Fort Sanders Regional Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Leaving the hospital is just the first step in recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery or angioplasty. Heart patients often need to strengthen weakened heart muscles and learn heart-healthy practices. Fort Sanders Regional’s complete Cardiac Rehabilitation Outpatient Program (CROP) combines education, exercise, counseling, and more to help heart patients regain their functional capacity and reduce the possibility of future heart problems.
Upon arriving at CROP, patients are thoroughly evaluated based on individual knowledge, needs, and preferences. An exercise physiologist and registered nurses assess each patient’s abilities and creates a personal fitness program to meet their cardiac goals. During each activity, each patient is supervised by a heart monitor. As a patient’s heart grows stronger, their exercise regimen is adjusted for maximum benefit. The educational component of cardiac rehab involves classes on healthy eating and risk factors for heart and pulmonary diseases.
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Phone
Hours
Monday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*Please note we close for lunch daily between Noon and 1 p.m.
Address
Fort Sanders Professional Building
501 20th Street, Suite 110
Knoxville, TN 37916
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outpatient Program (PROP)
Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs help people with chronic lung conditions learn to manage their condition so they may live and breathe easier.
Fort Sanders Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outpatient Program (PROP), developed in 1983, was the first pulmonary rehab program in Knox County. The program is also one of the first to receive national certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for consistent clinical outcomes for lung patients.

Our nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians and pharmacists work as a team, in conjunction with physicians to provide an intensive lifestyle modification approach for lung condition management.
You are eligible for PROP if you have lung disease or another condition that impacts your lungs and are referred by your physician. Upon arriving at PROP, patients are thoroughly evaluated based on individual knowledge, needs, and preferences. Each session includes medically-supervised and monitored exercise and education about healthy eating and risk factors for heart and pulmonary diseases.
About Fort Sanders Regional Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Fort Sanders Regional’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab Program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and serves as a tool for cardiac and pulmonary patients to better their overall health.
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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
East Tennessee’s Trusted Choice for Heart and Vascular Care
As East Tennessee’s leader in cardiac services, Covenant Health Heart Centers provide expert care to more than 107,000 heart patients throughout our region each year. Our network of nine hospitals and 25 cardiology practices offers the latest advances in cardiology, including cardiac imaging, interventional cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and rehabilitation.
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.