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New Patient Info  
PATIENT INFORMATION

Choosing a Cardiologist 

·  How to Reach Us 
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·  First Appointments
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·  Return Appointments
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·  Billing and Collection
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·  Covered Insurance
   Plans
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·  Fees
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·  Common Procedures
   and Charges
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·  Prescriptions and
   Lab Results
 

     We realize some patients have preferences among physicians. We will make every effort to accommodate your desires. If you do not have a preference, we will schedule you the first available appointment, taking in to account the urgency of your needs. Our specialists have particular interests within the field of cardiology. With this in mind, our courteous staff will arrange your initial visit with the most appropriate FCI Heart Center specialist.           

     If English is not your first language, there are several physicians in the group fluent in Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and other languages--please inquire.      

  
     
  How to Reach Us  
General Inquires
     For general inquiries, to make appointments, ask routine
medical questions, or request prescription renewals call our main switchboard during office hours 8:00am to 5:30 pm: 813-353-1515 or toll-free 877-FCI-HART

After Hours
     For after hour inquiries call 813-353-1515 or toll-free 877-FCI-HART. The operator will connect you with the cardiologist on call. If your call is not urgent please contact the office the following morning.

Emergencies
     In case of emergencies do not call the office. This may delay your care. It is best and safest to call 911, and ask the ambulance to take you to the nearest emergency room. Ask the emergency room physician to call the FCI heart specialists.

     In cases of relative urgency, but not emergency, call 813-353-1515 and talk to the nurse. She will put you in touch with a doctor as soon as possible. After office hours the phone will be answered by an operator who will put you in contact with the FCI heart specialist on call. For non-emergent matters call the office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
   
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  First-Time Appointments  
 

For your first appointment, please remember to:

  • Arrive at the clinic 20-30 minutes prior to your appointment
    to facilitate registration, ie: fill out forms.
  • Bring as many of your medical records as possible including test results and film.
  • Have your medical history form completed.
  • Bring all your medications with you.
  • Bring your insurance card and primary care referral, if required.
  • Plan to stay in the clinic for one to three hours. The initial examination and review of medical records may take up to one hour. The cardiologist seeing you may need to order further tests that can be performed during your visit--this may take additional time.   
  
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  Return Appointments  
       Depending upon the complexity of this examination and any questions you have, please plan 15 to 45 minutes for return/follow up appointments.  
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  Billing and Collection  
       Your insurance carrier and/or Medicare will be billed by the FCI Heart Center billing office. A list of current FCI Heart Center participating insurance plans is available. You will be required to authorize us to collect directly from your insurance company. You will be responsible for the balance of your bill. To verify if FCI is a participating provider with your insurance or if you have questions about your bill, please contact our billing office at 813-353-0248.  
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  Fees  
       Our charges are based on 100% Medicare Allowable Charges. Upon request, a list of charges pertaining to your particular case will be available for your review. A list of common procedures and charges is also available.  
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Getting Results  
Prescriptions
     Please fax, or telephone the office between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm for prescription refills. Calls should be made at least three days before your supply is finished. You need to provide the pharmacy name, phone, drug name and dosage. Please note that we do not refill prescriptions in the evening or weekends.

Laboratory Results
     Although most diagnostic centers have results available to your physician with 24-48 hours, your physician must review the results before the information may be released to you. We will try to have the results to you within 3-5 business days of when the test was performed. In most cases, the physician will request a nurse or medical assistant give you the results of your test. If you do not receive notice of your test results within 5 business days, please call our office and ask to speak to your nurse or doctor for this information.		  
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509 South Armenia Avenue · Second Floor · Tampa, FL 33609 · 813-353-1515 · 877-FCI-HART
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