MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Certified By Industry Leaders

Columbia, S.C. (Sept. 14, 2022) – MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center is proud to announce the certification of its Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, congestive heart failure, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory symptoms) recover faster and live healthier. Programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

To earn accreditation, the MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program participated in an application process that required extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR program certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

In 2018, the AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represented more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR program certification is valid for three years.

MUSC Health-Midlands Division comprises three hospitals, located in downtown Columbia, Northeast Columbia and Camden; a free-standing emergency center in Fairfield; and an urgent care facility in Elgin. Its ambulatory network consists of 40 physician practices, rehabilitation centers, sleep labs, an imaging and diagnostics lab, an inpatient geri-psych unit and a school of cardiac diagnostics.

MUSC Health-Midlands Division combines advanced technology, medical innovation and proven treatment methods to benefit its patients. Its extensive range of services includes heart and vascular care, minimally invasive surgery, diagnostics, women’s health and rehabilitation services.

The Midlands Division employs more than 2,000 employees and nearly 200 physicians representing all major specialties. With locations across multiple counties, including Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Newberry and Bamberg, the MUSC Health-Midlands Division is dedicated to serving the health care needs of people living in the Midlands of South Carolina.