I went to North Coast Cardiology for routine surgical clearance and had a very poor experience…read more During the visit, I felt repeatedly pressured to undergo additional testing. For the first test, I was told, "Your insurance will pay for it, so you might as well do it." I agreed based on that representation. A second, much more expensive test was presented in a way that relied heavily on fear and uncertainty. After asking the doctor several times whether it was truly necessary, and finally asking whether he would personally spend $1,000 on it under the same circumstances, he said no, so I declined. Despite that, the office later scheduled me for the test I had declined. Worse, the first test was submitted to insurance in a way that resulted in a denial, and I was billed for the full amount. I have called and emailed Emma in billing multiple times to discuss the charge, but no one has responded. Between the pressure to purchase additional testing, the incorrect scheduling, the unexpected bill, and the complete lack of follow-up, this was an extremely disappointing customer experience. There are many cardiology practices to choose from, so I am sharing my experience to help others make an informed decision.

My 93 year old mom saw Dr. Ludington today as a new patient, and we couldn't be more impressed. She…read moreand her staff were prompt, kind, thorough, and genuinely insightful. They even took my mom's blood pressure manually without being asked, knowing the automatic cuff can be uncomfortable. They tracked down all her records and took a real interest in her as a person, as well the specific nuances of her as a patient. We feel so fortunate to have found her. Highly recommended!

I am so grateful for this office. Dr Ludington, Johnathan in the front office, Jenny and Maria in…read morethe back are all gems. They all truly care. So much so that Dr L just called me to follow up on our visit last week just to make sure that my Mom understood what we talked about and what the plans were for the next few months. I mean, NO OTHER DOCTOR would ever do that! And when she did call, she remembered that my father has cancer even though he is not a patient of hers and asked about him at the end of the call.... I felt like I just had to share this! It is truly remarkable and highly unusual in our current world of cookie cutter, big system healthcare where you are just a number.

A few years ago I fainted for no reason. 911, ambulance ride to ER, etc. Very scary. Turns out I…read morehave a small cardiac issue. I was referred to Dr.Ludington and what a great thing that turned out to be. Dr. Ludington listens and takes your input with empathy. She is an expert, and works with a team of technicians and other experts to provide top notch care. This year my insurance had a big change and I selected my new Medicare insurance plan so that I could stay under her care. If you need a cardiologist, look no further. PS. At the onset of the Ukraine war Dr. Ludington flew to the area to help treat the wounded. Now that is a doctor.

I was fashionably late to the event, running up the sidewalk, up the elevator, and pushing my way…read morethrough the double glass doors. My grand entrance caught the attention of two warmly welcoming staff members, who appeared to be expecting my arrival. I fasted for this event, so I could be at the top of my game, but was feeling a little lighthearted at the very moment. I was directed to an area in which Rachel sat me down to interview me in front of a small, captivated audience. Dillon and Janelle listened on as I answered some questions about the story and latest happenings of my life. Janelle and I shared a little laugh about something I'd mentioned about my adolescence. Soon after the interview was over, Dillon guided me atop a cushion, trying to ease my anxious mind. He gently lifted my left arm and fashioned it with a well-fitted, sapphire blue cuff and placed two ornate rings around each of my freshly manicured index fingers. As I began to relax, Dillon observed attentively my performance on a small monitor, simultaneously analyzing some script. Then, the pressure set in again and again. Rachel then fashioned me with a revealing backless gown to wear. Ideal for the occasion. The front was demure-looking and its lower half flowed gracefully against my thighs, as I walked, I imagine she had fastened the back string of my gown rather loosely, so that a purposeful 'wardrobe malfunction' might occur. I practiced my coy look, just in case. "Oops," as covered my mouth with my fingertips and batted my eyelashes. Rachel cued me into the next room for my video and photo shoot. George was an expert. Placing me in different poses, having me vary my breathing, and adjusting my gown a tad to get just the right shots of me. I could hear my heart beating with excitement. A mixture of light and color flashed before me. Apparently, I have a photographic chest and he was able to capture the very essence of my being onscreen. Following the video and photo shoot, Dillon crowned me with some opulent headdress, prior to my ascent up the escalating, black vinyl carpet. It was sure to do the job and grab the attention of the many onlookers. There were now five in my posse - Rachel, Dillon, Janelle, George, and now Matt, a doctor who doubled as my bodyguard, standing behind me to catch my fall. I lightly grasped the side rails every now and then to support myself. I strutted my thang on the carpet with confidence. I was stable at first, but then my heart started to race more and more with each step I took. My posse stayed with me the entire time, showing their support by giving me a subtle thumbs up, shouting words of encouragement, and applauding me as I continued down the stretch. With all of the excitement, I grew hot and exhausted. It was finally over. Two of my posse escorted me off the floor and towards the previous staging area for more photos. Now at the day's end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Academy and my posse for without them I could not have done this and with them I did it with much grace. OK. The truth of the matter is that this was all just a Stress Echocardiogram and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test that UCSD needed me to do, but thanks to their team of experts and their undying efforts, they truly DID make me feel like a celebrity throughout the entire process. Thanks UCSD! Let's do it again soon!

United Medical Doctors is poorly run to the point of negligence. Despite their recent expansion(s)…read moreand growth, their technology system remains archaic, unnecessarily frustrating patients and impacting staff efficiency. You'd think their c-suite would agree to invest some money into 21st century EHRs or updated billing software. Alas, UMD ONLY communicates through snail mail, fails to send automated appointment confirmations or reminders, and does not allow for automated payments. Today I called the billing department after learning I had a surprise balance on my account. When I asked for the name of the employee I was speaking with, the employee immediately hung up on me. Called back, spoke to the manager, and learned nothing was documented in my chart, and the manager "had no way" of identifying who I was speaking with originally. This organization is sloppy, go elsewhere. I am not surprised to see they've only managed to collect one star reviews.

I went into a surgery center healthy for a colonoscopy with a United Medical Doctor (Encinitas) and…read morecame out with aspiration pneumonia. I am concerned that my medical records were not fully reviewed, and the aspiration pneumonia was due to the combination of anesthesia and my abdomen being pressed while I was flat on my back during the procedure, thus causing me to breathe acid reflux into my lungs. This resulted in me waking from anesthesia with a phlegmy cough, hoarse voice, and shortness of breath. I had some vulnerabilities in my medical records that clashed with anesthesia and the position I was placed in for the procedure, but it appears these weren't considered important, if at all. I was told that if I didn't feel better in a while, I should go to an urgent care or ER for an x-ray. Still not feeling better after an hour or so in the surgery center's recovery room, I was wheeled out. I managed to get to an urgent care the next day where I was diagnosed with pneumonia. In checking my discharge instructions and online medical notes, I saw that my problems appeared downplayed and only a portion of what I actually experienced was documented. The lack of documentation of my full symptoms post-procedure would most likely put me at risk for a similar occurrence for a future colonoscopy. Given all these issues, I will not be going back to United Medical Doctors.

As you get older, the one thing you wanna make sure of is that your heart is OK. Dr. Avalos was…read morerecommended by my general physician and is in the same building so I've seen him for a few years and he constantly amazes me on how he listens and then reacts and moves forward. I was very lucky today and that I was pronounced incredibly healthy with a strong heart and I don't need to go to see him for six months, but I would highly recommend him for anyone looking for a cardiologist.. also I want to give a shout out to his assistance at the front office team who are very very effective.

I don't understand the negative comments but everyone has their own experience. My experience with…read moreDr. Shiv Sab with my father was exceptional. From the very start, he clearly communicated with us and explained all details of the symptoms, the procedure and the potential risks. I was very pleased with the level of honesty and communication and of course, the procedure. The human aspect of his approach is solid. I would go to again but prefer not to for obvious reasons.

This Doctor and his office staff are above and beyond. From the front desk to the nurses to the…read moredoctor, I was continually impressed by the care and knowledge of all of them. They were understanding, compassionate and practical in their treatment of me. I feel so lucky I found them through a referral and highly recommend them for excellent, compassionate care and extensive expertise. Thank you!

The doctor is wonderful--very reassuring and knowledgeable. He's friendly with a good bedside…read moremanner. I was able to get an echocardiogram to check in my heart health after discovering both of my parents had heart issues. I felt confident about my options and what I need to do in the future to take care of my heart health. The office is in a maze of buildings that are alphabetized. To get to the O section, parking on the street on Waring Court in the middle, entering on the path and going to the right corner is the quickest and easiest way to get there. Star off for the billing service happening outside of their offices; I had to call someone different to track down an invoice to turn into my FSA. She said she'd call me back after looking into it and never did.

I would like to thank everyone that helped me during my visit here. From my check in to the nurses…read morehelping me while I was there. The technicians who did my Ultrasound and MRI was so wonderful. Although I left in pain afterwards, everyone was really nice, helpful and caring. I appreciate that kind of service a lot and was grateful nothing serious was happening to me. Thanks to the staff for being awesome!

Haven't needed to utilize the emergency room in years, but last week I was hit with a kidney stone…read moreand the staff was absolutely phenomenal. From start to finish. Everything was top-tier 6 out of five stars!

Great staff and mostly on time appointments. Office has a great ambience. Waiting for staff to…read moreresolve billing charges not justified with Aetna but they are still trying to bill me. Sent duplicate screenshots twice. Meanwhile their automated system emails me daily. Very annoying.

I was sick for long time and after 4 long years of being in the dark, my doctor referred me here…read more When I met Dr. Orr he seem so young & energetic, I didn't know what to expect.. in fact, I expected absolutely nothing but a waste of time, but they found what the 30 doctors before then could not.. that I indeed had a major leak in my heart that was life threatening.. fast fwd 6 months now.. it's been 2 months since surgery and no more leakage at all..and best of all, no more pain excruciating episodes.. Thank you Coastal Cardiology for saving my life and also for finding the root of the problem

Staff is lovely and the doctor both knowledgeable and personable. He spends time getting to know…read moreyou and does not rush the appointment. I appreciate that. Seeing a cardiologist is nerve-wracking enough, but to have a doctor show genuine interest is refreshing and rare

This is my first time meeting this doctor. I don't think he was Dr. Chavira. I had been looking…read moreforward to this visit, to help with the edema in my legs. He came in, shook my hand & started talking 100 miles an hour. I understood maybe 1/4 of what he said. The nurse/person on the computer was asking me questions & he was dictating, & she was typing really fast. He was standing the entire visit. She said to him that I was having trouble breathing, he said "the reason she's here is because of the swelling of her ankles". Says he "can already see the problem, she's obese". I told him that my daughter is a doctor & had written notes & a video for him. He said, "I don't need the video, you're here now. I'll just look at your ankles". I played it for him anyway. He kept rattling off words to his nurse, "there's nothing wrong with you, but I just want to order some tests." He continued listing tests. "How tall are you?" "5'5" I think". "You're fat. You're just too fat. You just need to lose weight. Why don't you lose weight." I try to speak - "I've tried. Since lithium & levothyroxine I've gained about 30 pounds". "Haha! That's nonsense. Thyroid medication for *hyper*thyroidism - you lose weight, not gain. (I'm *hypo*thyroid)You are LAZY!!! (Doing everything I could not to cry, I said, "I'm not lazy"). "And you are probably drinking too much soda." (Points to my water bottle) And, I know they say 8-10 glasses of water - but that's nonsense! You're drinking too much, which is why your ankles are swollen. (I don't drink soda. Only water, + two coffee, two tea daily). "I'm going to order some tests & bloodwork. They will do them now & then I'll wash my hands & come back". Then he runs down the list of tests. "Treadmill?" I say. "Yes, is there a problem?" I told him "the past few times", he finished my sentence, "you take that pill?" "Yes"- I said. "No! Can't you walk for 30 minutes? See, you're lazy! You're obese because you eat too much & don't exercise enough. It's not complicated. Why don't you lose weight? Another option is gastric bypass." The nurse/person told me to wait out in the waiting room & they will call me, when they're ready for me to take the tests. I said "ThankYou" & I just kept walking to the elevator & to my car. I sat in my car & cancelled my appointments for the rest of the day. Every single one of the nurses was "obese". Doesn't make sense. He's supposed to be a specialist in edema? Hard part is, I can't shake off feeling like dog poop. That will be with me for awhile.And, I really am concerned about my legs. But, I'm not going back there. Every doctor says something different : Dr. Marfori - "Would you rather be thin & unhappy"? (Side effects of Lithium & Zoloft). Nutritionist : "6 small meals a day to prevent low blood sugar". Gonzales : Didn't say. Dr. Shad : Didn't say. Allergist : Lose 20lbs.

I called the number provided, and an AI voice Attendant answered and when I asked to speak to the…read morefront desk, it hung up on me 4 times. The fifth time I called, it connected me to a live person, who was able to give me the email address I asked for. Also, I was informed that Blue Coast Cardiology does not have a website. This is fine. However, it should be shared in a simple statement, on search engine sites like google, Facebook and others, that their information, that they do not have a website, and that they have an automated voice front desk. The automated voice, should give the address, and the option to speak with a live person. Their doctors are very good.

The office staff was really kind to me. I really appreciated that. The TV in the waiting room was…read moresometimes too loud. They had the nature channel on so sometimes it showed animals attacking each other which was a little unpleasant. The waiting room itself was nice. Dr. Bui was really friendly and kind on the first visit. On the second visit, not so much. She was brutally honest about what she thought about me. On one hand, I could appreciate her honesty, but she was very wrong in her judgment. I had a test done that proved I had a medical problem. She told me that she took back what she said about me. That was really nice of her. On the third and fourth visit, she was better. I don't dislike Dr. Bui as a person, but as a doctor, I think she should have not been so quick to judge. Or at least she could have kept what she thought to herself and let the tests show her what was going on. The second visit was just awkward and felt weird. I would not recommend her to family and friends because I don't think they would like her personality. If she would have said to them what she said to me, they wouldn't have gone back for more testing and treatment. I don't think this doctor is for everyone. You need to be persistent when you know something is wrong despite what the doctor may say.