The Daily Dose
From participant to prescriber: Seeing the benefits from both sides of the MyFitRx™ medically integrated fitness program
Family nurse practitioner, Marie Schongar, appreciates the MyFitRx program from every angle. “I loved seeing so many clients playing pickle ball, dancing to Zumba, or exercising in the gym while I walked around the track to start my exercise plan,” she says. “It was inspiring to see so many people working on their wellness programs.”
A former participant, Schongar is now equally inspired to refer patients to MyFitRx – the eight-week, medically integrated exercise program offered at CDPHP Fitness Connect at the Ciccotti Center on Aviation Road in Albany. The center holds the distinction of having been the first certified medical fitness facility in New York.*
“As a practitioner who has completed the program myself, I’m passionate that it will help incorporate activity into my patients’ lives, which will help their overall blood sugar goals,” explains Schongar, who is board-certified in advanced diabetes management and cares for patients at Albany Med Health System’s Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism.
Pathways for patients
Diabetes fitness is one of ten MyFitRx “pathways” for patients living with a chronic disease, managing a medical condition, or who need additional support. Substance use disorder is also an appropriate diagnosis for referral to the program.
Cancer Fitness – guided movement to help reduce fatigue while improving muscle function and range of motion
Cardiac Fitness – delivers guidance to help reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, gain strength, and increase endurance
Cognitive Health – uses exercise to help support and improve mental capacity, self-esteem, mood, sleep, energy, and stress levels
Diabetes Fitness – encourages management of prediabetes, and type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms by balancing physical activity levels and promoting healthy habits
Fit for Surgery – helps build muscular strength and endurance prior to surgery and to aid in recovery
Functional Fitness – promotes pain reduction through gentle movement for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or other autoimmune conditions
Orthopedic Fitness – encourages strength training in targeted muscle groups post physical therapy
Pulmonary Fitness – develops specialized plans to help improve breathing capabilities, muscle function, and exercise tolerance
Transitional Care – provides motivation to help improve stamina and health related issues due to an inactive lifestyle
Weight Management – encourages realistic goal setting for healthy weight and helps develop physical activity habits
In each pathway, participants receive an individualized exercise plan utilizing the Ciccotti Center’s cardio and resistance equipment, 25-yard lap pool, and group exercise sessions. A health assessment is taken at the start and end of the program, and a summary report is created for the referring provider.
How to refer a patient
Providers use a simple referral form to get access to the program for a patient.
“It’s as easy as filling out the referral form for your patients,” encourages Schongar. “It will compliment a patient’s plan of care and is so valuable to improve their level of physical activity and, ultimately, their quality of life. The MyFitRx motto is to improve lives through guided exercise, and I am very grateful that this is exactly what happened to me. Please refer patients to promote healthy habits!”
| Cost and coverage for patients: o No cost for CDPHP Medicare Advantage members o Discounted rate of $50 for all other CDPHP members o Regular rate of $99 for non-members o Patients may be eligible for full reimbursement upon completion of the program For full details, providers and patients may visit cdphpfitnessconnect.org/myfitrx |
*Certified by the Medical Fitness Association
Dan Mussman About the Author
Dan joined CDPHP as a communications specialist in 2021, continuing a 15-year career as a writer, marketer, and media professional. His work as Creative Director for iHeartMedia was recognized by the American Advertising Federation and National Radio Mercury Awards. Dan is a regular volunteer with United Way and other community groups, and enjoys filling his free time with Adirondack hikes, playing guitar with friends, and capturing glimmer moments with his camera.
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