Do you know what to look for when seeking a cardiologist?
Keeping your heart healthy is vital at any age, but especially as you get older. According to the CDC, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women in our country. And the sad truth is that every 36 seconds someone dies from cardiovascular disease.
Cardiologists see individuals of all ages for many different reasons. But it can be complicated knowing when you need to see a specialist and when another doctor would be a better fit. Seeking a cardiologist who listens to your concerns and spends time with you is critical.
A good doctor will ask probing questions and focus on prevention rather than treatment. The bedside manner of a cardiologist is also essential.
So, when you’re seeking a cardiologist, be sure you take notes, and don’t be afraid to switch doctors if you feel something is off. Continue reading to learn about 9 important factors to consider when looking for a good cardiologist.
Find out what your insurance covers before seeking a cardiologist
First and foremost, when choosing the best cardiologist, knowing what your insurance will cover is essential. You should also know what your out-of-pocket costs would be.
Some insurance plans have numerous deductibles, like a family plan with individual deductibles for each family member. Your insurance plan should pay for your visit if your physician is in-network.
If your doctor is out of network, however, you should request written confirmation that your insurance covers the visit. This will save you from shocking bills.
If you choose an out-of-network doctor, check your insurance provider’s directory for a list of providers who accept your plan. You can also ask your doctor if they take a specific health plan.
Get referrals when seeking a cardiologist
When choosing the best cardiologist doctor, it’s always a good idea to get referrals from your primary care physician. Even though many specialists won’t accept new patients without a referral, others might require a payment in advance.
Whether your primary physician will issue a referral isn’t always clear, but it’s best to call ahead and find out. If the cardiologist has a good relationship with your primary care doctor, don’t hesitate to ask them to make more referrals.
Research credentials when seeking a cardiologist
Before you choose a cardiologist, you should research their credentials. Board certification is essential to a physician’s knowledge, training, and skills. It confirms that the doctor has the skills and expertise necessary to provide a high level of care.
A potential cardiologist should have completed residency training in their field. Besides this, some will complete a fellowship to further specialize in a specific area of cardiology. Once qualified, a cardiologist can enter private practice or work in a hospital.
Consider innovation when seeking a cardiologist
A top cardiologist must be able to adapt to any new changes in order to remain competitive. To do so, they should make better use of the vast pool of talent and experience in the field.
This will enhance the patient’s access to the best facilities. Cardiologists must also continue to invest in research and development to stay relevant to the patient population.
Consider accessibility when seeking a cardiologist
As the need for cardiovascular care increases, it’s significant to consider your access to care. This can be accomplished in a few ways. Programs can set specific access goals, like the percentage of new patients seen within five business days.
Furthermore, they should monitor patient volume trends, including the number of new patients and return visits. These metrics are essential in helping define market share growth.
And in addition to access, location is also a considerable factor to consider when choosing your cardiologist.
Evaluate communication style when seeking a cardiologist
The communication style of a cardiologist is an essential factor when choosing your new doctor. They should be willing to explain any concerns or procedures in detail and include you in the decision-making process.
This type of communication is significant if you have questions or fears about your condition.
Consider experience when seeking a cardiologist
When trying to find a cardiologist, it’s important to consider the doctor’s experience in the field. Choosing a physician who’s been practicing for many years and has the appropriate level of specialization is key.
And as we mentioned, it’s beneficial to select a physician who is board certified. This will prove that the doctor has the necessary expertise to provide you with quality care.
Research hospital quality when seeking a cardiologist
There are many ways to determine quality care at a hospital. For instance, you should examine how hospitals are paid for their services. This way, you can avoid paying more for low-quality care. And consider whether the hospital has a bundled payment plan.
This plan would combine Medicare payments with bundled payments for a patient’s care. This standard rewards physicians and hospitals for delivering high-quality care. The reputation of the hospital is also an important factor.
Choosing a hospital that has a good reputation for cardiac care is crucial. A large hospital might offer a lower level of care than you need it the most. You may discover that a smaller practice would be a better fit.
Read patient reviews when seeking a cardiologist
If you’re uncertain about your medical condition, reading patient reviews online is best before deciding which doctor to go with.
Reviews can provide a better idea about a doctor’s background, training, and bedside manner, including how friendly the staff is and the aesthetics of the office.
What are some questions you should ask when seeking a cardiologist?
The time you spend with the cardiologist may be brief. So, you should know what questions to ask them to get the most information out of your appointment. It’s also best to take notes during the visit.
It might even be helpful to bring someone you trust to ask questions for you and offer their view. Here are some examples of important questions to ask:
Do I have any risk factors?
Having heart issues tends to strike many older adults, and some factors can be changed to reduce your risk of diseases.
For instance, if you’re overweight, smoke, or have a family history of early heart disease, your cardiologist may want you to take measures to reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Is my level of stress increasing my risk of heart disease?
Anxiety and stress can result in inflammation in the body. This results in your organs working less efficiently. When this happens, you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Chronic stress can also contribute to obesity.
That’s why it’s crucial to pinpoint the cause of your stress and anxiety. It would also help to have a blood pressure monitor in your home to keep track. Here’s a great option from Amazon.
Can changes in my lifestyle make an impact?
It’s essential to make changes in your lifestyle that will contribute to your heart’s overall health, including exercise and diet. Yet, if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, you should discuss these changes with your cardiologist first.
They can advise you on what type of exercise is more beneficial and may even recommend changes in your diet.
It’s important to consider all that we’ve mentioned when seeking a cardiologist. The best place to start is to speak with your regular doctor and share your concerns.
We hope you found this article helpful. For more tips on better health, we highly recommend you also read: 9 Problematic Sleeping Habits That Are Damaging Your Health
