I agree with Carol Potera that referral to cardiac rehabilitation is not automatic (In the News, February). The research she referenced relied on Medicare data, but my own experience revealed another obstacle to rehabilitation services.

I recently had a myocardial infarction (MI) at age 59 with a 100% blockage of the left anterior descending artery that was quickly opened at our local cardiac catheterization laboratory. I am doing fine, but my insurance company doesn't cover cardiac rehabilitation. I appealed and my physician wrote a letter on my behalf, but to no avail.

I've been an ED nurse for 20 years and in nursing education for three, so I know how important rehabilitation is but was at a loss about how to obtain it. My experience shows that one reason many patients younger than age 65 who've experienced MI may not be taking advantage of cardiac rehabilitation is not because they lack a referral, but because they lack good insurance.

Zack Rinderer, RN

Pasco, WA

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