Chandra Polam, MD, cardiologist

For individuals in Blawnox, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding communities seeking a cardiologist within the "Heart Doctor Near Me" category, Chandra Polam, MD, offers his services at 121 Freeport Rd, Blawnox, PA 15238, USA. Based on available patient feedback, Dr. Polam is recognized for his experience and caring demeanor, particularly in the context of interventional cardiology procedures like stent placement. While one review notes a positive experience with indirect care related to procedure results at a UPMC hospital, another highlights significant issues with the billing process, which appears to be managed separately from UPMC.

Information regarding the specific environment of Dr. Polam's Blawnox office is limited. However, a typical cardiologist's office would include a waiting area for patients, examination rooms for consultations and physical assessments, and potentially facilities for basic cardiac testing such as electrocardiograms (ECGs). Given the mention of Dr. Polam caring for a patient who received stents at a UPMC hospital, it's possible that he has admitting or procedural privileges at UPMC facilities, allowing him to perform more complex interventions in a hospital setting while maintaining an outpatient clinic for consultations and follow-up care in Blawnox. The focus of his office environment would likely be on providing a comfortable and professional space for patients to discuss their cardiac health concerns.

As a cardiologist, Chandra Polam, MD, likely offers a range of services focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Based on the available review, his services include:

• Clinical Cardiology Consultations: Comprehensive evaluations for patients with various heart conditions, including reviewing medical history, conducting physical examinations, and assessing risk factors for heart disease.
• Interventional Cardiology Procedures: Based on the positive feedback regarding stent placement, Dr. Polam likely performs interventional procedures such as:
  • Coronary Angiography: A diagnostic procedure to visualize the coronary arteries.
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) with Stent Placement: A minimally invasive procedure to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries by inserting a stent.
• Management of Coronary Artery Disease: Providing ongoing care for patients with conditions like angina and heart attacks, often involving medication management and lifestyle recommendations.
• Follow-Up Care Post-Procedure: Monitoring patients who have undergone interventional cardiology procedures like stent placement to ensure proper healing and manage any potential complications. The positive review regarding the care of a patient after stent placement at UPMC supports this.
• General Cardiology Services: While his interventional skills are highlighted, Dr. Polam likely also provides general cardiology services such as:
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): To assess the heart's electrical activity.
  • Echocardiography: To evaluate the heart's structure and function.
  • Stress Testing: To assess the heart's response to exertion.
  • Management of Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia: Addressing key risk factors for heart disease.

A key feature of Dr. Polam's practice, as emphasized in a heartfelt patient testimonial, is his experience and caring approach. The reviewer explicitly states that Dr. Polam "saved her life" by taking care of her mother's stents and expresses being "very pleased with his experience and caring for his patients." This strong endorsement highlights Dr. Polam's clinical skills and his dedication to providing compassionate care. The reviewer's willingness to refer others and personally seek his care if needed further underscores the positive impact Dr. Polam has had on his patients and their families. The gratitude expressed for "giving us the extra years to be with my mom" speaks volumes about the perceived quality and significance of his medical intervention.

However, it's important to note the contrasting feedback regarding the billing process. One reviewer described it as a "nightmare," citing issues such as a paper bill requiring mailing in credit card information, the absence of online payment options, and difficulties in resolving billing inquiries through phone contact, including a call to what turned out to be a collections agency. This suggests that while the medical care provided by Dr. Polam may be highly regarded by some patients, the administrative aspects of his practice, specifically billing, may present challenges for others. This billing appears to be handled separately from UPMC, even when the associated procedures occur at a UPMC facility.

Given the conflicting feedback, it's challenging to identify specific promotional information. However, the positive patient testimonial serves as a powerful, albeit unsolicited, promotion of Dr. Polam's clinical abilities and patient care. Cardiologists often promote their expertise in specific procedures, their experience in managing complex cardiac conditions, and their commitment to patient well-being. Dr. Polam's apparent success in managing a patient with stents and his caring approach would likely be points of emphasis for his practice. However, prospective patients may want to inquire specifically about billing procedures and payment options to ensure a smooth administrative experience.

For individuals in Blawnox, PA, and the surrounding areas searching for a "Heart Doctor Near Me," Chandra Polam, MD, offers a local option with at least one strong endorsement highlighting his experience and compassionate care, particularly in interventional cardiology. While the positive review focuses on his clinical skills and the life-saving care provided to a patient with stents, potential patients should be aware of the reported significant issues with the separate billing process associated with his practice. It would be advisable to inquire about billing procedures during an initial consultation.

In conclusion, Chandra Polam, MD, a cardiologist located in Blawnox, PA, is presented as an experienced and caring physician, particularly noted for his work with patients requiring stents. The positive patient testimonial underscores his clinical skills and dedication to his patients. However, prospective patients should be aware of a reported problematic billing process that appears to be separate from any UPMC affiliations. While Dr. Polam's medical expertise seems to be a significant feature, the administrative aspects of his practice warrant consideration. Local users seeking a cardiologist in the Blawnox area may find Dr. Polam's clinical skills to be a valuable asset, but should be prepared to address potential billing complexities.