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Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR)

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What is ICR and How We Help

At Synergy Lifestyle Center, we offer Dr. Dean Ornish’s evidence-based Undo It® Program through our outpatient Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) services. By focusing on comprehensive lifestyle change, the program addresses the root causes of heart disease and has been shown not only to treat—but in many cases help reverse—its progression. These same lifestyle habits may also support improvements in other chronic conditions.

Four Key Lifestyle Elements

Our program runs for 9 consecutive weeks, with participants attending two days per week for four hours per day.


Our goal is not just to educate—but to help you practice these lifestyle changes in real time, so they feel achievable and sustainable long after the program ends.


Participants move through the program together in small groups, called cohorts, building connection and accountability along the way. Cohorts meet on either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the center is open Monday through Thursday.

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01

Exercise

02

Stress Management

03

Group Support

04

Nutrition

Proven Benefits of Dr. Ornish’s Program

Backed by 35+ years of peer-reviewed, published research.

Reduced risk of heart-related events

Decreased frequency & severity of chest pain

Reduced or eliminated need for medications

Reduced cholesterol, blood pressure & weight

Improved exercise capacity

Improved depression scores

Traditional Cardiac Rehab vs Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation

Discover how Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation delivers deeper lifestyle transformation and long-term heart health.

Traditional Cardiac Rehab

  • Program Focus Exercise and basic education
  • Nutritional Guidance General dietary recommendations
  • Stress Management Minimal or none
  • Duration & Frequency Shorter, less frequent sessions
  • Target Outcome Rehabilitation after a cardiac event

Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR)

  • Program Focus Lifestyle transformation and disease prevention
  • Nutritional Guidance Whole foods, plant-based and low fat nutrition prescription
  • Stress Management Comprehensive stress management techniques
  • Duration & Frequency 9-week program, 18 total sessions, 2 days a week for 4 hours each day (72 hours total)
  • Target Outcome Prevention, reversal, and long-term heart health

What Our Clients Say

Robbin Pope

"I was referred to this program by my cardiologist. I am a newly diagnosed patient with coronary artery disease that was discovered by a routine test for a calcium score. I have a long history of diabetes type 1, hypertension, high cholesterol, overweight and former smoker. I have to admit I thought the program was going to be overwhelming, time consuming and consist of some things I did not feel I would participate in, but my husband convinced me I should attend the program, and he offered to be my supporter and go through the program with me. My husband and I are walking away with a new healthy way of life, vast knowledge about the effects of stress, unhealthy diets, and the importance of exercise. We will continue following this program on our own with tools we were given during this 9-week course. I encourage everyone referred to this program not to be intimidated. This program was so much more than I anticipated and well worth the time and effort put in to it. I am looking forward to living a more active healthier lifestyle."

Robbin Pope

Graduated with Cohort 86 in 2024

Insurance Coverage

Dr. Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease has proven so effective at undoing years of heart damage that Medicare and several major insurance plans now cover it under the Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation benefit category — the first program of its kind to receive this level of support.

Conditions that may qualify you for the Ornish Reversal Program include:
Heart Conditions
Heart or Valve Surgery
Angioplasty / Stent Placement

Who Is Eligible?

The program is appropriate for patients with the following diagnoses:

Heart attack within 12 months
Valve repair and replacement
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Coronary angioplasty or stenting
Heart transplant
Stable angina
Stable, chronic heart failure (with an ejection fraction <35%)
Most insurance plans cover the program if you have a qualifying diagnosis. However, to avoid unexpected medical expenses or copays, please contact your insurance carrier before enrolling to confirm coverage and inquire about costs for billing codes G0422 and G0423.

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) which focuses on lifestyle medicine elements, including exercise, stress management, community and nutrition with the goal to reverse heart disease. This is accomplished over the course of a 9-week program. Traditional Cardiac Rehab focuses on monitored exercise with shorter sessions and a lower frequency.
Before you start the 9-week program, you will need to come into an information session, an intake appointment and complete any follow up testing, surgeries, or upcoming cardiology appointments. We offer information sessions each week to allow anyone interested to learn more about the program and make sure it is a good fit for them.
The 9-week program is 2 days a week for 4 hours each day (18 total sessions). We offer 4 different options that we rotate through. If you prefer a specific day or time of the week, you will need to wait until a new cohort starts to join. If you prefer a specific day or time of the week, this may affect when you start the program. Mondays and Wednesdays at 9am-1pm or 11am-3pm Tuesdays and Thursday at 9am-1pm or 11am-3pm
  • Our program is covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies under certain diagnoses.
  • We will verify your insurance before the information session.
  • If you are not covered by insurance, we offer flexible payment plans for 6 and 12 months
Dr. Ornish’s research demonstrated that the combination of all four elements, exercise, stress management, group support and a whole foods plant-based and low fat eating pattern contributed to the reversal of plaque build up in the arteries. Since all four are equally important in reversal, we require the attendance of all four elements. If you have questions about any of the elements, we are happy to address your concerns at the information session.
This program is voluntary and there is no penalty for disenrolling. However, we encourage you to explore all the options available to you and determine the best fit for your needs prior to starting the 9-week program. We offer free information sessions each week so you can learn more about what the program offers, tour the facility and get your questions answered before committing.
  • We highly encourage family/friends to participate in several elements with you!
  • Exercise element- Loved ones can participate in the warmup and observe or read/socialize with other participants’ loved ones, but are not allowed to use the gym equipment during this time.
    • Stress Management element- Welcome to join you for the full hour
  • Group support element- This is just for participants and the group support specialist. Loved ones are able to do free time or take advantage of the gym and exercise during this hour. There is a one time fee to use the gym for all 9 weeks
  • Nutrition element/Lecture- Welcome to join! This is a great way to learn more about the elements, especially the nutrition aspect. Each participant is provided with a meal, but if your loved one would like a meal provided for each session as well, they may purchase them. Let staff know prior to the start date of the program, if they would like to purchase meals.
    • Yes, we offer translation services for non-English–speaking participants during the program. These services are provided through trusted third-party translation partners and are available upon request.

    What Our Members Are Saying

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Love the Program!

    This wellness program has completely changed how I approach my health.

    Jessica M.

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Truly Life Changing

    "I was amazed at the immediate results I felt after just one day of being completely vegetarian...In the following weeks My sleep became more restful, my breathing had leveled out, I was no longer wheezing all-night, no acid reflux. I genuinely felt more energy, I healed quicker from my exercise sessions. My overall health and happiness seemed to explode to new levels. ​I have lost 30 pounds, dropped my A1C from 7.7 to 5.8 and my diabetes is controlled. My cholesterol was 197 dropped to 54, an all time low in my life, reduced my waist line by 11inches and my hips by 4inches."

    Shane G, Cohort 41

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Forever Thankful

    "It [The Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program] literally saved my life, and it could save your life too. This program has made me feel better about myself, more so than I have in years"

    Karen L, Cohort 36

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Real Results, Real Change

    "I have lost 30lbs, and my doctor took me off my BP and cholesterol medications. My total cholesterol is now 117, my LDL is 62, in the past I have had three times these numbers. This program really works!"

    Randy H, Cohort 23

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Feeling Healthier Than Ever

    "After 9 weeks going to the Synergy Center I have eliminated completely the angina, lost over 15 lbs, and am back to living a healthy life. But most importantly, I feel I have been taught the tools and created habits to make this a permanent lifestyle change."

    Wes B, Cohort 39

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Stronger, Healthier, Happier

    "Had a great cardiologist visit. Weight down 10 lbs and blood pressure 120/60. Very happy with my progress. No sign of cardiac disease!!! Yea!"

    Kathy S, Cohort 18