Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Clare

Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Clare, located at 11311 Bridgeport Way SW Suite 304, Lakewood, WA 98499, USA, is a healthcare provider offering cardiac and vascular services to the local community. Operating under the umbrella of a larger healthcare system, they aim to serve as a "Heart Doctor Near Me" for residents in the Lakewood area seeking specialized care for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. The suite number suggests that this practice is situated within a medical building that likely houses other healthcare providers and services.

The environment of Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Clare is likely a standard medical office setting, designed to facilitate patient consultations, examinations, and potentially some in-office procedures. Patients can expect waiting areas, examination rooms equipped for cardiac and vascular assessments, and administrative spaces for staff. As part of a larger healthcare network, the practice may have access to broader hospital facilities within the St. Clare system for more complex diagnostic procedures or treatments if needed.

Based on the name, Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Clare likely offers a range of services focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions related to the heart and vascular system. These services typically include:

• General Cardiology Consultations: Evaluation of patients with various cardiac symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. This involves a review of medical history, physical examination, and risk factor assessment.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A standard test to measure the electrical activity of the heart, helping to diagnose arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac issues.
• Echocardiography: Ultrasound imaging of the heart to assess its structure and function, including valves and chambers.
• Stress Testing (Exercise and/or Pharmacological): Monitoring heart function during physical exertion or with medication to detect coronary artery disease and assess exercise capacity.
• Holter and Event Monitoring: Ambulatory ECG monitoring to detect intermittent heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Vascular Evaluations: Assessment of blood vessels, potentially including ultrasound studies to check for conditions like peripheral artery disease or venous insufficiency.
• Management of Heart Conditions: Treatment and ongoing care for conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease.
• Hypertension Management: Diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Lipid Management: Evaluation and treatment of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders.

The features of Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Clare likely include its affiliation with the broader Franciscan healthcare system, potentially offering patients access to a network of specialists and hospital resources. The presence of multiple physicians, as indicated by the reviews mentioning Dr. Lucy Lin and Dr. Ng, suggests a team-based approach to care. The location within Lakewood provides a local option for residents seeking cardiac and vascular services.

However, the provided reviews present a mixed picture of patient experiences at this location. One review details a highly negative experience involving significant delays in scheduling, a last-minute cancellation after a year-long wait, and a perceived lack of empathy and accommodation for the patient's specific needs and history of trauma. The patient also expresses concerns about not being taken seriously regarding their symptoms and reports a concerning interaction with Dr. Lucy Lin regarding an elevated heart rate being deemed "normal." This review raises serious concerns about appointment management, patient sensitivity, and potentially the thoroughness of care provided in at least one instance.

Conversely, the second review offers a glowing assessment of Dr. Ng, describing him as an "incredible cardiologist for POTS patients." The reviewer, who traveled from Portland to see Dr. Ng, highlights his informative approach, his acknowledgment of the limitations of conservative treatments for their condition, and his discussion of advanced treatment options. This positive feedback suggests that at least one of the physicians at this location possesses specialized knowledge and provides excellent care for specific cardiovascular conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

Given these contrasting experiences, it is challenging to provide a uniformly positive or negative assessment. The presence of Dr. Ng, who is highly recommended for POTS patients, is a significant positive feature for individuals with this condition seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me" in the Lakewood area. His expertise and patient communication skills appear to be exceptional.

On the other hand, the negative review raises serious concerns about appointment scheduling, communication, patient sensitivity, and potentially the accuracy of medical assessments provided by at least one other physician, Dr. Lucy Lin. This discrepancy in patient experiences underscores the importance of considering individual needs and potentially seeking more information or alternative opinions before choosing this practice.

Currently, there is no specific promotional information provided for Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Clare. However, the positive review regarding Dr. Ng could be seen as a form of endorsement for patients with POTS or related dysautonomia. For individuals seeking a cardiologist with expertise in these areas, Dr. Ng at this location appears to be a highly recommended option, making the drive from even out of state worthwhile for some.

For local users in Lakewood, WA, seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me," Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Clare offers a conveniently located option. However, the conflicting patient reviews suggest that experiences may vary significantly depending on the specific physician and the nature of the cardiac or vascular issue. Individuals with POTS may find Dr. Ng to be an excellent resource, while others may want to inquire further about the experiences and approaches of other physicians within the practice, such as Dr. Lucy Lin, in light of the negative feedback received.

In conclusion, Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Clare in Lakewood, WA, provides cardiac and vascular services within the local community. While Dr. Ng is highly praised for his expertise in POTS, a concerning negative review highlights potential issues with appointment management, patient sensitivity, and the perceived quality of care from at least one other physician. Potential patients should consider these contrasting experiences and perhaps seek additional information or referrals to make an informed decision about their cardiac care needs in the Lakewood area.