Repeated cardiologist consultation (regions)
Comandarea acestui serviciu anulează reducerea*
A follow-up consultation is a new visit to the same specialist within 10 working days from the previous consultation, for the same medical condition.
The follow-up cardiology consultation is a monitoring evaluation performed by a cardiologist for patients already diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases or who have previously undergone an initial consultation. Its purpose is to monitor clinical evolution, assess treatment effectiveness, adjust the therapeutic plan, and prevent complications.
Purpose
- Assessment of the response to the initiated treatment.
- Analysis of previously prescribed investigation results.
- Adjustment of the therapeutic approach according to clinical evolution.
Role
The follow-up cardiology consultation is essential in the long-term management of patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases (arterial hypertension, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, etc.), helping maintain disease control and reduce the risk of acute events.
Main objectives
- Monitoring symptoms and clinical signs.
- Assessing patient adherence to treatment and recommendations.
- Interpreting laboratory tests, ECG, echocardiography results, etc.
- Adjusting medication or lifestyle recommendations.
- Deciding on the need for additional investigations or interdisciplinary consultations.
Consultation stages
- Discussion of symptom evolution (improvement, persistence, worsening).
- Clinical reassessment: auscultation, blood pressure, pulse, and body weight measurement.
- Review of recent medical documentation.
- Updating the cardiovascular risk profile.
- Recommendations for treatment adjustment or referral to other specialties, if necessary.
Indications
- Re-evaluation after the initial cardiology consultation.
- Monitoring patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases.
- Treatment adjustment in case of insufficient efficacy or new symptoms.
- Interpretation of performed investigations (ECG, Holter monitoring, laboratory tests).
- Assessment of recurrence or disease progression risk.
Procedure
- Discussion of the current condition and ongoing treatment.
- Complete physical examination.
- Analysis of investigation results.
- Treatment adjustment, if necessary.
- Planning of next steps (monitoring, additional tests, consultations).
Duration and scheduling
- Consultation duration: 20–30 minutes.
- Follow-up visit: scheduled individually, depending on the condition (1, 3, or 6 months).
- Additional investigations: if required, scheduled within 1–7 days.
The follow-up cardiology consultation is an essential tool for monitoring and controlling cardiovascular diseases, ensuring treatment effectiveness, preventing complications, and maintaining an optimal quality of life.
Sources:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/highland/cardiology/cardiologists/what-is-a-cardiologist
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21983-cardiologist
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/when-to-see-a-cardiologist
https://stgenhospital.sccgov.org/healthlink/Cardiology.pdf
Pregătirea:
It is recommended to prepare the following in advance:
- Results of previous examinations, laboratory tests, and investigations related to the cardiovascular system.
- A complete list of medications currently taken, including dosages and administration schedule.
- A personal diary documenting symptoms, changes in health status, and any reactions to medications.
- A list of questions or concerns to be discussed with the physician.
- Compliance with any previously given recommendations (e. g. , dietary regimen, blood pressure monitoring).
