is customized to meet your needs. During your workout, you are monitored and continuously supervised by our staff.
- Regained health — We help you feel confident that your exercise is safe and that your exercise plan will be increased progressively to build and regain your strength and endurance.
- Communication with your physician — As a key component of your treatment plan, your progress is reported to your physician from the beginning to the end of your rehabilitative program.
- Education on modifying risk factors — Your wellness includes not only regular exercise, but also a heart-healthy eating plan and a healthy mindset. Your team will provide you with the education and assistance to restore you to the best of health.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Leaving the hospital is just the first step in recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery, or angioplasty. In order to help you begin and maintain a healthy lifestyle, the Cardiac Rehabilitation team tailors a program to specifically meet your needs.
Generally, you can expect the following from your program:
- Following clearance from the physician, an individualized exercise and diet program is outlined and implemented.
- Your exercise sessions last for 1-2 hours and meet 3-5 times a week for 8–10 weeks, close to home in Sevier and South Knoxville Counties.

- Heart monitoring is used to detect any irregular beats or changes in heart activity during exercise.
- Educational classes led by the Cardiac Rehabilitation team teach you and your family about the heart, heart disease, high-risk factors, and ways to reduce your risk for further heart damage.
- In addition to the classes, you (and your family, if needed) may receive private counseling to assist in modifying smoking habits and coping with stress.
- Counseling on diet and nutrition is also offered by a registered dietician for you and your family members, emphasizing topics such as healthy meal preparation, grocery shopping and dining out.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Chronic pulmonary disease is costly in both dollars and lives. Lung disease is the fifth leading cause of death and disability in Tennessee. These statistics justify our goal to reduce the number of people hospitalized or disabled with pulmonary symptoms. Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs have been proven to reduce hospital admissions and improve exercise tolerance in people with lung diseases.
Participants in our program may be suffering from:
- COPD
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Other conditions that might impair the flow of air in and out of the lungs
An Individualized Pulmonary Rehab Program
Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation team — staffed by registered nurses, exercise physiologists, and respiratory therapists — provides individualized programs for exercise prescriptions, educational classes, and support services. Sessions are 2-3 times a week for 1-2 hours, for a total of 18-36 sessions.
During the sessions, patients can expect information on:
- Basic lung anatomy and function
- Symptom management
- Proper breathing techniques
- Nutrition recommendations
- Disease descriptions
- Medications
- Relaxation techniques
- Exercise therapy
- Smoking cessation
Most individuals are eligible for the program if they have lung disease.
Cost of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Most insurance policies cover Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation programs. We will contact your insurance company to see if you qualify.
After the Program
When the patient completes the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program, a final summary is compiled and forwarded to the primary care physician. We will assist you in developing a home exercise program to help keep your momentum going with safe and appropriate exercise.
Information for Heart Failure Patients
Covenant Health, the region’s top-performing healthcare network, includes our facilities at Covenant Health South. We have created a resource booklet for patients who are being treated for heart failure. This booklet includes helpful information, including:
- Details about heart failure
- How heart failure is diagnosed and treated
- Lifestyle information for those seeking to be as healthy and active as possible while dealing with heart failure
- Tracking sheets to record information that will be helpful for you and your healthcare provider
- A list of resources and services within Covenant Health
To read the booklet online or download a printable copy, click here.
About Covenant Health South Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
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Cardiac Rehabilitation: What to Expect
At Covenant Health, our cardiac rehabilitation program is designed to help you regain strength, improve heart function, and enhance your overall quality of life after a cardiac event or procedure. Depending on your unique needs, the program may last from six weeks to a year or longer, with a personalized approach to exercise, education, and lifestyle changes. Our goal is to support your recovery, reduce your risk of future heart issues, and help you confidently return to your daily activities.
Who Is Eligible for Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for individuals who have experienced certain heart conditions or procedures, including:
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) – Within the past 12 months
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery
- Stable Angina (chronic chest pain due to coronary artery disease)
- Heart Valve Repair or Replacement
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or Stenting
- Heart or Heart-Lung Transplant
- Chronic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF ≤35%)
Who Is Eligible for Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed for individuals with chronic lung conditions or those recovering from lung-related procedures, including:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Including chronic bronchitis and emphysema with certain PFT limitations
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) – Such as pulmonary fibrosis
- Post-COVID Syndrome – Persistent respiratory issues after COVID-19 infection
- Pulmonary Hypertension – High blood pressure affecting the lungs
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) Candidates or Post-Surgery Patients
- Lung Transplant Candidates or Post-Transplant Patients
- Other Chronic Respiratory Conditions
Support System for Heart and Lung Patients
Patients can often experience anxiety and depression after having a heart attack or receiving a diagnosis of heart and lung disease. Cumberland Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program helps you find ways to cope and rebuild your life, and gives you opportunities to meet others who are sharing similar experiences, concerns, and triumphs.

How do I know if cardiac rehabilitation is right for me?
If you’ve recently had a heart attack, surgery, or a procedure such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, or if you live with a chronic condition like heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation may be highly beneficial. Our team works with your healthcare providers to assess your needs and help determine if this program can support your recovery and long-term heart health.
How much does cardiac rehabilitation cost?
The cost of cardiac rehabilitation can vary depending on your insurance coverage and the specific treatments and services included in your plan. We recommend reaching out to our Customer Care Center at 865-374-0411 for personalized pricing information and assistance in understanding what your insurance will cover.
Does insurance cover cardiac rehabilitation?
Yes, most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically cover cardiac rehabilitation for patients who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as those recovering from a heart attack, surgery, or ongoing cardiac conditions. We can help verify your insurance coverage and discuss any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
How long does cardiac rehabilitation take?
Cardiac rehabilitation programs usually last 6 to 12 weeks, with 3-5 sessions per week, depending on your individual needs, goals, and progress. Our team will create a personalized plan and timeline to help you achieve the best possible outcome while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the process.