If your GP has referred you to a cardiologist for treatment or investigation of a health issue this will more than likely be to a NHS specialist. Whilst cardiologists working within the NHS are perfectly competent at what they do, the downside is that more often than not there will be lengthy waiting list for their services.
Arrange an appointment with a private cardiologist practice however and you will find that things are done very differently. For a start there are no waiting times. From first contact with the clinic staff you need to know that you can get a consultation very quickly. You need to be sure that you are putting your heart health in the best hands and that the cardiologist you choose is the very best in the field.
Good Communication is Essential
When you are discussing aspects of your health and your personal circumstances you should look for a cardiologist who is a good listener and who will take all the time necessary to obtain all the information that he or she needs from you. They will know exactly what kind of questions to ask you so that they can build up a comprehensive picture of your health. This should include asking for a detailed medical history together with information about your current state of health in order that they can get a crystal clear understanding of your situation. In many cases a private cardiologist can very quickly and accurately assess and diagnose a problem and begin treatment all in the same day. A cardiologist practice that has a number of practitioners who specialise in various fields of cardiology work will ensure that you can get the best care and treatment available for your situation.
A Personalised Service
The very best cardiology clinics are committed – and indeed pride themselves – on being able to offer a completely professional and personalised service to all their clients. Alongside extensive clinical expertise, you should look for a practice that is committed to ongoing research into the field of cardiac health treatments and which utilises the very latest in technological and medical advances. For peace of mind it is always advisable to take your time and do some research before committing yourself to a cardiology clinic. By all means research websites to get as much information as possible. You can use the internet to research the stated credentials of your chosen cardiac specialist to ensure that he or she is suitably experienced and knowledgeable about your specific condition. Word of mouth recommendation along with good client reviews is often the best indicator of excellence. A good cardiologist practice is one where its patients can attest to the professionalism of the care received and can report that they felt at ease and well looked after all the way from first contact through to discharge.
Friendly, knowledgeable, Transparent
If possible, arrange a visit to your preferred practice before a first consultation and speak to the staff there. You’ll know instantly whether you feel comfortable with the clinic, its ambience and its staff. You will quickly understand whether your chosen clinic is one where you feel sure you will be able to cultivate a good relationship with the staff and clinicians. The clinics practices, expectations and fees should be transparent from the start so that there are no hidden shocks or surprises in store down the line. Most importantly, all the personnel you come into contact with, from the receptionist to the cardiologist, should be able to explain everything to you in a way that is knowledgeable and easy to understand.
Hopefully by following these guidelines you should be able to make the right choice for you.
