Follow-up visits at South Strand Cardiology are key to our ability to further help our patients control an existing condition and to assist them in reaching improvements in their overall health. Our cardiac care practice is aimed towards the treatment and management of heart conditions using monitoring tools and the latest scientific research available. Our goal is to help you to improve your quality of life even if your heart or vascular condition cannot be readily cured.
Using the recently collected medical data, laboratory test results, and imaging results – we will review your health status carefully and make recommendations towards achieving greater wellbeing. We will share valuable information regarding treatment plans and how to make positive changes concerning your lifestyle choices.
The purpose of a follow-up office visit depends on your overall condition. If an acute problem needs to be addressed, then the aim is to understand the clinical significance of the symptoms and to determine the best possible treatment as needed. If a chronic issue is being monitored, then we will employ various surveillance and diagnostic tools to monitor your health and recovery. Similarly, any new problems that may arise since your previous visit shall be addressed as well.
The duration of a follow-up care appointment depends on the condition of the patient. Some patients require cardiac examinations to determine the effectiveness of a treatment plan that they are currently undergoing. These tests can take anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour, not including preparation.
Many cardiac conditions, such as heart attack, heart failure, rhythm problems, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertension (high blood pressure), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and coronary artery disease (CAD), are chronic in nature and need follow-up care within regular intervals.
If you have been fitted with a pacemaker or discharged from the hospital following a cardiac related surgery or procedure that involved the heart – you will need to have regular follow-up care. If it is discovered that your condition is worsening, the doctor may need to adjust the treatment plan or even ask that you be admitted into a hospital setting for closer monitoring and treatment.
The heart is one of the most important parts of the body – it is the most important muscle – not just because of its function, but because once it is damaged it can be difficult to repair. The majority of heart conditions develop over a period of several years – making it possible to detect the condition while it is still in its early stages. This also makes it possible to improve one’s cardiovascular health with some basic lifestyle improvements as well.
Patients who have been diagnosed with any of the following heart conditions are typically required to make regular follow-up visits
A patient Follow-Up Visit may take up to an hour. We make every attempt to stay on a timely schedule.
Following your appointment, information regarding your visit, including lab reports and office notes, can be obtained through the South Strand Cardiology Patient Portal
. The portal also allows for payments to be submitted online, and it is designed to provide you with 24/7 access to your health information maintained by our practice. We aim to keep your information updated in a timely manner, however, results from certain tests may take several days to receive and input into your portal records.
»Click here for more information and help with the South Strand Cardiology Patient Portal.
WE WELCOME UNINSURED PATIENTS
We provide cardiac care for our patients who have no health insurance coverage whenever possible. For such patients, we offer a comprehensive cardiac screening program – with subsequent follow up visits as needed – that may include an initial clinical evaluation and examination, medical history review, physical, comprehensive basic lab work, EKG (and/or ECHO, Carotid Doppler, Abdominal Aorta screening), follow up labs, and office visits at a lower cost depending upon the needs of the patient. If you are interested in this program, or would like more information, please Contact Us.