Delayed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes for a malpractice suit for primary care. The patient population is aging and see their primary care provider to rule out or manage coronary artery disease on a daily basis. Utilizing patient cases and video demonstration, this CME course covers the basics for cardiac ECG exercise stress testing (EST), including indications, contraindications, limitations, alternatives, equipment, and personnel needs. Whether you have been doing exercise testing for years or are now considering it for practice, all clinicians will benefit from this course.
By the end of this activity, the participant should be better able to:
- Review the epidemiology and presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and discuss management options for CAD.
- Review the history of ET.
- Define the cardiopulmonary and ECG changes with exercise, normal and abnormal.
- Review the indications and contraindications for exercise stress testing.
- Discuss the various protocols for ET and learn to set up, perform and interpret ETs.
- Present the guidelines for training and the experience necessary for competence.
- Review ET cases and alternatives to ET for detecting CAD.
- Review the components of exercise prescription.
2025 Course Accreditation
The Texas Academy of Family Physicians designates this live activity for a maximum of 12.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The AAFP has reviewed Exercise Stress Testing and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. This session is approved for 12.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credit). Term of approval is from 07/17/2025 to 12/07/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Learn more about our accreditation.
7:30 - 8 a.m.
- Registration and breakfast
Day One
8 – 10 a.m. — 2 CME Credits
Epidemiology/Etiology of Coronary Artery Disease
- Review the epidemiology and presentation of coronary artery disease and discuss management options for coronary artery disease.
History of ET
- Review the history of exercise stress testing.
10 – 10:15 a.m. — Break
10:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. — 1.75 CME Credits
Indications/Contraindications to ET
- Review the indications and contraindications for exercise testing.
Parameters Followed During ET, Physiologic Response, Protocols
- Discuss the various protocols for exercise testing and learn to set up, perform, and interpret exercise testing results.
12 – 1 p.m. — Lunch
1 – 3 p.m. — 2 CME Credits
Physician Responsibilities
- Present the guidelines for training and the experience necessary for competence and the physician's responsibility in performing a safe and accurate exercise stress test.
Prognosis Following ET, Limitations of ET
- Discuss the various protocols for exercise testing and learn to set up, perform, and interpret exercise testing results.
- Review patient prognosis following an exercise stress test and recognize the limitations of the test.
3 – 3:15 p.m. — Break
3:15 – 5:15 p.m. — 2 CME Credits
Prognosis Following ET, Limitations of ET, cont.
- Discuss the various protocols for exercise testing and learn to set up, perform, and interpret exercise testing results.
- Review patient prognosis following an exercise stress test and recognize the limitations of the test.
Alternatives for Diagnosing CAD
- Review exercise testing cases and alternatives to exercise testing for detecting coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular abnormalities.
Day Two
8 – 10 a.m. — 2 CME Credits
Case Discussion/Sample Scenarios
- Review patient cases for exercise stress testing and various case scenarios potentially seen in practice.
Exercise Prescription and Management of CAD, Lifestyle modification, and Follow-up Protocols
- Review the components of an exercise prescription for managing coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
- Appropriately prescribe exercise to patients that may benefit from cardiovascular conditioning.
- Implement lifestyle changes for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients.
- Implement longitudinal follow-up protocols for patients with cardiovascular risks or disease.
10 – 10:15 a.m. — Break
10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — 2.25 CME Credits
Obtaining and Maintaining Competence with ET
- Review the guidelines for obtaining and maintaining competence with exercise stress testing and the experience necessary for competence.
Coding and Reimbursement
- Properly code exercise stress testing and other stress testing methods performed and services provided.
- Use the matrix provided to code the different scenarios accurately.
Questions, Conclusion
- Discuss remaining questions on stress testing in the primary care setting.
TOTAL CME CREDITS: 12
