Forms and New Patient Info Frequently Asked Questions Accepted Insurance Coumadin Clinic Pacemaker Clinic VNUS ClosureFAST Healthy Lifestyle Welcome to Cardiology Associates We know the quality of your health care matters to you, and we make every effort to provide the most current technology available in a compassionate environment. We now offer more resources directly to your home. You will find nutritional information under the Healthy Heart Section. We will keep you updated as changes occur, such as newer treatment recommendations, technology advancements, and daily lifestyle improvements. New Patient Information and Forms » New Patient Information Form » Preparing for your appointment Instructions for Nuclear Cardiology Stress Test » Instructions for Nuclear Cardiology Stress Test Instructions for PET Myocardial Perfusion » Instructions for PET Myocardial Perfusion Instructions For Exercise Stress Echocardiogram » Instructions For Exercise Stress Echocardiogram Formas y Información Para Nueva Paciente » Nueva Paciente Información » Lexiscan – MPS Instrucciones para el paciente » Ejercicio – MPS Instrucciones para el paciente Frequently Asked Questions How do I get a refill on my medication? Have your pharmacy fax a request to our office. What is your appointment cancellation policy? We offer every patient the highest quality cardiology care and ask that you notify our office 24 hours in advance if you are cancelling your appointment. Due to the high cost of radio isotopes for nuclear testing, a charge will be made for no shows or last minute cancellations. What are your office hours? Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed weekends. How do I know when it is time to return for a follow-up appointment? During your appointment the physician will enter the next date when you are to return for your follow-up appointment. Our staff will arrange any authorizations that may be required and contact you by phone or letter. Health Insurance At CAMG we accept most major insurance providers. Please call our front desk at 805-653-0101 (Ventura) or 805-278-4020 (Oxnard) to determine if we accept your insurance. Some of the accepted insurance providers are: We also accept: AARP Aetna Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield Affiliates Blue Shield BC/BS Federal Cigna Department of Labor and Welfare GEHA Healthnet Kaiser Medicare Medical and Gold Coast PPO Private Seaview Medical Group Ventura County Tricare Triwest Workers Comp Blue Shield Covered California MasterCard Visa American Express Debit Cards Cash Checks Cardiology Associates Treatments – Keeping You Healthy Cardiovascular Consultation An initial appointment, usually requested by a family or specialty physician, to review a patient’s medical history, examine the patient and make recommendations as to the care and treatment of their cardiovascular disease related complaint. Adult Echocardiography Adult Echocardiography is a diagnostic test which uses ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures. It can measure cardiac output and is a sensitive test for fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion). Dr. Brackett is one of only a few cardiologists in our County who holds the honor of adult echocardiography testamur. This requires the completion of a special competence examination to optimize skill in the performance and interpretation of cardiac ultrasound. Cardiology Associates echo lab is accredited with ICAEL. Accredited Echocardiography Laboratory Bubble Study Echocardiogram Bubble Study Echocardiogram is the same procedure as an echocardiogram, except an IV is placed in the patient’s arm. During certain portions of the imaging, sterile saline with bubbles is injected into the vein. If can detect a patent foramen ovale, the flow of blood between the right atrium and left atrium of the heart. Carotid Ultrasound Carotid Ultrasound is a painless imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your carotid arteries. This test uses an ultrasound machine, which includes a computer, a screen, and a transducer. The transducer is a handheld device that sends and receives sound waves. Venous Doppler Ultrasound Venous Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic test used to check the circulation in the large veins in the legs (or sometimes the arms). This exam shows any blockage in the veins by a blood clot or “thrombus” formation. Arterial Ultrasound Arterial Ultrasound is a noninvasive ultrasound method (also called a duplex study) used to examine the blood circulation in the arms and legs. Noninvasive means the procedure does not require the use of needles, dyes, radiation or anesthesia. Abdominal Ultrasound Abdominal Ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs, such as the inferior vena cava and aorta, can also be examined with ultrasound Renal Ultrasound (kidney) A renal ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that produces images which are used to assess the blood flow, size, shape and location of the kidneys. Stress Testing Stress testing is a test of cardiovascular capacity made by monitoring the heart rate during a period of increasingly strenuous exercise, usually performed on a treadmill. Nuclear Stress Test Nuclear Stress Test is a nuclear stress test measures blood flow to the heart at rest and while the heart is working harder as a result of exertion or medication (Lexiscan). The test provides images that can show areas of low blood flow through the heart and damaged heart muscle using a radioisotope. Cardiology Associates nuclear lab is accredited with ICANL. Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Shaun Patel and Dr. Rishi Patel are certified in Nuclear Cardiology. Event Monitoring A cardiac event recorder is a battery-powered portable device that you control to tape-record your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) when you have symptoms. There are two types of event recorders: a loop memory monitor and a symptom event monitor. The FDA-cleared ZIO Patch is a small, adhesive, water-resistant one lead ECG sensor that the user can stick onto their chest for a continuous 24-hour monitoring over 2 weeks, but it is only approved on some insurance plans. Procedures Cardiac Catheterization Cardiac Catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. It is performed as an outpatient procedure in the hospital. During cardiac catheterization, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted in an artery or vein in the groin, neck or arm (transradial) and threaded through your blood vessels to the heart to determine if there is disease of the heart muscle, valves or coronary (heart) arteries. During the procedure, the pressure and blood flow in the heart can be measured. Dr. Brooks, Dr. Rishi Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are trained in transradial catheterization procedures. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention – (PCI) During a cardiac catheterization if it is determined that there are blockages that would benefit from a coronary stent, then a small tube-shaped device (stent) will be placed via the already in-place catheter, to keep the blocked coronary arteries open and increasing blood flow to the heart. Dr. Brooks, Dr. Shaun Patel, Dr. Rishi Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are Interventional Cardiologists at Cardiology Associates. CTO Percutaneous Coronary Intervention CTO percutaneous coronary intervention is a minimally invasive technique used to treat patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO), or complete blockages, of the coronary arteries. Dr. Omid Fatemi specializes in this procedure. PFO Closure Percutaneous closure is a surgical procedure used to treat patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD). Advancements in device technology and image guidance now permit the safe and effective catheter-based closure of numerous intracardiac defects, including PFO and ASD. Dr. Rishi Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi have been doing these closures at Community Memorial Hospital. Aortic Valvuloplasty Aortic Valvuloplasty also known as balloon aortic valvotomy is the widening of a stenotic aortic valve using a balloon catheter inside the valve. The balloon is placed into the aortic valve that has become stiff from calcium buildup. ASD Closure ASD CLOSURE – Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is an opening or hole in the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. This wall is called the atrial septum. The hole causes oxygen-rich blood to leak from the left side of the heart to the right side. Different types of closure devices are used to close a hole or an opening between the right and left sides of the heart. Some of these birth defects are located in the wall (septum) between the upper chambers (atria) of the heart: Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Dr. Rishi Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi have been doing these closures at Community Memorial Hospital. Peripheral Vascular Intervention Peripheral Vascular Intervention removes the plaque and restores the flow of blood through the artery. These interventions are medical specialties that treat peripheral artery diseases without surgically opening the leg or arm. Instead, the doctor uses small tools and at least one catheter. A catheter is a thin tube that is inserted into a blood vessel through a small cut, usually in the leg or arm, and threaded to the site of disease. Once in place, it acts as a tunnel, enabling the doctor to efficiently guide the tools to where they are needed. Dr. Shaun Patel, Dr. Rishi Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are board certified in endovascular procedures. Peripheral Vascular Disease When patients suffer from hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, their arteries are partially blocked by a substance called plaque. When these blockages occur in the legs or arms, they are called peripheral artery disease. Dr. Shaun Patel, Dr. Rishi Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are board certified in endovascular procedures. Peripheral Angiogram Peripheral Angiogram is a test that uses X-rays and dye to help your doctor find narrowed or blocked areas in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to your legs. The test is also called a peripheral arteriogram. Dr. Shaun Patel, Dr. Rishi Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are board certified in endovascular procedures. Complex Ablations For A-FIB, A-FLUTTER, VT, SVT, PVC Complex Ablations For A-FIB, A-FLUTTER, VT, SVT, PVC Dr. Jonathan Dukes, Electrophysiologist, regularly performs these procedures at Community Memorial Hospital and St John’s Regional Medical Center. Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat cardiac arrhythmias. It can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. During an ablation, the doctor destroys small areas in the heart that are firing off abnormal electrical impulses and causing atrial fibrillation, aflutter, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia or premature ventricular contractions. Dr. Jonathan Dukes specializes in complex ablations, and accepts new patients for first time evaluations as well as new patients seeking to have a redo ablation. Pacemaker Implantation A pacemaker insertion is the implantation of a small electronic device that is usually placed in the chest (just below the collarbone) to help regulate slow electrical problems of the heart. A pacemaker may be recommended to ensure that the heartbeat does not slow to a dangerously low rate.Dr. Jonathan Dukes, Dr. Shaun Patel and Dr. Rishi Patel perform pacemaker implantation. Defibrillator Implantation An Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) is a cardiac device that is intended for high risk patients to reduce their risk of dying if the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) go into a dangerous rhythm and stop beating effectively (cardiac arrest). Dr. Jonathan Dukes perform defibrillator implantation Watchman Procedure The Watchman Procedure is among the newest procedures available to prevent A-fib related stroke. Dr. Jonathan Dukes performs the Watchman Procedure. Pacemaker And Defibrillator Battery Replacement A pacemaker battery usually lasts 7 to 8 years. When the battery runs down, a new pacemaker will be implanted. The surgery to replace the old pacemaker with a new one usually requires a local anesthetic. In most cases, your original pacemaker leads will not need to be replaced. The ICD battery will be checked during regular checkups, which should occur every three to six months. When the battery is nearly out of power, your old shock generator is replaced with a new one during a minor outpatient procedure. Implantable Monitoring Device Reveal LINQ, Insertable Cardiac Monitor, is the world’s smallest implantable cardiac monitoring device. The procedure to implant one just takes a few minutes to perform as an outpatient. It records the heart rhythm continuously to capsure recurrent unexplained episodes of palpitations. Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT) Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT) – Also known as computed tomography; computed axial tomography scan (CAT scan). A cardiac CT scan is a painless imaging test that uses x rays to take many detailed pictures of your heart and its blood vessels. An electron beam CT scanner also can show calcium in coronary arteries. Dr. Alon Steinberg is certified to interpret Cardiac CT scans. Coumadin Clinic Our Coumadin Clinic is coordinated to allow our patients to optimize their anticoagulation medications (blood thinners) by: Managing Coumadin/warfarin dosing Providing monitoring and patient evaluation Providing education Communicating with referring physicians to ensure each patient has complete medical care When administering Coumadin/warfarin, it requires careful monitoring and regulation. At CAMG, we realize how important it is to follow our anticoagulation patients with consistent, accurate care. We have a well trained staff that is experienced in dealing with your questions and care. Our on-site lab is available during working hours, (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). We use a finger stick method, and your INR results are ready in a couple of minutes. At the time of your protime, you will receive instructions for your dosing and next appointment. What is Coumadin? A brand name for warfarin sodium. It is used to prevent strokes, heart attacks and blood clots. It must be carefully regulated to maintain safety for patients taking this medication. Vein Center Varicose Veins Treatment Endovenous Ablation is an image-guided, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. It uses radiofrequency or laser energy to cauterize (burn) and close the varicose veins. The results are remarkable. Patients who suffer with painful, disfiguring varicose vein now have the opportunity for a simple procedure with minimal pain. Our Vein Lab in Oxnard, CA is where we treat patients who meet medically based requirements. Vein ablations are covered by most insurances. Dr. Shaun Patel, Dr. Rishi Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are board certified in endovascular procedures. Ventura 168 North Brent Street Suite 503 Ventura, California 93003 Tel: (805) 653-0101 Fax: (805) 643-6285 Oxnard 1701 Solar Drive, Suite 150 Oxnard, California 93030 Tel: (805) 278-4020 Fax: (805) 278-4015 Community Memorial Hospital St. John Regional Medical Center Ventura County Medical Center Ojai Valley Community Hospital Cardiology Associates - © 2021