Beyond referrals: The rise of in-house cardiac imaging in modern cardiology

January 16, 2024
Cardiology

Committed to elevating patient care, I established my own private practice utilizing advanced imaging technologies. As the first private cardiologist in the region to embrace cardiac CT and MRI, I aimed to enhance diagnostic practices and empower patients with a deeper understanding of their cardiac health.

A new approach to preventative cardiology and streamlined patient care
Incorporating advanced imaging into my private practice was a significant professional milestone. By presenting patients with their cardiac CT and MRI images, detailing the current state of their arteries, and comparing them to others, we provide a deeper understanding of each patient's condition and look to uncover potential issues that may go unnoticed in conventional stress tests.

In a recent case, a 42-year-old man with a family history of heart issues had undergone years of normal stress tests, reassured by various cardiologists about his low risk. Despite being told he had the "heart of a lion" and normal arteries, an in-office coronary CT angiogram revealed that he had significant blockages in all three major blood vessels.

The unexpected finding elevated his risk to stage three, indicating a more than 15% chance of heart attack or death over the next 15 years. The disparity between previous stress test results and the CT angiogram emphasizes the value of direct testing in assessing true cardiovascular risk.

The in-house model has also streamlined the patient experience by eliminating the need for external referrals and reducing barriers associated with visiting separate imaging facilities. Our in-house setup enables quicker assessments, timely interventions, and an overall smoother healthcare journey for our patients.

Consolidating the diagnostic process within our practice ensures that patients no longer face challenges navigating through multiple facilities. Patients benefit from interacting with a familiar team, receiving detailed explanations about their imaging procedures, and having a consistent point of contact throughout their cardiac imaging experience.

Advancing patient safety and diagnostic precision
Advanced scanners also offer significant improvements in patient safety. By reducing radiation exposure and contrast load, the advanced imaging tool aligns with evolving care standards. The focus on minimizing potential risks while maintaining diagnostic accuracy paves the way for a safer, more patient-centric future in cardiac imaging.

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