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How To Find The Heart Doctor That is Right For You

How To Find The Heart Doctor That is Right For You

Out of the thousands of cardiologists that work in New York City, how do you find the heart doctor that is right for you? This is a question that every heart patient has to face at one time or another. Luckily, there are two approaches you can take to finding the heart specialist who can help you most.  

Method #1: Get a referral

This is the most common approach patients take to finding a heart doctor. Why? Getting a referral from your primary care physician eliminates a lot of questions and hurdles for you. Two of the biggest concerns for patients are:

1. Is my heart doctor experienced and properly certified?
2. Will my insurance cover my treatment costs?

If you get a referral from another physician, both of these questions are already answered for you.

Clinics that work with in-network specialists have to make sure those specialists are fully certified and covered by the patient’s insurance provider, before giving the referral. Given the changes in insurance coverage that are due to take effect in 2014; this will likely be the favored way to choose a specialist from now on.

Of course, there is no harm in double checking your cardiologist’s background and credentials. It can help you get a better understanding of your condition and treatment protocol.

Method #2: Contact the heart doctor directly

In some cases, you get farther by contacting a specialist directly. This is particularly helpful if you have a condition that requires the attention of a limited number of specialists.

These conditions include:

• Vascular varicosity
• Hypertension
• Problems with cardiac electrical function
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Advanced heart failure

Depending on the condition that requires treatment, you will be referred to the clinical department that will handle your case.

his approach requires extra work to make sure that the specialist you need is properly certified and covered by your insurance provider. Medical exceptions can be granted if a patient can show that treatment from a particular specialist is a matter of medical necessity. The clinic can help you prove your case to the insurance company.

Even if insurance coverage isn’t possible, there are ways to pay for treatment from an out of network provider. Talk to the clinic about your options if necessary.

It is a good idea to come up with a list of questions for your heart specialist that you can take with you to your first appointment. The answers to these questions will help you understand more about your individual condition and your chosen specialist; supporting a solid ongoing doctor-patient relationship.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.