Gerald Beckham MD

For individuals residing in Whittier, California, and the surrounding areas seeking a local heart doctor, Gerald Beckham MD offers cardiology services at his office located at 12462 Putnam St #203, Whittier, CA 90602. As a listed provider in the "Heart Doctor Near Me" category, Dr. Beckham's practice aims to serve the cardiovascular health needs of the local community. Patients can contact his office directly at (562) 789-5430 or +1 562-789-5430 for inquiries or to schedule appointments.

While specific details about the environment of Dr. Beckham's office are not readily available online, medical offices typically strive to create a professional and comfortable setting for patient consultations and examinations. Patients can likely expect a waiting area and private examination rooms designed to facilitate effective communication and medical assessments. The focus is generally on providing a space where patients feel at ease discussing their health concerns with their physician.

The services offered by Gerald Beckham MD, as a cardiologist, would typically encompass a range of diagnostic, treatment, and preventative care for various heart conditions. Based on the available patient reviews, Dr. Beckham has experience in monitoring pre-existing heart conditions over time, as indicated by the patient who received echocardiograms for a bicuspid valve for ten years. This suggests expertise in the long-term management of chronic cardiac issues and the use of diagnostic imaging techniques like echocardiography.

The first patient review provides a detailed account of their experience with Dr. Beckham. This patient was under Dr. Beckham's care for a bicuspid valve, with regular monitoring of their ejection fraction (EF). The review notes that in November 2023, Dr. Beckham observed a slowing of the valve function, leading to a slightly reduced EF of 60%, and advised a follow-up in six months, with instructions to contact him if chest problems arose. Subsequently, the patient's EF significantly declined to 20% by January 2024, accompanied by chest pressure, indicating a state close to heart failure. Dr. Beckham reportedly conducted the necessary tests for a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure. However, the patient was informed that the procedure could not be scheduled until April, and they were advised to go to the emergency room if they experienced heart failure. Seeking a second opinion at Hoag Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, the patient underwent open-heart surgery for a bicuspid valve and aorta replacement, as well as an aneurysm repair, in March 2024. The review strongly criticizes the perceived delay in scheduling the TAVR at the previous facility and suggests that the patient's condition was more critical than initially indicated, culminating in near heart failure before the second opinion led to timely surgical intervention.

In contrast, the second patient review offers a positive perspective on Dr. Beckham's care. This reviewer states that Dr. Beckham has been treating their 90-year-old father for a degenerative heart condition for several months, and both the patient and their father are very satisfied with the treatment received. Notably, the reviewer mentions their father's general distrust of doctors, highlighting the fact that Dr. Beckham has earned his deep trust, as well as the reviewer's own confidence in his abilities.

Considering these two contrasting reviews, it is important for potential patients to approach them with a balanced perspective. The first review raises serious concerns about the timeliness of intervention and communication regarding the urgency of the patient's condition. However, it is a single account and represents one individual's experience. The second review offers a positive testimonial regarding Dr. Beckham's care for an elderly patient with a degenerative heart condition, emphasizing the development of trust and satisfaction with the treatment.

As for the services Dr. Beckham likely provides, based on his specialty as a cardiologist and the information from the reviews, these may include:

• Echocardiography: As mentioned in the first review, Dr. Beckham utilized echocardiograms for monitoring a heart valve condition.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): A standard diagnostic test for evaluating the heart's electrical activity.
• Assessment and Management of Valve Disorders: The first review specifically mentions the monitoring of a bicuspid valve.
• Evaluation of Ejection Fraction (EF): The measurement and monitoring of EF, a key indicator of the heart's pumping efficiency, was a part of the first patient's care.
• Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure: The first patient's experience involved a progression towards heart failure.
• Referrals for Advanced Procedures: Dr. Beckham initiated the process for a TAVR procedure for the first patient.
• Care for Degenerative Heart Conditions: The second review highlights his treatment of a 90-year-old patient with such a condition.
• General Cardiology Consultations: Addressing various heart-related concerns and providing medical advice.

Features of Dr. Beckham's practice may include his experience in long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions, as suggested by the ten-year observation period mentioned in the first review. The development of trust with patients, as highlighted in the second review, could be another key aspect of his patient care approach. However, the contrasting experience in the first review also points to potential concerns regarding communication and the perceived urgency of certain cardiac conditions.

Currently, there is no specific promotional information available for Gerald Beckham MD online. Individuals seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me" in Whittier, CA, will need to consider the available information, including the patient reviews, and make their own informed decisions. Contacting Dr. Beckham's office directly at the provided phone numbers is recommended to inquire about the services offered, the physician's qualifications and experience, and to schedule an appointment.

In conclusion, Gerald Beckham MD is a cardiologist located in Whittier, CA, serving the local community. Patient reviews present contrasting experiences, with one highlighting concerns about the management of a critical cardiac condition and the other praising his care for an elderly patient with a degenerative heart issue, emphasizing the development of trust. Dr. Beckham's services likely include a range of diagnostic tests and management of various heart conditions. Potential patients are encouraged to contact his office directly to obtain more information and determine if his practice meets their individual healthcare needs.