Live Workshop: Implementing Virtual or Hybrid CR/PR: From Requirements to Real-World Readiness

Presented by: Todd Brown, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA, MAACVPR; Kariann Drwal, MS, FAACVPR, CCRP, ACSM-CEP, ATC/LAT; Robert Berry, MS, ACSM CEP, FAACVPR, FCEPA; Joel Hughes, PhD, MAACVPR; Garrett Kellar, EdD, CCRP, CEP, EP, EIM3; Dean Diersing, MS, RCEP, EIM3, CCRP, FAACVPR

Disclosures: None

4.0 AACVPR CEUs, 4.0 ANCC CEUs pending

Description:

This interactive virtual workshop provides a comprehensive, practical deep dive into implementing hybrid and virtual delivery models for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs in the wake of Congress’s extension of the Medicare telehealth and in-home CR/ICR/PR flexibilities through December 31, 2027. With this major advocacy victory, programs now have a critical window to launch, expand, and strengthen virtual or hybrid care models – while also generating the real-world evidence needed to support permanent coverage.

During this workshop, national experts and experienced program leaders will translate the new virtual flexibilities into actionable clinical, operational, and technical strategies. Through real-world examples and virtual simulation, participants will explore safety protocols, patient engagement approaches, staffing and workflow considerations, and best practices for delivering high-quality virtual exercise and patient education.

By equipping programs to deliver safe, effective, and scalable hybrid cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, participants will be positioned to improve access, increase participation, and contribute data, and outcomes that demonstrate the value of virtual rehabilitation, helping to inform advocacy efforts and strengthen the case for permanent Medicare coverage.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the clinical, operational, and safety requirements necessary to implement a compliant and effective virtual or hybrid CR/PR program.
2. Identify technical, staffing, and workflow considerations essential for delivering high quality virtual exercise and patient education.
3. Apply evidence-based strategies for patient selection, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness using case based scenarios in a simulated virtual session.
4. Build a data-driven business case that demonstrates the financial, operational, and strategic ROI of virtual or hybrid rehabilitation to secure hospital administrative buy-in and implementation support.