Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs (CPB 0267, reviewed 2026-05-14)
Summary
Aetna considers intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs (the Benson-Henry Institute Cardiac Wellness Program, the Ornish cardiac treatment program and the Pritikin Program) medically necessary as an alternative to traditional Phase II cardiac rehabilitation for members who meet the cardiac rehabilitation criteria, limited to 72 one-hour sessions, up to 6 per day, over a period of up to 18 weeks. Virtual delivery by real-time audio and video (excluding audio-only) is considered medically necessary when the telehealth program and member criteria are met, but hospital outpatient departments are not eligible for virtual telehealth services. Intensive cardiac rehabilitation is considered experimental, investigational or unproven for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, prostate cancer, metabolic syndrome and all other indications where effectiveness has not been established.
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