A consultation is usually a face to face appointment with a cardiologist (heart specialist).
Telehealth may be used as an alternative (subject to government regulation). The appointments are typically 30-45 minutes in duration. In order for you to obtain a Medicare rebate you will need a valid referral from a GP or specialist.
A consultation will involve a detailed discussion exploring your health needs with emphasis on your cardiovascular or heart care. Common symptoms or complaints that may result in a consultation include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and blackouts or dizzy spells to name just a few.
It is important to bring as much information to your appointment as possible. Things to consider include the results of recent tests, all your medications and any home monitoring data you have such as blood pressure readings if you have a device like this at home. If you have had any recent tests including bloods, please let our friendly reception staff know so they can be obtained prior to your appointment.
Your appointment will also involve a comprehensive physical examination. You may need to remove clothing to facilitate this, therefore loose comfortable clothing is suggested. You may also need to have an electrocardiogram performed (ECG). An ECG will involve attachment of 10 sticky electrodes mainly to your chest to help us examine your heart more thoroughly.
It is common for patients to require further investigations such as echocardiography, 24 hour holter monitoring and exercise stress echocardiography. Our friendly staff will be able to facilitate the booking of tests that you require and will arrange your follow up as determined by the cardiologist in consultation with you.