Lisa Heidrick is preparing for critical surgery and ensuring her heart health is in top form. She is taking part in a unique form of cardio rehabilitation near her home in Benson, AZ, with an exercise physiologist tuning in remotely from Tucson. This is one of the latest telemedicine ventures from Tucson Medical Center, a futuristic concept that has become commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine is a way for healthcare providers to deliver care remotely, through a computer or telephone, without an in-person office visit. This can greatly improve access to care and quality of life for people living in rural or remote areas.
Heidrick had quadruple bypass surgery last summer and will soon undergo a kidney transplant. She searched desperately for cardiac rehab last summer, but could not find any in Benson. She was relieved that TMC was about to start offering the service in Benson, and she got on the list right away. She has completed about half of the 36 sessions she is approved to do and says she is in better shape now than before her bypass surgery.
Mary Mellady, TMC’s director of wellness and cardiac rehabilitation, explains that cardio rehabilitation lowers the risk of being readmitted to a hospital by more than 30%. Recent studies show that only 20% of Americans who qualify for the help do it, and only 1 in 4 Medicare patients participate after a cardiac event, such as heart surgery or a heart attack.
During a recent session, Heidrick shared her concerns about her heart strength and what will happen after her next surgery. Mike Urquhart, an exercise physiologist, listened from his office at TMC and reassured her that she was doing enough and that as long as she stays active, she will keep progressing. Alex Evans, assistant manager for TMC cardiac rehabilitation services, explains the importance of getting patients in the mindset of cardiovascular health, including exercising regularly and eating right.
Dr. Lou Lancero, a longtime Tucson cardiologist and medical director of Benson Hospital, says the support patients need after heart surgery or a heart health problem extends beyond the basics and includes emotional support and individualized education about diet and lifestyle choices. They assess if they are meeting the same goals through telehealth as they would in a more traditional clinical setting.
TMC Health’s vice president of external affairs and Benson Hospital’s chief executive officer, Julia Strange, says setting up the Benson site was possible through a donation of $50,000 from the TMC Foundation and $25,000 from Arizona Complete Health. She hopes to offer the same service in other southern Arizona rural communities, such as Willcox and Bisbee.
This makes cardio rehabilitation a great fit for the community and demonstrates that healthcare should be available close to where we live.
