Phase II cardiac rehabilitation: outpatient rehabilitation during the first months after admission

After admission, the patient is:

• Either included in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program in the hospital (maximum 45 sessions, up to a maximum of 6 months after admission). The reimbursement file must be initiated from the time of admission up to a maximum of 15 days after.

  Currently, the reimbursement indications for cardiac rehabilitation are limited to the following conditions requiring hospitalization (AR of January 10, 1991):

• • Myocardial infarction.
  • Percutaneous intervention (PCI).
  • Cardiac surgery (valve surgery and/or bypass, CABG).
  • Heart failure with left ventricular dysfunction.
  • Heart transplant (maximum 90 sessions possible during the first year after the transplant).

• Either referred for outpatient physiotherapy (if participation in the cardiac rehabilitation program is not feasible or not desired). AXXON International | AXXON, Physical Therapy in Belgium
• Either not referred for additional physiotherapy (if this proves not possible or desirable).

Light to moderate daily physical activity (walking, cycling if possible, etc.) should always be encouraged.

The exercise program is best designed using the FITT principles. It remains important to consider the patient as a whole and to adjust the training program individually.

Phase III: post-rehabilitation phase

Patients with heart failure are advised to continue a training program started during the phase II rehabilitation phase in the long term, independently (fitness center, independent physical activity) or under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

When cardiac rehabilitation is deemed desirable during outpatient follow-up, it cannot be started in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program in the hospital. The options are then:

• An outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program in hospital, but outside the convention and limited to 18 sessions.
• Referral to an independent physiotherapist. Only 18 sessions can be prescribed, unless the patient meets the conditions for pathology E or F. AXXON International | AXXON, Physical Therapy in Belgium

Encourage the patient to do moderate aerobic exercise (walking, cycling) for 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week.

If necessary, encourage the patient (after referral by the general practitioner) to make an appointment with a training coach.