Carin Smith, MD, FACC

Within the platform category "Heart Doctor Near Me," we introduce Carin Smith, MD, FACC, a cardiologist practicing at 1202 Medical Center Dr in Wilmington, NC 28401, USA. Dr. Smith is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), a distinction that signifies her advanced training and commitment to excellence in the field of cardiology. Her practice is likely associated with a larger medical group or hospital system in the area, potentially the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Physician Clinic, given the address's proximity to other listed medical professionals.

Based on the available patient feedback, Dr. Smith is recognized for her positive interpersonal skills and her dedication to patient understanding. One patient specifically highlighted her "wonderful chair side manner," noting that she took her time during the consultation and thoroughly explained medical information without rushing. This patient, who was initially scheduled to see a different doctor, Dr. Roberts, expressed a preference to continue seeing Dr. Smith due to the personalized attention and the time she invested in addressing their questions and concerns. This positive feedback underscores Dr. Smith's commitment to effective patient communication and building rapport.

The same positive review indicates that Dr. Smith's approach made the patient feel genuinely cared for and valued. The fact that this patient would choose to see Dr. Smith over their usual physician speaks volumes about the positive impression she made during their initial consultation. This suggests that Dr. Smith prioritizes creating a comfortable and informative environment for her patients, which is a crucial aspect of effective cardiac care.

However, another patient provided more critical feedback regarding the clinic's operational efficiency. This reviewer acknowledged that "everyone was very friendly, and Dr. Smith was helpful." This indicates that the positive interpersonal aspects experienced by the first patient may be a consistent feature of the clinic's environment and Dr. Smith's interactions. However, the subsequent points raised by this patient highlight significant areas for potential improvement.

The primary concern raised was the excessive wait times experienced during multiple appointments. This patient reported waiting over an hour and a half past their scheduled appointment time for the first two visits and an hour past the scheduled time for their third visit. Such prolonged wait times can be a significant inconvenience and source of frustration for patients, potentially impacting their overall perception of the care received, regardless of the quality of the interaction with the physician.

Furthermore, this patient reported issues with the timely receipt of test results and communication with the nursing staff. They stated that their echo results, which they were told would be available in about five days, did not arrive for over a month. This delay in receiving important medical information can cause anxiety and hinder timely follow-up care. Additionally, the patient described difficulty reaching the nurse via a direct phone line, reporting being on hold for over an hour. Communication via the patient portal also proved challenging, with a week-long delay in response to their initial message, requiring a follow-up message to elicit a reply. These issues with communication and the timely delivery of results are significant concerns that can negatively impact the patient experience and potentially the continuity of care.

The concluding statement from the second patient, expressing a temptation to seek cardiac care elsewhere if needed again, underscores the severity of the concerns regarding wait times and communication. While they acknowledged Dr. Smith's helpfulness and the friendliness of the staff, these positive aspects were overshadowed by the operational inefficiencies they experienced.

Considering these two reviews, we have a picture of a cardiologist, Dr. Carin Smith, who is praised for her excellent bedside manner, thoroughness, and ability to explain medical information effectively. Patients who have seen her directly appreciate her taking the time to listen and address their concerns. However, there appear to be significant challenges within the clinic's operations, specifically regarding appointment wait times, the timely delivery of test results, and communication responsiveness via phone and the patient portal. These operational issues can detract from the positive aspects of the physician's care and negatively impact the overall patient experience.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the current environment, services offered, and any potential changes or improvements at Dr. Smith's practice, local users are encouraged to contact the office directly at (910) 341-3301 or +1 910-341-3301. Inquiring about typical wait times, the process for receiving test results, and the best way to communicate with the nursing staff may be beneficial for prospective patients. While Dr. Smith's clinical skills and patient interaction style seem to be a strong point, addressing the reported operational challenges would likely enhance the overall patient experience at her practice.

Currently, there is no specific promotional information available in the provided text. However, for individuals in Wilmington, NC, seeking a cardiologist who is known for her patient-centered approach and thorough communication, Carin Smith, MD, FACC, may be a consideration. It would be advisable for potential patients to weigh the positive feedback regarding her clinical interactions against the reported challenges in clinic efficiency and communication when making their healthcare decisions. Direct communication with the office may provide further clarity and address any specific concerns.