Patient guide
How to Prepare for Your or Your Child's Cardiac Evaluation
I'm here to make your evaluation as smooth and efficient as possible. Here's what you need to know before your appointment, whether you're coming in person or choosing a telehealth visit.
How to be evaluated: in-person or telehealth
In-person evaluation
An in-person appointment is a comprehensive cardiac evaluation that includes an intake, vital signs, physical exam, electrocardiogram (ECG or test of the heart's electrical activity), and, if indicated, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). This is the most complete way to evaluate your child's heart and allows me to perform all testing during your visit and explain findings before you leave.
In-person is best for:
- Initial cardiac evaluation for new symptoms or findings
- A second opinion evaluation
- Complete assessment of heart structure and function
- Children who need an echocardiogram
- Any situation where a thorough hands-on exam, vital signs, or an ECG are important
Telehealth evaluation
Telehealth is a secure video visit that works best for specific situations. A telehealth visit is NOT a comprehensive cardiac evaluation, but it gives you an option to discuss your child's symptoms, review previous cardiac evaluations, or get your questions answered without traveling.
Telehealth is helpful for:
- Second opinion review of outside records when you've already had a complete evaluation elsewhere
- Initial symptom discussion before deciding whether to come in for a comprehensive in-person evaluation
- Families who live far away and want to discuss findings first
- Families with young infants at home who need flexibility
- Telehealth availability: I serve patients located in California at the time of their visit
What to upload before your visit
I review everything before we meet, so please upload your child's complete medical records at least 2 business days before your appointment - this helps me give your visit my full attention and prepare a thoughtful assessment. That said, I often review faster than that. For urgent appointments, I will review what I can with the time available, and we can proceed with either a complete or preliminary review depending on your timeline. Our visit time is spent on your child and your questions, not on paperwork.
Please upload:
- ECG tracings - All recent ECGs, especially if an abnormality was noted
- Echocardiogram reports - All reports from prior cardiac ultrasounds
- Other imaging of the heart - Reports from cardiac CT or cardiac MRI
(if you would like me to review outside images, there is a separate fee - see Review of Outside Imaging on the Services & Pricing page) - Your pediatrician's most recent note - Including past medical, surgical, family history, medications, and any concerns
- Any pediatric cardiologist's notes - If your child has been seen by another cardiologist
- Geneticist's notes - If your child has been evaluated by genetics
- Other specialist notes - From any other doctors who have seen your child
- Operative reports - If your child has had any cardiac or related surgery
What if you don't have all records?
If you are unsure whether you have all of these items, please reach out to me.
What happens at your visit
Before you arrive
I review your child's complete medical history, all prior ECGs, imaging reports, and surgical records.
During your in-person visit
- Vital signs and physical exam - I check your child's blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen level, height, weight, and perform a focused cardiac exam
- ECG - I perform an electrocardiogram to assess your child's heart rhythm
- History and questions - I ask detailed questions about your child's health, symptoms, activity level, and family history. You have plenty of time to ask your own questions
- Echocardiogram - If indicated, I perform the heart ultrasound myself, acquire the images, and interpret the study during your visit
- Explanation - I explain everything I found using drawings so you understand your child's heart, what's normal, what needs monitoring, and what happens next
After your visit
- Written report - My findings and recommendations are available in the patient portal and sent to your referring physicians
- Clear next steps - You leave with a plan and know exactly what to do and when your child needs follow-up
Including another family member
If you'd like a partner, family member, or anyone else involved in your or your child's care to be part of the conversation, they're welcome to join in person, by phone, or by secure video. If that's not possible, you'll leave with a summary of the visit, my recommendations, and any diagrams I've drawn, so you have something to share with anyone else involved in your or your child's care.
Pricing and payment
For complete pricing information, including what different visits and services cost, please see Services & Pricing. If you have questions about what a particular evaluation will cost, please reach out before scheduling and I can give you an estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Next steps
If you have questions or are ready to schedule, I am here to help.
Online scheduling is coming soon. To book your appointment, please text or call (760) 760-4170 or email hello@CoeurCardiology.com.
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