Seeing the Cardiologist: Making an Appointment

If you've been having problems with your heart, it is important that you seek out the help of a cardiologist. These doctors are specialists in the heart and the circulatory system and aren't easily caught off guard. While there is a trend towards "self-diagnosis" with the rise of the internet, there is little to be gained from trying to diagnose your own heart condition through opinions found online. In fact, you could very well be taking your life in your own hands. Making an appointment, of course, can be difficult. These doctors are often very expensive and very busy. Here are some ways you can get in to see someone.

See Your Doctor

The best thing you can do is to make an appointment with your regular physician. If you don't have anyone that you see on a regular basis, you might consider finding a general practitioner and making an appointment with them. If you're using a health insurance plan, call up your policy holders and ask them for some doctors in your network. Explain to them the problems or concerns you've been having and they will refer you to a cardiologist if they think you should see someone. A referral is a much faster path towards an appointment than trying to make one on your own.

Call and Book

Once you have your referral in hand, call the cardiologist and set up an appointment. If you're being referred for surgery, the appointment may already be made for you. In most other cases, however, you'll be expected to call and make your own booking. After all, not everyone who gets a referral to a specialist actually follows through and takes the appointment. Some doctors won't even bother sending over their own referral paperwork and will instead give it directly to the patient for them to take with them as they make their appointment.

Insurance

You will want to check with your insurance company and make sure you are covered when you go to see your cardiologist. This is especially important if you plan to make your own appointment without a referral. Many insurance companies will only cover the costs if you were referred by another doctor. Don't make the mistake of circumventing this, as the appointment could be very expensive if coming out of pocket.

Emergencies

Don't go through the appointment system if you are experiencing heart pain or discomfort. Chest pain of any kind can be an indication of something potentially life threatening and you should seek help in the emergency room.