Posted on May 20, 2014
What To Consider When Choosing The Top Cardiologist in NYC
Did you know putting the keywords “cardiologist NYC” into a search engine can bring up as many as four different types? Being diagnosed with a heart problem comes with a lot of initial frustration and confusion. Even trying to narrow down the right specialist can seem impossible. 
It can be a struggle to find a good cardiologist. NYC has a lot of specialty healthcare options. Part of the problem is that patients do not consider specialty care until after signs or symptoms begin to surface. At that point, the doctor you choose makes a big difference in your ongoing health.
Differences even from a Similar Starting Point
Every heart doctor has training and education in both diagnostic and interventional cardiology. What they do with that training and education dictates the role they fill as a doctor.
The difference between the four types of cardiology is:
1. Some doctors perform heart surgery and spend time on duty in the hospital.
2. Some doctors work in the clinic or office diagnosing heart problems and designing treatment protocols for patients.
If you have a heart problem and you don’t know what the cause of the problem is, you’d most likely be evaluated by a clinically-based cardiologist NYC first. Depending on the results of the visit, which includes diagnostic tests, you will either proceed with the treatment protocol in place or be referred to the interventional cardiologist for more invasive, even surgical, treatment.
A Common Misconception
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that any doctor can do these things. A cardiologist NYC is specially trained to deal with heart-related issues. Other doctors can focus on the basics, but that doesn’t safeguard your heart health. A cardiologist can prevent, treat, and educate patients about heart disease.
The biggest thing to realize is: it is possible to live with heart disease. The communication between you and your doctors is a key component of that life balance. As long as you follow the instructions of your medical providers, you will be on your way to living the healthiest life possible.
As you can see, “cardiologist NYC” is a broad term for a very specialized field. If you need more help finding a specific doctor, ask your primary physician for reputable referrals.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 13, 2014
Who is The Best NYC Cardiologist in Manhattan
~~Your regular physician is usually the first to spot an abnormality or warning sign of heart disease. Depending on what that sign or symptom is, it may be treatable without the intervention of a cardiologist NYC. Certain warning signs can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. 
Defining Next Steps
If this is not possible, or the condition is not responding to these remedies; it is time to see a cardiologist NYC. Your doctor will give you a referral to get the ball rolling. Your case may require additional tests to see and properly treat what going on. The result of those tests will determine the next steps you need to take.
Sometimes, underlying conditions can set off heart problems, even though nothing is wrong with the organ itself. Address the trigger and you can get rid of the secondary cardiac problems. There are simple steps that you can take to reduce the aggravating effects of certain health conditions, but you have to be willing not only to make lifestyle changes, but to stick with those changes. This can be a difficult commitment.
Sticking with Changes
People make excuses for not bettering their health all the time. The three biggest roadblocks to starting a heart-friendly diet are:
1. The perceived expense
2. The time it takes to prep meals
3. The lack of flavor to the meals
Luckily, the American Heart Association has come up with a rebuttal that eliminates the excuses.
Once you have a heart attack, you are 10 times more likely to have another one in 6 months. That risk increases exponentially if you aren’t taking care of yourself. This is not a gamble worth taking.
Look for the heart smart checkmark on the foods you buy. Until you get used to your new eating habits; shopping for the checkmark will make things easier. Also, quit smoking, don’t drink to excess and workout regularly. Those are some instantly applicable preventative measures.
The best heart specialists in Manhattan will support your efforts to prevent heart problems with supportive therapies, condition management, and further testing as needed. By working together to establish proper cardiac care, you can support and sustain your heart health. Taking an active role in your own health always matters.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 6, 2014
Who Are The Best Cardiologists in New York, New York
The best cardiologists have both a clinical and surgical role. They not only treat your heart condition in-office, but can also act as a consulting member of your surgical cardiac care team.
Unless your cardiology consultants are trained in interventional methods, they cannot physically perform surgery, but they can be a resource for the heart surgeon and other members of the hospital team.
In addition, they oversee cardiac rehabilitation and long-term care for heart conditions. The extent of their role in these practices depends largely upon their specialty within the cardiology field.
How to Select the Right Specialist
Selecting the right consultant has a lot to do with what stage of the diagnostic process you find yourself in. If it’s the preliminary stage, the relationship you have with your cardiologist actually starts during your regular appointments with your general practitioner.
Your general practitioner can help manage minor risk factors for heart disease, but when those minor factors become major ones, cardiology consultants enter into the picture.
The first diagnostic stage is just that; trying to find out what is happening inside your heart. Depending on what the best cardiologists find, you may be in their care for the long-term, or you may be referred to a specially trained cardiologist.
Specialty Areas That Would Warrant Another Referral
Cardiologists who focus on the electrical system in the heart would help treat:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Atrial fibrillation
- Super Ventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- And other rate and rhythm abnormalities that originate in electrical pulsation
An interventional cardiologist performs a wide range of heart surgeries to unblock and open up blood flow to the heart, among other functional means like murmur repair and valve replacement.
The best cardiologists working surgically can open up a blocked heart in roughly 60 minutes. The average is 90. This is vital to the survival and quality of life of a heart patient who has suffered a heart attack.
Rehab specialists are perhaps the unsung heroes of cardiology. They work with patients who are recovering from invasive heart surgery and give these patients a second chance at a heart healthy life while reducing their chances of repeated heart problems.
As you can see, cardiology consultants do a lot to aid in a particular type of patient care. If you are in need of services like these, please talk to your general practitioner and get a referral today.
The Top 5 Best Cardiologists in New York
Finding the best cardiologists in New York City is more difficult than you might realize. According to a recent survey by popular online review site, Angie’s List, there are more than 2,500 cardiologists who provide services not only in New York, but in the entire tri-state area.
How far did Angie’s List get in narrowing your options down? Try around 797 choices. At that rate, you’d be lucky to develop a shortlist in six months.
We’ve listed the five best cardiologists below. The ranking includes a few details about each cardiologist to help you understand more about what they do and how it pertains to your individual case:
Cardiologist #1: Dr. Jeffrey Moses-director of interventional cardiology at New York Presbyterian’s uptown and east side locations. Dr. Moses has performed more than 15,000 procedures in his prolific career. Over the last three years, he has built these programs into two of the most prestigious and recognized programs in the country.
Cardiologist #2: Dr. Samin Sharma-interventional cardiologist at Mount Sinai Medical Ctr., New York. This medical center performs nearly 6,000 life-saving cardiovascular procedures annually. Dr. Sharma is a top-rated, well-respected colleague in the field and continues to be on the cutting-edge of advancements in the fight against heart disease.
Cardiologist #3: Dr. Mark Seldon-Dr. Seldon is board certified in both internal medicine and cardiology, making him well-qualified to diagnose and treat diseases of the circulatory and cardiovascular system. He has received his education from elite local medical institutions, including Mount Sinai Medical Center. He has kept his affiliation to NYU over the span of a 35 year career.
Cardiologist #4: Dr. Fred Pasternak-comes highly recommended by patients. Known as a no-nonsense doctor, he is engaged in every interaction with patients, knowledgeable, punctual, and attentive.
Cardiologist #5: Dr. David Weinstock-has 26 years of experience in the field of cardiology. He is known for is diagnostic accuracy and comprehensive follow-up. He has 11 hospital affiliations and accepts most insurance coverage.
If one of the doctors listed here does not meet your needs, conduct more research using the state medical board website and local records offices. Whomever you choose, make sure they are properly certified, trained, and come highly-recommended.
Past, Present, & Future: Where your Specialist fits on the Cardiology Timeline
There are plenty of cardiologists to choose from, but to find the best of the best, you need to know more about exactly who it is you’re looking for.
Dr. Mark Seldon happens to be one of the premier heart doctors in the city. We will use his credentials and information to show you how to find a top-rated specialist.
Using a simple timeline-based approach, you can figure out if you’ve selected a premier heart doctor. First, look at the specialist’s past.
Dr. Seldon completed his education and medical training at NYU and Mount Sinai Medical Center. These are two of the best cardiology programs in the country. In fact, Dr. Seldon has kept his affiliation with NYU over the span of his 35 year career. Lasting connections and prestigious affiliations are one sign of a premier heart doctor.
Presently, cardiovascular treatment has greatly improved. One of the ways to figure out if your specialist is one of the best is to test their knowledge of available heart treatments.
Dr. Seldon will no doubt mention things like:
- Natural cholesterol-lowering foods and medications
- Secondary risks to heart health like osteoporosis and respiratory infection
- New detection methods for patients with a genetic predisposition to heart disease
- Cardiac catheterization performed through the wrist instead of the leg
- Over-the-counter drugs that can help improve heart health
- The latest advancements in heart attack treatment and rehab programs
Make note of the things that get mentioned during your appointment. Afterward, do some research on your own and find out just how much your specialist knows and how much of the information shared is relevant to your situation.
Where We are Headed
As far as the future is concerned, there are two places you can look to find out where your premier heart doctor fits into the picture:
- Recognition
- Research
Special honors, awards, and certifications are bestowed on top-rated specialists by their peers and colleagues.
Dr. Seldon not only has this recognition, he also continues to contribute to ongoing research projects that relate to heart health. This means that you will stay up-to-date on the most current information available regarding heart disease and that his expertise remains relevant in a rapidly changing area of the medical field.
Everything we’ve looked at today fits the model for finding the best cardiologists. Compare the specialists on your shortlist using this model.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on May 1, 2014
NYC Cardiologists and Cardiovascular Services
People often look at NYC cardiologist cost and reviews as a formality or just another hoop to jump through on your road to heart health. In fact, these reviews can be much more than that. They are really your first introduction into the heart healthy lifestyle. 
Making Successful Introductions
Remember, other patients – the patients who wrote the reviews – have been right where you are now. They know how confusing and scary this process can be; even when all you are trying to do is choose the right specialist.
Don’t forget to use their experience as a resource for you to draw on. Most of them will tell you that knowledge is one of the biggest benefits you can have post-diagnosis.
They can also help you narrow down what it is you’re looking for in a cardiologist in NYC.
There are a number of reasons to see a cardiologist. The first thing to figure out is whether or not you need heart surgery. This piece of the puzzle will tell you if you would be better served by an interventional cardiologist – a cardiologist who performs surgery.
Understanding the Options
If you are having signs and symptoms of emergent cardiac distress, like a heart attack, or preliminary testing shows that you have a serious heart condition in need of invasive treatment, you will be referred to a heart surgeon. Otherwise, you can see a clinical cardiologist for:
- Testing
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Condition management
There are many reasons a patient may feel pain or shortness of breath, some of which have nothing to do with heart disease.
Even restriction-related angina can be preventively treated, if it is caught early enough. One of the most important reasons to regularly see a heart specialist is heart attack rehabilitation.
The only way to find answers is to talk to a cardiologist. Don’t let your fears get the better of you. The only way to handle chest pain or a heart condition is to confront what is really going on and get help to treat it. Making an initial appointment is the first step in the right direction.
This is understandably nerve-wracking, but with the right support and advice, what was once a scary unknown can become familiar and manageable.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on April 29, 2014
Understanding Manhattan Cardiology: How To Find an NYC Cardiologist
Your regular physician is usually the first to spot an abnormality or warning sign of heart disease. Depending on what that sign or symptom is, it may be treatable without the intervention of a cardiologist in NYC. Certain warning signs can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. 
Defining Next Steps
If this is not possible, or the condition is not responding to these remedies, it is time to see a cardiologist. Your doctor will give you a referral to get the ball rolling. Your case may require additional tests to see and properly treat what’s going on. The result of those tests will determine the next steps you need to take.
There may be nothing wrong with your heart. Conditions in other areas of the body can trigger fluctuations in the heart that are not related to heart disease. Once the underlying condition is improved, your heart function should improve. In this case, you would not need to see a cardiologist on a regular basis. However, a cardiac malfunction that is caused by a defect or heart disease will require continued treatment.
Sticking with Changes
People make excuses for not bettering their health all the time. The three biggest roadblocks to starting a heart-friendly diet are:
- The perceived expense
- The time it takes to prep meals
- The lack of flavor to the meals
Luckily, the American Heart Association has come up with a rebuttal that eliminates the excuses.
Once you have a heart attack, you are 10 times more likely to have another one in 6 months. That risk increases exponentially if you don’t take care of yourself. This is not a gamble worth taking.
Look for the heart smart check mark on the foods you buy. Until you get used to your new eating habits, shopping for the check mark will make things easier. Also, quit smoking, don’t drink to excess, and workout regularly. Those are some instantly applicable preventative measures.
Prevention is part of the package, especially after a heart attack. The absolute best thing you can do for yourself is to follow your cardiologist’s instructions. These steps present your best interests for maintaining long-term health after developing a heart condition.
Long-term health needs to be the goal. Stay focused and stay healthy.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on April 24, 2014
Costs Associated With a Cardiologist in NYC
Patients have a lot of questions about the cost of medical care, especially with all of the problems reported with registering for Obamacare and Medicare Advantage plans.
The selection window for Medicare recipients is now closed for 2014. Barring a late registration fee or the rare exception, you’re locked in to your insurance coverage for the next 12 months.
While the same can’t be said for the rest of the country just yet, if things go as planned, the American public will be looking at a similar lock-down.
What does this mean for your cost of long-term care? More practically, how expensive is a visit to your cardiologist in NYC? We will attempt to answer these questions in the remainder of this article.
Paying the Tab: The Adjusted Cost of Medical Care
There are a couple of important distinctions to be aware of in your insurance coverage for 2014:
1. Your insurance company will still cover a large portion of specialist-based healthcare costs. This includes something like your cardiologist in NYC.
2. The premium you pay for that coverage will depend on how long you’ve had the condition and your compliance with prescribed treatments.
3. Pay particular attention to your deductibles, co-pays, and other insurance fees; they will be higher this year.
4. If your cardiologist in NYC is closed to your insurance carrier, that means you will have to cover the cost of seeing that specialist out-of-pocket. While there are financing options available through the clinic, use in-network providers whenever possible. The decision here should depend on your relationship with your specialist.
All in all, you may be paying a larger portion in fees than you are used to, but you will not be expected to cover the full amount of your care if you have active insurance coverage and stay in-network.
Sticking to the Affordable Game Plan
There are strategies you can use to make these plans more affordable:
1. Lower your premium by showing evidence that you are compliant with treatment. This is the equivalent of “time off for good behavior” where an insurance provider is concerned.
2. Look into supplemental coverage to make up the difference for what your regular insurance provider doesn’t cover. Depending on the circumstances, this may be a more cost-effective approach.
Your cardiologist in NYC can help you navigate the new coverage restrictions.
The question of whether or not cardiology consultants are affordable has become more difficult to answer in recent months. For that reason, we will be focusing on the question of affordability for the remainder of this article.
The difficulties surrounding the Obamacare website aren’t the only roadblocks raised by the Affordable Healthcare Act. We will examine the less obvious difficulties and let you know what you can do to minimize them and find a cardiologist in NYC who meets your needs.
The Amazing Disappearing, Reappearing Act of Medical Affordability
We are in the very early days of “affordable healthcare” in the United States. As such, the future of healthcare coverage remains to be seen. That said, some changes are already taking effect.
It’s no secret that a zero premium plan comes with higher co-pays. That’s the trade-off for not paying a monthly premium. However, the co-pays have been on the rise over the last several months. To give you an idea of what this looks like, let’s run a comparison:
- Last year the co-pay for seeing your primary care physician averaged $10.00. Now, it averages $15.
- Last year your co-pay for seeing a specialist averaged $30.00. Now, it averages $50.00.
- A hospital stay in 2013 cost you $250.00 per day for the first four days before Medicare coverage kicked in. Now, it will cost you around $430.00 for the same four days.
- Urgent care and prescription drug coverage remains relatively consistent, but check the deductibles and you will likely see an increase.
Getting a plan with a monthly premium may seem wise, but the premiums have gone up too.
What “Premium Care” Really Buys You?
Premiums that were as low as $40 to $50 have increased to about $75 a month. That adds up to just under $900 a year.
While this does lower your co-pays, consider how often you go to the cardiologist in NYC before selecting a premium plan. It may be wiser to pay higher per appointment costs than to pay a monthly premium.
What does this mean for the continued affordability of your cardiologist in NYC? Well, you have three options:
1. If you are bound by in-network physicians, stay in-network when selecting a consultant.
2. Pay the penalty and change to a network-free PPO.
3. Ignore the in-network rule and either request that an exception be made or pay for your appointments out-of-pocket. You can always make financial arrangements in-clinic.
Consider limiting your care to what is absolutely necessary, thereby keeping affordability front-of-mind.
The Limits of Medical Testing
Chest pain is a symptom that causes panic for patients and caution for cardiologists. In reality, it’s a 44/56 split when it comes to the symptom being related to a serious heart condition. About 44% of patients are tested unnecessarily, while 56% show signs of needing urgent cardiac care.
How do you know what side of the split you’re on? That depends on finding the right doctor for chest pain.
All chest-related symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional. However, how that symptom is handled varies greatly on a person-to-person basis.
There is a big difference between emergent cardiac care and managed cardiac care. You should always see a doctor for chest pain, but unless you are having acute symptoms, it is a good idea to discuss all of the treatment options available before you proceed with numerous diagnostics.
Patients who find a doctor for chest pain that participates in shared decision-making can cut the cost of care by 50%. This is particularly good news, because so many of the less invasive tests come back inconclusive or only serve to prove that the patient is at low-risk for a serious form of heart disease.
More and more experts in the cardiology field are recommending the shared decision-making approach so that a patient’s risk of complications and misdiagnosis are greatly reduced. In addition, they are able to assess all of the diagnostic information and actively participate in their own treatment plan.
Go on the Offense, not the Defense
The rule of thumb in cardiology used to be executive testing, meaning that no matter your risk level for heart disease, you would get cardiac function testing and screenings every year.
As you can imagine, this approach proved not only costly, but unnecessary. Since this approach has been reevaluated, experts are now recommending patients undergo less cardiac testing, not more. Patients who take part in their own treatment decisions fair just as well as or better than patients undergoing a full battery of tests for chest pain.
When looking for a doctor for chest pain, try to find one that takes the most balanced approach possible, giving you a chance to offer input, but stepping in when critically necessary.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on April 22, 2014
What To Consider When Finding The Top Cardiologist For Your Heart in NYC
Patients often have a hard time finding the top cardiologist in New York. Reason being that there are literally thousands of heart specialists to choose from in the greater New York area. This makes it difficult to draft a short list, let alone select a single top cardiologist from so many. 
That’s why it can be helpful to use online resources, reviews from other patients, and expert lists like this one to get the process started.
The Top 5 Cardiology Heart Associates in Manhattan
We’ve listed the top five cardiology heart associates below. This will let you know the kind of things to look for before making your own list or selecting a name from this one.
Cardiologist #1: Dr. Jeffrey Moses-serves as director of interventional cardiology at both of New York Presbyterian’s clinical locations. Dr. Moses has performed thousands of heart-related procedures throughout his career, giving him the perfect combination of knowledge and experience, as demonstrated by his current post. In the last three years alone, he has continued to uphold the prestigious reputation that New York Presbyterian is known for; the program remains one of the top cardiology destinations in the country.
Cardiologist #2: Dr. Samin Sharma-is another one of New York’s finest interventional cardiologists. He currently practices at Mount Sinai Medical Ctr. This medical center rivals New York Presbyterian; performing well over 5,000 cardiac procedures a year. Dr. Sharma is considered a role model to his peers, and is dedicated to being on the cutting-edge of cardiology within the medical field.
Cardiologist #3: Dr. Mark Seldon-is dual certified in cardiology and internal medicine. He holds the unique distinction of being able to treat not only heart disease, but vascular conditions as well. The 35 years he has spent as a cardiologist have put him in some of the top circles in the field, including an affiliation with Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU.
Cardiologist #4: Dr. Fred Pasternak-shares his dedication to cardiology directly with his patients. He gives every interaction his full attention, providing patients in need with a knowledgeable and direct approach to treatment.
Cardiologist #5: Dr. David Weinstock-is an indictable resource for patients facing long-term management of cardiac conditions and/or an involved cardiac rehabilitation process. He can use his connections with over 11 institutions in the New York area to make sure you get the best treatment possible. He will follow-up to make sure your treatment plan is sufficient.
Out of the thousands of cardiologists that work in New York City, how do you find the top cardiologist that is right for you? This is a question that every heart patient has to face at one time or another. Luckily, there are two approaches you can take to finding the heart specialist who can help you most.
Method #1: Get a referral
This is the most common approach patients take to finding a heart doctor. Why? Getting a referral from your primary care physician eliminates a lot of questions and hurdles for you. Two of the biggest concerns for patients are:
- Is my heart doctor experienced and properly certified?
- Will my insurance cover my treatment costs?
If you get a referral from another physician, both of these questions are already answered for you.
Clinics that work with in-network specialists have to make sure those specialists are fully certified and covered by the patient’s insurance provider before giving the referral.
Given the changes in insurance coverage that are due to take effect this year, this will likely be the favored way to choose a top cardiologist from now on. Of course, there is no harm in double checking your cardiologist’s background and credentials.
Method #2: Contact the heart doctor directly
In some cases, you get farther by contacting a specialist directly. This is particularly helpful if you have a condition that requires the attention of a limited number of specialists.
These conditions include:
- Vascular varicosity
- Hypertension
- Problems with cardiac electrical function
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Advanced heart failure
Depending on the condition that requires treatment, you will be referred to the clinical department that will handle your case.
This approach requires extra work to make sure that the top cardiologist you need is properly certified and covered by your insurance provider. Medical exceptions can be granted if a patient can show that treatment from a particular specialist is a matter of medical necessity. The clinic can help you prove your case to the insurance company.
Even if insurance coverage isn’t possible, there are ways to pay for treatment from an out of network provider. Talk to the clinic about your options if necessary.
It is a good idea to come up with a list of questions for your top cardiologist that you can take with you to your first appointment. The answers to these questions will help you understand more about your condition and your specialist, supporting a solid ongoing doctor-patient relationship.
The Medicare Quandary
The initial changes to the health care system are expected to go into effect over the next year. This isn’t always the case if you rely on Medicare, Medicaid, or a Medicare supplemental. The expansion option has already started to affect recipients. Here’s how:
In preparation for the large-scale changes to national healthcare that are expected in 2014, Medicare and Medicaid have offered state government the option to accept an expansion plan. Will the plan affect your ability to see an insurance covered cardiologist? It is highly likely, yes.
Patients with preferred provider coverage will find their limits first. You are paying a monthly sum for the freedom to choose doctors, but not only can that premium fee increase, you may be required to cover as much as half of each appointment cost. This is in addition to any co-pays or additional charges that your insurance doesn’t cover.
You do have a chance to forego the preferred provider coverage, but you have to do so by a certain annual deadline. There are exceptions to this rule, but only an insurance representative can find out if you qualify for an exception under the pre-set policy guidelines.
We recommend checking with your insurance provider to find an insurance covered cardiologist. That way, no matter what happens, you know the financial responsibility that you hold for your care.
Living Without Insurance
Quite a few Americans have no formal health insurance coverage. When it comes to treating something like heart disease, its a good idea to review your coverage options before things get unmanageable.
Talk to your specialist about creating reasonable payment plans and find out about options like healthcare credit or in-house financing. Approaching the cost of your care candidly and head on will help you construct a plan with manageability that remains amendable and cost-effective.
So whether or not you find an insurance covered cardiologist, you do have options to receive the care from the top cardiologist you select. The best thing you can do for yourself is to persevere. Find providers that will work with you so that you can receive the life-saving care you need.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on April 17, 2014
Reviews and Costs of Top Cardiologists in NYC
Cardiologist cost and reviews can be very helpful when choosing a heart specialist. A diagnosis like heart disease can send you reeling, unsure of where to turn. The good thing about patient reviews is that they can give you some perspective.
Not Just a Formality, but a Resource
People often look at cardiologist cost and reviews as a formality or just another bend in the road to heart health. In fact, these reviews can be so much more. Consider them an introductory step into the heart healthy lifestyle.
Remember, other patients – the patients who wrote about these cardiologist cost and reviews – have been right where you are now. They know how confusing and scary this process can be; even when all you are trying to do is choose the right specialist.
Don’t forget to use their experience as a resource for you to draw on. Most of them will tell you that knowledge is one of the biggest benefits you can have post-diagnosis.
They can also help you narrow down what it is you’re looking for in a cardiologist.
The Total Care Formula
The articles you read will mention a number of deciding factors like:
- Education
- Training
- Specialty selected
- Awards/recognition
- Hospital involvement
- Ratings
They are right to a point.
Patients know the decision really depends on two things:
- Experience level
- Doctor-patient relationship
One you can surmise from records and research; the other you have to witness face-to-face.
Being an expert in the field of cardiology is undeniably important. You want the right resume for the job.
Looking good on paper counts, but there’s also something to be said for how your prospective specialist responds to you as a patient. Pay attention to this because it will affect how your own “heart knowledge” develops.
Look for the specialist who focuses on total care. Meaning; all of your questions are heard and answered along with the expert-level of care you receive, insuring you’re as heart healthy as possible.
Cardiologist cost and reviews can be difficult to narrow down. There are simply too many to choose from in a city like New York. The key is to know what resources to use during your selection process. The big three are:
- Leading local medical institutions
- Peer and colleague ratings
- Patient reviews
The first step to drafting a short list of cardiology consultants is to look into their medical affiliations.
Finding the Metaphorical “Horse’s Mouth”
Checking with area hospitals and medical centers is often easier than combing through online registries or visiting your local records office. A phone call to these medical institutions will tell you 3 very important things:
1. If the consultant is board certified (hospitals don’t give privileges to doctors that aren’t properly certified)
2. If their privileges are still active and their claimed affiliation legitimate
3. Their malpractice status and procedural history
This information speaks to a heart specialist’s track record and quality.
You want to limit your search to cardiology consultants with a board certification. This tells you they have been properly trained and educated to provide a particular medical service.
In addition, you want to make sure their ability to provide that service is still legitimate; hence, the question of hospital privileges. Finally, a brief review of their professional experience will help you narrow the field.
For instance, Mount Sinai Medical Center may perform over 6,000 heart procedures a year, but an individual doctor can perform as many as 1,500 in his/her specialty area at various locations in the city.
What Other People Have to Say
There is something to be said for the opinions of peers and patients too.
Look for cardiologist cost and reviews that mention special awards, promotions, or recognition from peers. This will tell you that they actively contribute to their field, and that they are top-rated for their contributions.
Patient reviews will give you a more personal, one-to-one view of cardiology consultants. They will tell you if your specialist is:
- Punctual
- Attentive
- Comprehensive
- Diagnostically trained
- Up on the latest advancements
- Focused on follow-up and long-term care
By focusing on all three categories, you get a well-rounded picture of what cardiologist cost and reviews are like in Manhattan.
Keep your list to 5 consultants or less, ask about the specialists your general practitioner would recommend, and use this research to makeup interview questions to ask during your appointment. That will garner the best results.
Finding the Right Specialist
Insurance coverage probably isn’t something you think about very often unless you are confronting or managing a long-term change to your health.
Heart disease qualifies as a long-term change. The treatment you undergo depends on the underlying causes of the condition. The good news is finding insurance covered cardiologist cost and reviews is still a relatively straightforward process.
Insurance covered cardiologist cost and reviews are available nationwide, including locations in major cities like New York. Finding the right specialist is a matter of asking the right questions, both during a consultation and in working with an insurance representative going forward.
Your coverage depends on the type of plan you’ve selected. The important thing to figure out is whether or not your cardiologist is in network or considered a preferred provider.
If you primarily see doctors and medical staff from a particular health group, you probably have insurance coverage through a maintenance organization. What that means is your appointments, tests, and procedures have high-percentage coverage as long as they remain within the previously identified healthcare group.
The co-pays are generally listed on your insurance card. That way, you know what you have to pay the day of the appointment. Any other charges that you are responsible for will be billed to you at a later date.
Always open mail from your insurance company. You will need to double check it to make sure the costs are listed properly. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to mistakenly charge you for services that they previously agreed to cover. Keep a watchful eye on things and dispute the charges when necessary.
Out of Bounds Care
What happens if the insurance covered cardiologist that you want to see is an out of network provider? Once again, the answer to this question depends on the type of insurance coverage you’ve selected.
You can opt for preferred provider coverage. This means that you are not bound by the constraints of a particular healthcare network. You simply select the provider you wish to see and pay the charges accordingly. The trade-off for this freedom is a monthly premium, co-pays, and possible charges by-appointment. It is a less restrictive, but more expensive option.
As previously discussed, changes to the United healthcare system are only on the cusp of going into full effect, so unless you are retired or disabled, your insurance guidelines should remain the same as they were in January, when reviewed through your employer.
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with heart disease, it’s a good idea to put all the cards on the table before going into treatment. It will minimize your stress later.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on April 15, 2014
Best Reviewed Cardiologist NYC 2014
It can be a struggle to find a good cardiologist. NYC has a lot of specialty healthcare options. Part of the problem is that patients do not consider specialty care until after signs or symptoms begin to surface. At that point, the doctor you choose makes a big difference in your ongoing health. 
Failure to Diagnose
It is possible to be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed by a cardiologist. NYC medical malpractice cases are a matter of public record. It is a good idea to review these records before selecting your specialist.
A patient with a cluster of acute symptoms is treated under emergency cardiac protocol.
This includes:
- Blood test for the presence of enzymes
- Stress test and EKG for functional capacity
- Angiogram for blockages or restricted blood flow
If one of these tests is not performed or simply gets misread, the results can be catastrophic.
Diagnosis Dictates Result
Even with consistent care from a cardiologist, NYC patients can be at risk for a heart attack or another major change in their health.
In some cases, patients can still have a heart attack 3 months into treatment. The best way to avoid this is to continue to watch for symptomatic fluctuations and changes. If these changes start to occur or your symptoms worsen, inform your specialist right away.
Emergency cardiac care is available to unblock your heart. The key is to treat and remove the blockage in time, so that it is not damaged permanently. There are ways to keep a heart – even a damaged heart – functioning. This usually involves drug therapy and devices that assist with certain functions to relieve stress on the heart muscle.
At worst, patients are put on a heart transplant list. That is an extensive process in and of itself, but it can result in a second chance at a healthy life. Look for a top-rated cardiologist. NYC medical records offices, boards, and various databases can help simplify your search. You should use them as a selection resource.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on April 10, 2014
Get Your Heart Checked By A Top Cardiologist in NYC
Heart problems are handled by two different types of cardiologists in NYC:
- Interventional cardiologists
- Cardiac surgeons
Contrary to popular belief, they are not one and the same. This article will illustrate the difference between these two specialists and will also show you how they work together to ensure overall heart health.
Recognizing Differences
Most of the time if you have a heart problem, you will be sent to see an interventional cardiologist. When the focus is intervention, you are headed to:
- The clinic
- The Cath Lab
- The hospital
The specialist assigned to your case is usually an interventional cardiologist. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you will bypass intervention and be taken directly to surgery. In this case, you will meet your specialist as you recuperate.
The Importance of Prevention
A specialist’s job is to prevent life-threatening emergencies from happening. They do this by monitoring your health and taking preemptive steps to safeguard the function of your heart. The simplest way to accomplish this is to make changes to a patient’s diet, exercise routine, and medication regiment. There are three big earmarks that a cardiologist will try to curb through therapeutic or medicinal means:
- Diet
- Weight
- Changes in internal function (i.e. high blood pressure)
Arterial blockages can also occur. Cardiac catheterization can correct the problem before it causes the heart attack. That is as invasive as a heart specialist can get. If your heart disease has progressed beyond treatment management, you will need to enlist the services of the cardiac surgeon.
Patients can spend a lot of time searching for an affordable cardiologist in NYC. While this is a very good goal, it is only part of the cardiac care equation. The other part of living with heart disease and managing your condition is a commitment you make to the necessary lifestyle changes your cardiologist recommends.
Utilizing tips like these will make your visits to an affordable cardiologist worthwhile. Preventative measures like regular exercise can help you prolong your heart-health naturally. As prevention goes, natural is always better than surgical, if at all possible.
This principal does extend to medication regiments as well. Talk to an expert in condition management and cardiac rehab to get details on effective alternative protocols.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
