There were a series of issues I experienced with this cardiology practice that ultimately led me to…read morelose confidence in the care being provided.
My first visit was in November. From the outset, I was concerned by the condition of the clinic rooms and restroom (not the reception area) both of which appeared unclean. While not clinical issues, first impressions matter in a medical setting.
The doctor ordered follow-up testing for December, including a stress test, echocardiogram, and heart monitor. Communication from the office staff (RMAs) was inconsistent. I received multiple reminder calls the day before my appointment, on the second call the tests and associated costs were discussed. During that call, I was informed by the RMA that a manual stress test would be sufficient and that the echocardiogram was not necessary. This information appeared to be understood and accepted by the staff member I spoke with.
The day of testing was disorganized. I arrived early and completed my stress test at 8:00 a.m., ahead of schedule. I then waited over an hour without any communication. When I approached the front desk, I was told my heart monitor appointment was not until 10:00 a.m. and that the delay was due to the office not having any heart monitors available. No one informed me of this in advance. Had I known, I could have used that time productively instead of waiting. I left to run errands and returned later, only to find the monitor was still unavailable because the previous patient had not returned it. The lack of equipment and proactive communication was frustrating.
At my follow-up appointment in January, I was brought back promptly by the RMA, who took my vitals. After waiting approximately 30 minutes, the doctor entered the room without charts, signed into the computer, and asked for my name. When the doctor entered the room without reviewing my chart and asked for my name, it fundamentally undermined my trust. In a specialty as serious as cardiology, patient identification and preparation are critical. If a physician does not know who I am or why I am being seen, it is difficult to feel confident entrusting them with my care.
After signing into the system, the doctor became aware that the echocardiogram had not been completed and asked why. I explained that I had been advised by the RMA that it was not necessary. At that point, the doctor stated that he wanted me to return to complete the echocardiogram.
While I did receive reassurance that my condition was not immediately life-threatening, the repeated breakdowns in communication and lack of preparation left me feeling like just another number rather than a patient.
When asked to schedule the echocardiogram, I was told it had to be done at this office. At that point, I declined. Trust is essential in healthcare, and I no longer felt comfortable continuing care here.
Between the disorganization, inconsistent communication, equipment shortages, and lack of preparedness at visits, I feel I wasted both time and money. I am now seeking a cardiologist who demonstrates stronger communication, preparation, and bedside manner.
