Numerous issues here......I was referred by my GP to evaluate edema with developing neuropathy as possibly being signs of congestive heart failure. At my first visit, Dr. TIblier's staff performed an EKG and recommended a nuclear stress test and echocardiogram.
When I arrived for the procedures, as the first morning appointment, the office had not yet been opened by the nuclear technician who apparently had this responsibility. I spent half an hour waiting for the office to open along with several other patients, and the person delivering the isotopes to be used in the days procedures.
When the procedure was finally performed the stress test used Lexiscan (Regadenoson) applied while I was on the treadmill for 2 minutes, (only getting my pulse to 125) - way below the standard Bruce Protocol target. (No blood pressures were taken while I was on the treadmill). I have had this procedure before, so know what the standard protocol is.
When I was moved to the nuclear scanning camera, the nuclear technician, who was supposed to be monitoring the equipment, spent time on a lengthy personal phone cell phone call in my presence. (This is the same individual who opened the door 1/2 hour after the first appointments were scheduled).
When this was completed, Dr. Tiblier briefly met with me and reported my ejection fraction. I asked why I was given the Lexiscan injection instead of being allowed to exercise to target he gave some evasive explanation about it being used in people who were unable to exercise....it was unclear that he was even aware the Lexiscan was being used. All other patients I observed on the treadmill while I was waiting were given the same treatment. I assume this method was used to get already late patients seen faster, since the regular exercise method would have taken 6-10 minutes per patient.
Next I asked about my echocardiogram, and Dr. Tiblier seemed surprised. He took me to the echo room, but no technician was there, so he said he had to check on my insurance. I never saw him again. I knew for a fact that my insurance had already agreed to pay for this procedure. I sat in the waiting room for another 40 minutes, and finally I was told that my insurance was "OK". Then into the exam room where another technician performed a seemingly routine echocardiogram, and told me Dr. Tiblier would review the results with me.. I asked when, and she said he was now "with patients".
Before I left I asked to have the results of both tests mailed to me and sent to my GP for my appointment next week. At that appointment,(10 days later) the echo results had still not arrived and by GP indicated that Dr. Tiblier had very little in his notes re: the nuclear scan.
I am still trying to get the echo results, after two weeks, as they are crucial to my diagnosis. They are apparently read externally, and I was told the reader was backlogged.
I saw a cardiologist in a different city 8 years ago for exactly the same procedures and my experiences were nothing like this.
My perception is that this is a very disorganized, overloaded practice, and I would recommend people seek their cardiac care (or at least diagnosis) elsewhere. read more
