Dr. Marc W. Mayhew, MD

For individuals in US navigating the complexities of heart health and searching for a suitable "Heart Doctor Near Me," it is essential to consider not only a cardiologist's initial reputation but also how their practice evolves over time and the experiences of long-term patients. While direct access to Dr. Marc W. Mayhew, MD, located at 2050 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA, is not possible for those in US, a detailed examination of a long-term patient's publicly available review offers valuable insights into potential shifts in practice management and patient care that may be relevant when evaluating local cardiologists.

It is crucial to recognize that the following information is based on a single, albeit detailed, patient account and may not reflect the experiences of all individuals who have been under Dr. Mayhew's care. However, this narrative raises significant points about changes in healthcare delivery models, communication practices, and the continuity of care, which are important considerations for anyone seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me" in US.

The review begins with a positive initial assessment of Dr. Mayhew, stating, "Would have given him a 5 star nine years ago." This suggests that Dr. Mayhew initially provided a high standard of care, characterized by concern, caring, and attentiveness to the patient's needs following their husband's heart valve/bypass surgery. This positive initial experience led to a long-term relationship with Dr. Mayhew.

However, the reviewer notes a perceived change over time, stating, "but you know how sometimes doctors get complacent once they've been practicing for that long and their practice has just gotten too big. Well, 9 years ago after my husband's heart valve/ bypass surgery, we researched and found Dr. Mayhew. He seemed very concerned, caring and on top of my husband's care. Over the last few years, we began seeing a change." This observation raises a potential concern about the impact of a growing practice on the level of personalized care provided by a physician.

The most significant change reported by the reviewer is a shift in the point of contact for their husband's care: "Now instead of seeing him every 6-12 months, he sent us to his new project, his heart clinic, where you see only a nurse practioner." This transition to seeing a nurse practitioner instead of the doctor for routine follow-ups is a significant alteration in the delivery of care. The reviewer expresses a concern about the focus at this new clinic, stating, "Their focus seemed to be to encourage medications." This perception of an overemphasis on medication management, potentially at the expense of other aspects of care, is a point to consider for individuals in US seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me."

The patient's husband reportedly "did not care for the practioner that was following him, and it began to feel to him like to him that they were herding cattle in and out of this practice." This strong statement suggests a perceived lack of personalized attention and a feeling of being rushed during appointments at the new heart clinic. This highlights the importance of feeling valued and receiving individualized care from one's healthcare provider.

The review further details issues with appointment management and communication: "We had to cancel an appt at the heart clinic due to a family emergency, and after a couple of months not hearing from them for a reschedule and my husband having some issues, we called to see about getting him seen by the doctor. They told us he had missed 4 appts. How do you miss appts, 2 of which were supposedly between when he was last seen and when he cancelled that one appt. No one called, got no email, nothing. Sounds like either they mixed up patients or someone was trying to cover their tracks." This account raises serious concerns about the clinic's administrative processes, communication with patients regarding appointments, and the accuracy of their records. Effective and reliable communication is crucial for maintaining a positive patient-provider relationship and ensuring continuity of care.

When they were finally able to see Dr. Mayhew, the experience was reportedly unsatisfactory: "We got in an appt with Dr. Mayhew, who seemed rushed, didn't want to discuss the foul up with his staff and these supposed missed appts, told my husband he had so many patients that he could only see him once every 18 months." This suggests a lack of accountability regarding the administrative issues and a significant reduction in the frequency of direct consultation with the doctor. For individuals in US seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me," the ability to have regular and unhurried consultations with their cardiologist is an important factor to consider.

Dr. Mayhew's recommendations during this rushed appointment also raise concerns for the reviewer: "Said he needed to go start Cardiac rehab 3x a week, when anyone who knows my 66 year old husband, knows he could out work anyone around him." This suggests a potentially generic recommendation without a thorough consideration of the patient's individual circumstances and physical capabilities. The reviewer's subsequent research and consultation with a new cardiologist revealed a different perspective on cardiac rehabilitation for her husband, based on his ejection fraction and the need for updated testing.

The positive experience with the new cardiologist further highlights the shortcomings perceived in Dr. Mayhew's current practice: "The new doctor...spent over an hour with us explaining in detail what he thought was going on and set up testing to verify his thoughts. Said he did not want my husband doing Cardiac rehab, as per the last echo a year and a half ago showing his EF being so low, that it needed to be rechecked before he should start and cardio anything, and he also needed a stress test he had not had since before his surgery over 9 years ago & bloodwork. The new doctor said then we will get a game plan in place. I even had to call the new doc two days later as my husband's blood pressure dropped low, and he called me himself within 5 minutes of me leaving my message. Glad we found this new doc who seems interested in my husband's best interest..." This comparison underscores the value of thorough consultations, individualized treatment plans based on recent diagnostic testing, and responsive communication from a cardiologist.

The reviewer concludes with a direct message to Dr. Mayhew: "maybe Dr. Mayhew needs to reevaluate this program he has created, as well as the number of patients he is trying to follow. Start back at the basics to give your patients the attention they need." This plea emphasizes the importance of maintaining a patient-centered approach, even as a practice grows.

Dr. Marc W. Mayhew, MD, can be contacted at (423) 230-5000 or via mobile phone at +1 423-230-5000. His practice is located at 2050 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA. For individuals in US seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me," this detailed account serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for changes in practice management to impact the patient experience. When choosing a cardiologist, it may be beneficial to inquire about the frequency of direct consultations with the doctor, the role of nurse practitioners or other allied health professionals in the practice, the clinic's communication protocols, and the doctor's approach to individualized care and treatment planning based on recent diagnostic findings.

In conclusion, this in-depth review of a long-term patient's evolving experience with Dr. Marc W. Mayhew, MD, offers valuable lessons for individuals in US searching for a "Heart Doctor Near Me." It highlights the importance of considering not only initial reputation but also the ongoing quality of care, the model of practice management, the effectiveness of communication, and the degree of personalized attention provided by a cardiologist. When selecting a heart doctor in US, prioritize clear communication, regular direct consultations, individualized treatment plans based on thorough and recent evaluations, and a practice that demonstrates a genuine commitment to patient-centered care throughout the duration of the relationship.