What should I bring with me to my visit?
In order for us to provide the best quality of care, it is important that you bring the following items to your visit:
- A list of your current medications
- Insurance information and card
- Information about what treatments and medications have been tried in the past
- Medical records from hospitalizations or other provider visits that you think may be helpful
What to expect?
Our medical staff will get an updated set of measurements called vital signs every visit, which may include your height, weight, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. We will also ask a series of questions in order to obtain information about your medical history and current symptoms. Some of these questions include:
- The reason for your visit
- Medications you are currently taking
- Past illnesses and surgeries
- Family history
- Non-cardiac complaints
- Lifestyle information
Also, an EKG (electrocardiogram) may need to be performed during your visit, which involves placing sticky pads (electrodes) on your chest which are connected to a monitor in order to get an electrical picture of your heart. After taking your history, your cardiologist will perform a physical examination. Your history and physical exam will help us determine whether or not you need to have further testing for specific illnesses, how urgent the need for testing is, and if any medication or lifestyle changes are necessary to optimize your cardiac health.
How can I refill a prescription?
Requests for refills can be handled during our regular office hours.
If you are scheduled for a diagnostic procedure in our office/ hospital, please read and follow the instructions given below:
1. Nuclear Stress Test
a) You must be fasting 4 hours. However, you may drink some water
b) No caffeine 24 hours. Please avoid sodas (including caffeine-free), chocolates, tea, and coffee (including decaffeinated)
c) Wear comfortable 2-piece clothing and tennis shoes
d) Take all your medication as usual except diabetes medication. Bring diabetes medication with you
e) Wear warm clothes.
f) Avoid neck jewelry. Women are advised to not wear an under-wire bra
g) You might spend around 4 hours in the office.
2. Stress-Echocardiogram
a) No food 2-hours prior to the appointment
b) Wear comfortable 2-piece clothing and tennis shoes
c) Take all your medication as usual
3. Cardiac Catheterization/ coronary angiography
a) If you are allergic to iodine or any contrast dyes, please let the doctor know at least one day prior to the procedure.
b) You must be fasting after midnight
c) Take all your medication as usual with a small sip of water. Ask your doctor if you are on any blood thinners.
d) Please check in approximately 2 hours prior to the procedure time to the hospital registration.
e) Bring an overnight bag just in case. If your cardiac cath is normal, you will be able to home the same day. However if the doctors determine that coronary intervention (also known as angioplasty or stenting) is necessary, you will stay in the hospital overnight. In either situation, you will need someone to drive you home.
4. Cardioversion
a) You must be fasting after midnight
b) Take all your medication as usual with a small sip of water
c) Please check in approximately 2 hours prior to the procedure time to the hospital registration.
d) In most cases, you will be able to home the same day. However, you will need someone to drive you home
5. Pacemaker
a) You must be fasting after midnight.
b) Take all your medication as usual with a small sip of water
c) Please check in approximately 2 hours prior to the procedure time to the hospital registration.
d) Bring an overnight bag because you will stay in the hospital overnight.
6. Echocardiogram
No preparation required
