Frequently Asked Questions

We are here to help individual patients make the best choices for their own care. There is no “one size fits all” in cardiology. Two people with the same type of heart disease may need very different treatment approaches. We always strive to treat the patient as a whole and not just the disease.What happens if I run out of my medications?

 

In order to safely prescribe heart medications it is necessary that you be seen at least once a year in our clinic. At that time we will review medications and make changes as needed. Heart Clinic uses an electronic prescription system to ensure that there is no paper prescription to be lost. If you have not been seen for more than a year and are out of your medications you need to schedule a clinic appointment and ask your pharmacy to give you enough medications to last until your appointment. If your pharmacy will not fill your prescription and you need medications you can leave a message at (210) 483-8883. Please include the name and strength of each medication, how often it is taken each day, and the name and phone number of the pharmacy to which you need the prescription called in. We will then phone in a short term prescription within 48 hours and schedule you for a clinic visit within the next two weeks.

YES. We encourage second opinions before embarking on major heart surgery such as bypass surgery or valve repair and replacement. If you are a Heart Clinic patient and would like to get a second opinion we can provide you with a list of other area cardiovascular specialists. If you are under the care of another specialist and would like a second opinion from us, schedule an appointment and we would be happy to meet with you.

NO. Heart Clinic doctors do not accept money from pharmaceutical companies for consulting or promotional talks.

There are simple non-invasive ways to determine whether surgery or stents are needed. These can be performed in the office and do not require hospitalization.