Even in the private sector, many patients referred to a Cardiologist wait a week or two for an appointment, a situation that commonly results in anxiety and uncertainty. Furthermore, a return visit for additional tests is often necessary before a definitive diagnosis is reached.
Warwickshire Heart Care provides a rapid access, one-stop cardiology service where patients will be seen within one working day and have all non-invasive tests performed at the same visit.
 Who are Warwickshire Heart Care?
Warwickshire Heart Care comprises a group of experienced Consultant Cardiologists committed to delivering prompt cardiac care of the highest quality.
Who is eligible?
Anyone is eligible. Private insurance is not a requirement, and patients paying for themselves are welcome.
How do I know if I need to see a heart specialist?
Chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, dizzy spells or blackouts may be manifestations of a heart problem. Your GP will be able to advise whether a heart specialist opinion is necessary.
How do I get referred?
Ask your GP to refer you to a Cardiologist through Warwickshire Heart Care. You will be given a referral letter (or a letter will be faxed through to us) and you can then phone the hospital of your choice (see contact details below).
What happens then?
You will be offered an appointment with a Consultant Cardiologist either the same day or the next working day.
How much will it cost?
The appointments clerk will advise you of the initial consultation fee. Additional tests (which may be offered at the first visit) will be charged separately, but the cost will be discussed with you beforehand. Prospective patients who need to know costs in advance are welcome to phone us before referral.
What if I need follow up or further investigations?
Usually this will be arranged by the Consultant who sees you at your first visit.
Why shouldn’t I be referred to a private heart specialist in the usual way?
Most private patients referred to an individual specialist have to wait at least 1-2 weeks for an appointment, and are then required to return on another occasion for additional tests. Consultant members of Warwickshire Heart Care offer an appointment within one working day. Furthermore, any non-invasive tests (exercise test, echocardiography, 24 hour rhythm/blood pressure monitoring) will be offered at the same visit.
How do I know the Consultant will be any good?
All our Consultants are experienced heart specialists and have established NHS and private practices of their own. All are registered with the General Medical Council as specialists in Cardiology. Warwickshire Heart Care and the participating hospitals have robust clinical governance mechanisms in place to continuously monitor the quality of care delivered.
What if I want to see a particular Consultant?
Our appointments clerk will book you an appointment with the Consultant of your choice, but we cannot promise that this will be within the 1-2 working day timescale set out above.
What if I have a complaint?
The Consultant you see has full responsibility for your care, and will deal with any complaints directly. If you are still not satisfied then you should contact the manager of the hospital who will investigate further.
Where can I get more information?
You can click here to download this patient information sheet.
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