Local business owner credits virtual cardiac rehab program with transforming, and potentially saving, his life

Local business owner and long-time soccer referee, Christopher Rollins, says a new virtual cardiac rehab program has played a critical role in his recovery following an unexpected cardiac event. The virtual program with Movn Health* is available to qualifying Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) members, making it easier to access care for long-term heart health.

"Having this virtual option for cardiac rehab available to Excellus BCBS members expands access to vital recovery support and helps improve the health of our members by reducing barriers to care," said Dr. Kathleen Robischon, Excellus BCBS VP Medical Affairs Clinical Services.

Active lifestyle interrupted by subtle warning signs

"I've always thought of myself as an active guy," said Chris. "So, when I had some minor pain in my shoulder blades, I brushed it off."

It wasn't until a few weeks later, returning from a business trip, that the pain became more severe.

After returning home, Chris went straight to the emergency department where doctors placed two stents to relieve a blockage. For Chris, the improvement was immediate. "My lungs filled up with air, and I felt like I was 18 again."

Cardiac rehabilitation: important but underused

Following the procedure, his doctor recommended cardiac rehab - a program of supervised exercise and education.

"Cardiac rehab is an extremely important and underutilized resource," said University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) Cardiologist Dr. Seth Jacobson. "Studies have shown that patients who fully participate and finish the program have much better outcomes than patients who don't attend cardiac rehab at all."

Cardiac rehab is shown to improve an individual's health and quality of life following a cardiac event, including:

• A 13-24% reduction in mortality over one to three years
• A 31% decrease in rehospitalization over one year
• Improved physical function

Despite the many benefits, fewer than 25% of eligible patients engage in cardiac rehab and locally participation is even lower.1,2 Barriers include transportation, scheduling and long waitlists.

That's where virtual cardiac rehab can make a big difference.

Virtual rehab offers a flexible alternative

Initially, Chris completed eight weeks of in-person cardiac rehab. Soon after, his wife - a URMC employee - introduced him to the Movn Health program. The virtual cardiac rehabilitation that fit perfectly into Chris's busy schedule.

"The simplicity of the setup, the tools they gave me, and the weekly check-ins made all the difference," he said. "I saw immediate results-lower weight, improved blood pressure, healthier eating, and better cardiac fitness."

Covered by his insurance as an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield member, the program provided a connected scale, blood pressure cuff, smartwatch and weekly remote check-ins with a care manager.

Daily monitoring detects a dangerous situation

The program also helped identify a potentially dangerous situation. After refereeing multiple soccer games in hot conditions, his daily blood pressure tracking revealed abnormally low readings. With no other symptoms, he contacted his cardiologist and was instructed to go to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with severe dehydration.

"Had I not been taking my blood pressure every day, I would have never known," he said. "That habit may have saved my life."

He believes many others could benefit from the program's flexible design.

A healthier lifestyle that lasts

Chris continues the routine established through Movn Health: daily weighing, blood pressure checks, smartwatch monitoring and simple exercises. Thanks to support from Movn Health, Chris says he has improved energy, healthier habits and an overall higher quality of life that has let him return to the activities he loves, like refereeing four to five times a week.

Program availability

Movn Health is available to all Excellus BCBS members who have experienced a qualifying cardiac event such as heart attack, bypass surgery, heart valve repair and other cardiac events with a referral from their medical provider.

Watch this video to hear more of Chris's story.

*Movn Health is an independent company and in-network provider that offers a virtual cardiac rehab program by phone or video.