How to Find the Best Cardiologist

When a person requires the care of a cardiologist to treat a heart condition or problem, it is important to find a doctor that fits their needs best. Aside from asking your primary care physician for a referral, it may be helpful to ask friends and family for advice on choosing a doctor, or the name of a cardiologist that they have used or know has a good reputation. However, it is also important to make your own evaluation after meeting a doctor for the first time, just to make sure they are a good fit. One way to seek out a good cardiologist is by utilizing the internet and other sources to research the credentials and certifications of your potential doctor. The Physician Profile on the New York State Department of Health website is a good source for researching and finding the right doctor. Most hospitals also offer directories on their websites that allow patients in search of a doctor to look through the credentials, certifications, subspecialties, education, training and possible malpractice information, in addition to other medical history. One credential patients may want to look for when seeking a cardiologist is Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), which is an elected fellowship for heart specialists based on the achievement, community contribution and peer recommendations of the doctor.

It is also important to choose a cardiologist that is associated with a credible hospital or medical center. Hospitals that have a positive reputation have acquired that reputation because of the care their employees provide, meaning that the best doctors usually work at the best hospitals. So, it may be helpful to search the directories of credible hospitals and medical centers in your area when looking for a cardiologist. Smaller hospitals and practices can also get recognized for the quality of care they provide, so it is important to do the research and not simply select the biggest hospital.

Another critical factor to look at when selecting a cardiologist is the level of experience the doctor has in the field, especially if you are require a specific procedure or treatment. Before scheduling a particular surgery or procedure, make sure the cardiologist you are using has performed the procedure enough times so that you trust their expertise and feel comfortable with the choice you have made. The more times a doctor has done a procedure or administered a particular treatment, the less likely it is that there will be an error or complication.

Women, in particular, need to do extra research when looking for a cardiologist because when a woman has heart disease or experiences a heart attack, their symptoms are not the same as men. Therefore, it is important to find a doctor that has a history of dealing with female patients, making sure that their training and knowledge of women's health is up to date with new developments. Women in search of a cardiologist may want to check out specialists or clinics that are devoted to treating heart disease and other heart-related health issues in women.

Last but definitely not least, patients making a decision about a cardiologist should make sure that they are able to communicate with their chosen doctor, and that the doctor communicates back. It is important that the doctor you choose is able to answer any questions you may have about your treatment, procedure, or general care, and answers these questions clearly and in a way you can understand. Many doctors are only interested in the medical side of things, dismissing the concerns of the patient. It is critical to find a cardiologist that is interested in both the quality of medical care they are administering, as well as addressing any worries or questions the patient may have. Overall, it is important to feel comfortable with the doctor you have chosen and be able to talk to him or her about anything related to your medical care.

Just because a doctor is a good communicator does not necessarily mean that they are experienced in their particular field, so it is important to find a cardiologist that has extensive experience as well as good communication skills. If you or a loved one has medical malpractice questions in New York, please contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients with Nassau and Suffolk County medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Bronx medical malpractice and Queens medical malpractice cases. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

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