Practical experience implementing supervised exercise therapy for peripheral artery disease in urban and rural Minnesota

Abstract

Although numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of treadmill-based supervised exercise therapy (SET) in improving pain-free and total walking distance and quality of life in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD), historically this treatment has not been widely available outside of research settings. Last year’s decision by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to cover up to 36 sessions of SET over a 12-week period for beneficiaries with symptomatic PAD (1) has enabled greater implementation of this effective treatment in clinical settings. An additional 36 sessions are available over an extended period with a new referral from a health care provider. At the University of Minnesota, we have been implementing SET in both urban and rural clinical settings since 2015. In this column, we provide examples of two patients who have participated in SET through these programs, highlighting their experiences and tips for those considering implementing SET for individuals with PAD at their own institutions.