Cardiovascular Institute of America

For individuals in Tampa, Florida, and the surrounding areas seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me," the Cardiovascular Institute of America, located at 202 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33609, USA, offers cardiovascular medical services. The available patient reviews present contrasting experiences, with high praise for Dr. Velusamy's clinical care but significant concerns raised regarding the front office and billing practices. This introduction aims to provide an objective overview based on these reviews to assist local users in making informed decisions about their cardiac healthcare.

Information regarding the clinic's environment is limited. One positive review focuses on Dr. Velusamy's care and does not comment on the office setting. However, a negative review details issues with the front office staff's efficiency and respectfulness, as well as problems with billing resolution. The reviewer also mentions a lack of privacy, as Dr. Velusamy reportedly spent a significant amount of consultation time discussing staff issues rather than the patient's test results. These contrasting accounts suggest that while the medical care provided by Dr. Velusamy may be commendable, the administrative aspects of the Cardiovascular Institute of America might be a point of concern for some patients.

The Cardiovascular Institute of America, featuring Dr. Velusamy, likely offers a range of services related to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various heart conditions. While the precise scope of services is not explicitly detailed, typical cardiology practices provide:

General Cardiology Services:

• Comprehensive cardiac evaluations and consultations.
• Management of common heart conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), coronary artery disease (angina, myocardial infarction), heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia).
• Preventive cardiology, including risk factor assessment, lifestyle recommendations (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and medical therapies to prevent the development or progression of heart disease.

Diagnostic Services:

• Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG) to record the electrical activity of the heart.
• Echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart) to assess heart structure and function, including wall motion, valve function, and ejection fraction. This may include transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), Doppler echocardiography, and potentially stress echocardiograms.
• Stress testing (exercise or pharmacological) to evaluate the heart's response to stress and identify potential limitations in blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Holter and event monitoring to continuously record the heart's rhythm over extended periods to detect intermittent cardiac arrhythmias.
• Likely other advanced diagnostic procedures depending on the complexity of the case and available resources at the institute.

Treatment and Management:

• Pharmacological management of various cardiac conditions, including the prescription and careful monitoring of cardiac medications.
• Lifestyle counseling and education on heart-healthy habits.
• Coordination of care with other specialists, such as interventional cardiologists or cardiac surgeons, when more advanced procedures or surgical interventions are necessary.
• Follow-up care and long-term management for patients with chronic heart conditions.

The features of the Cardiovascular Institute of America, as perceived by patients, present a stark contrast between the medical care provided by Dr. Velusamy and the administrative functions of the front office and billing:

• Excellent Medical Care by Dr. Velusamy: One patient describes Dr. Velusamy as caring, attentive, and an excellent professional who listens to patients, answers questions in detail, and explains everything thoroughly. This patient expresses complete trust in Dr. Velusamy's medical abilities.
• Inefficient and Disrespectful Front Office: A different patient reports significant issues with the front office staff, describing them as inefficient and disrespectful, particularly concerning the resolution of billing problems with a third-party company.
• Poor Billing Practices: The negative review highlights unresolved billing issues, a lack of accountability, and an unwillingness from the doctor's wife (who apparently handles billing messages) to address these concerns. The use of a third-party billing company seems to be a source of frustration.
• Privacy and Professionalism Concerns: The negative review also mentions a lack of privacy during a consultation and unprofessional behavior, including the doctor spending a significant amount of time discussing staff issues rather than the patient's test results.

These conflicting reviews indicate that while Dr. Velusamy may provide high-quality medical care and build strong patient trust, the administrative aspects of the Cardiovascular Institute of America appear to be a significant area of concern for at least one patient. Local users will need to consider both these aspects when evaluating this practice.

Currently, there is no specific promotional information available for the Cardiovascular Institute of America based on the provided data. For local users interested in learning about any potential new patient specials, specific services being highlighted, or information regarding insurance and payment options, it is recommended to contact their office directly at (813) 610-9510 or +1 813-610-9510. Inquiring about their billing procedures and how they handle billing disputes might also be prudent given the negative feedback in this area.

For individuals in Tampa, FL, seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me," the Cardiovascular Institute of America, featuring Dr. Velusamy, presents a complex picture. While Dr. Velusamy is highly praised for his caring and thorough medical approach, significant concerns have been raised regarding the efficiency and respectfulness of the front office and the handling of billing issues. Local users should carefully weigh these contrasting experiences when considering this practice for their cardiac care.

Local users who are considering the Cardiovascular Institute of America are advised to:

• Contact their office to inquire about their billing procedures and how they handle discrepancies or issues with their third-party billing company.
• Ask about the experience with the front office staff and their commitment to patient service.
• Inquire about the typical consultation process with Dr. Velusamy and ensure it aligns with their expectations for thoroughness and privacy.
• Verify if their insurance plan is accepted at the institute.
• Consider the strong positive feedback regarding Dr. Velusamy's medical expertise and caring demeanor, but also acknowledge the reported administrative challenges.

Choosing the right heart doctor involves considering both the quality of medical care and the overall patient experience. The Cardiovascular Institute of America, while potentially offering excellent medical care under Dr. Velusamy, appears to have administrative challenges that some patients have found concerning. Prospective patients should gather additional information and consider their priorities in both these areas to make an informed decision.