LeConte Medical Center

Covenant Health System

Cardiopulmonary Rehab at LeConte Medical Center

LeConte Medical Center offers comprehensive cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services for patients who have experienced serious cardiac or pulmonary events. Our hospital-based cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center is conveniently located inside the Dolly Parton Center for Women’s Services at the medical center..

LeConte’s medically supervised cardiopulmonary rehab program seeks to safely restore physical fitness and function for patients who have recently had a serious cardiac or pulmonary event. Through exercise, education, counseling, and healthy lifestyle changes, patients regain confidence in exercising the heart and lungs. Our structured program is designed to reduce the risk of further complications from heart and lung disease. We are pleased to be certified for Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab, a multi-faceted appropach to developing a lifestyle that supports heart health.

Contact Us at LeConte Medical Center

Phone

Hours 

Monday – Friday
8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Additional Resources

a physical therapist helps a man walk between parallel bars while he recovers from a stroke

About LeConte Cardiopulmonary Rehab

  • 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 specific needs. During your workout, you are monitored and continuously supervised by our staff.
  • Renewed health — We help you feel confident that you can exercise safely. Your exercise program will increase progressively to help you rebuild strength and endurance.
  • Communication with your physician — Your progress is reported to your physician from the beginning to the end of your rehabilitation program.
  • Education about modifying risk factors — Your wellness prgoram includes not only regular exercise, but a heart-healthy eating plan and a healthy mindset. Your team will provide you with education and assistance to help restore you to the best health possible.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Leaving the hospital is just the first step in recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery, or angioplasty. To help you begin and maintain a healthy lifestyle, LeConte’s cardiac rehabilitation team tailors a program to meet your specific needs.  

  • After your physician provides clearance and approval, we develop an individualized diet and exercise program for you.
  • Exercise sessions typically last for 1-2 hours and meet 3-5 times a week for up to 10 weeks. We have locations close to home in Sevier County (LeConte Medical Center) and South Knoxville (Covenant Health South). 
middle age female nurse in green scrubs smiling at a patient
  • Continuous heart monitoring detects any irregular beats or changes in heart activity during exercise.
  • Education classes led by the cardiac rehabilitation team will teach you and your family about the heart, heart disease, risk factors for heart conditions, 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 with individual challenges such as smoking cessation and coping with stress.
  • A registered dietitian will help you and your family members with diet and nutrition, emphasizing topics such as preparing healthy meals, grocery shopping, and dining out.

Information for Heart Failure Patients

Covenant Health, the region’s top-performing healthcare network, includes our facilities at LeConte Medical Center. We have created a resource booklet for patients 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 to help you and 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.

young male doctor laughs with senior female patient with cane

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

LeConte’s pulmonary rehab program seeks to reduce the number of people hospitalized or disabled by pulmonary symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation has proven to reduce hospital admissions and improve exercise tolerance in people with lung diseases such as: 

  • Asthma
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Other conditions that might impair the flow of air in and out of the lungs

An Individualized  Program

Our pulmonary rehabilitation team of registered nurses, exercise physiologists, and respiratory therapists provides individualized exercise plans, educational classes, and support services. Sessions are scheduled 2-3 times weekly and last 1-2 hours. Patients typically attend 18-36 sessions, depending on individual needs. Most individuals who have lung disease are eligible for the program, but a physician referral is needed.

During the sessions, patients learn about:

          • Basic lung anatomy and function
          • Disease descriptions
          • Exercise therapy
          • Medications
          • Nutrition recommendations
          • Proper breathing techniques
          • Relaxation techniques
          • Smoking cessation
          • Symptom management

How Do I Enroll in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation?

A physican referral is needed for both cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. If you believe these programs would be beneficial for you, speak with your physician about a referral for your specific needs.

How Much Does Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Cost?

Most insurance policies cover cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. We will contact your insurance company to see if you qualify.

After the Program

When you complete LeConte’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program, we compile a final summary and forward it to your primary care physician. We will assist you in developing a home exercise program to help keep your momentum going with safe and appropriate activities.

A Not-For-Profit, Community-Owned Healthcare System

We are committed to improving the quality of life in East Tennessee through better health. In partnership with our generous donors, Covenant’s 11,000+ employees, physicians, and volunteers are providing the very best care for our patients and their families.