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Heart conditions are surging in the country rapidly, especially in the last few years. Moreover, due to the coronavirus pandemic, access to physical checkups has become difficult. One has to seek primary medical advice from an online doctor consultation. However, with advancements in technology, critical issues can be consulted through online consultations effectively. But if your primary care doctor has advised you to see a cardiologist, then it is time that you did some research.
Just the thought of consulting a cardiologist may seem daunting. A little help from your friends, relatives, and primary healthcare practitioner will ease the tension. Here are some things that you should consider before choosing the best cardiologist in Chennai.
Start With Some Recommendations
The best place to start looking for a cardiologist is with your primary care doctor. Your regular health care practitioner would already have credible referrals that you can look up to. Moreover, you have a trust built with your family doctor, and you can find the right fit for yourself through their referrals. Another good source for recommendations is your relatives and friends. This way, you will have options that have already been scrutinized at some level. In simple words, the people in your social circle will only recommend good options to you if they have already had a pleasant experience.
Go Through The Cardiologist’s Credentials
If you are going to see a doctor for critical care, it is crucial to be well-assured about their credentials. Hence, check the doctor’s degree and specialization before moving ahead with the consultation. By checking their specialization in cardiology, you will be assured that the cardiologist has the necessary knowledge and practical training to deal with cardiovascular ailments. You may hesitate to ask the doctor upfront. In such a case, research beforehand on credible online portals or ask your family doctor. Many renowned hospitals usually put up the educational qualifications and experience of the doctors on their websites.
Get To Know About The Cardiologist’s Past Experience
While dealing with any critical ailment such as cardiac issues, we all want to consult a highly experienced medical professional. Moreover, the more experienced your doctor has in your specific ailment, you will likely receive better care. When you research the cardiologist’s educational background, you can also look up their experience. If you cannot find anything relevant, ask about their past associations with hospitals or clinics. You can also ask whether they are well-versed with your condition upfront. Be clear about your expectations regarding their experience. Ask them about the patients they have treated with your case for a clearer idea.
Consider Your Cardiologist’s Gender
You may find this point odd, but it is quite relevant. Many women feel more comfortable in the presence of a female doctor. If you are someone who has this preference, then there is nothing wrong with that. However, this can not be the sole criteria for filtering out your options. Moreover, you can ask your doctor about their experience with your gender. Women especially feel a lot more confident to go ahead with the consultation when they see fellow women seeing the same doctor. There are many clinics and hospitals with women-centric healthcare, so you can check there for a competent cardiologist.
Check The Quality Of Healthcare Facilities Of The Hospital
When you are looking for the best cardiologist, you must also take care of the hospital they practice. For instance, you might not be confident with the healthcare facilities at the hospital; then, you will end up having a negative experience. Additionally, Top-quality hospitals have fewer cases of complications and have a higher recovery rate. Hence, do thorough research on the hospitals near you; they might show poles apart results. Apart from quality, look for the hospital’s location and whether the hospital is equipped with necessary diagnostic facilities. This will help you in making an informed decision before zeroing down on the cardiologist.
Go For A Doctor That Fits Your Requirement
Regardless of how good a doctor is, If they do not resonate with your needs and communication style, you may have a bad experience. Hence, try going for a cardiologist with whom you can communicate openly and who understands your needs. In the first sitting, ask a few questions and see how the doctor responds to your queries. From this, you will be able to know whether you will be able to put your concerns freely with your doctor or not. Find yourself a cardiologist that is open to considering your preferences and who shows empathy towards your decisions.
Do Not Depend Upon Online Reviews Entirely
You may have come across people telling you to look up the reviews of patients on the internet. Do read online reviews, and it is wise to steer away from doctors with highly negative reviews. Generally, that is not the case. You can go for a cardiologist with average reviews, as the variance is quite subjective in online reviews. For instance, a cardiologist may get negative reviews due to waiting time, location, or parking issues. But the treatment from that particular doctor may be quite effective.
Conclusion
Choosing a cardiologist is a challenging task for many patients. With suggestions from your family doctor and the above tips, you can easily find the right fit for yourself. But make sure that you can voice your concerns and get satisfactory answers for the same. Lastly, do not hesitate to do your research before seeing a cardiologist, taking second or third opinions, and choosing the best one per your preference.
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