In early 2026, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, re-instating virtual delivery of cardiac rehab, intensive cardiac rehab, and pulmonary rehab services from hospital outpatient department (HOPD)-based programs and phyisian-office based programs to patients who are in their home. For both locations, these services must be delivered using real-time, continuous, audio-visual communications technology.
CR, ICR, and PR programs have the opportunity to expand services to virtual and hybrid delivery. In fact, doing so will help persuade Congress and CMS to extend beyond the current December 31, 2027 expiration, which AACVPR is advocating for.
Resources for Professionals
Webinar: Launching & Expanding Hybrid CR/ICR/PR: What Programs Need to Know Now
Presented by Robert Berry, MS, ACSM-CEP, RCEP, FAACVPR; Todd Brown, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA, MAACVPR; Kariann Drwal, MS, CCRP; Stacey Greenway, MA, MPH, CCRP, MAACVPR; Joel Hughes, PhD, FAACVPR; and Steven Keteyian, PhD
February 2026
Following the policy announcement, national experts and program leaders shared strategies for successful implementation of hybrid CR, ICR, and PR including key clinical, operational, and safety considerations. Hear real-world examples from programs already delivering virtual care.
Watch the Recording
Download the Webinar Handout
Consensus Statement on the Virtual and Remote Delivery of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Their Components
Published in the Nov/Dec 2025 edition of the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, this consensus statement offers clarity and direction to ensure high-quality care across all settings as interest in virtual and remote models grows.
Read the Statement