Howard Tee, MD, FACC, FACP

For residents of Vero Beach, Florida, and the surrounding areas seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me," Howard Tee, MD, FACC, FACP, located at 960 37th Pl STE 105, Vero Beach, FL 32960, USA, is a board-certified cardiologist with Fellowships in the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians. Patient reviews offer contrasting perspectives on his practice, highlighting both positive experiences with his medical care and significant concerns regarding office procedures and staff interactions.

Information regarding the specific physical environment of Dr. Tee's office is limited in the provided reviews. One review describes the reception window as "closed" and "unwelcoming," suggesting a potentially impersonal initial point of contact. Another review mentions a "very very busy office," implying a high patient volume which could impact the overall atmosphere and staff workload. Beyond these limited observations, no further details about the clinic's ambiance or facilities are available.

As a cardiologist holding prestigious Fellowships (FACC, FACP), Dr. Howard Tee is qualified to provide a comprehensive range of cardiac services. Based on the positive patient feedback, these likely include:

• General cardiology consultations and management: Addressing various heart conditions and providing ongoing care.
• Prescription management: As indicated by the patient who received a prescription for a non-cardiac issue due to the lack of a primary care physician at the time.
• Expert cardiac care: The positive review explicitly states, "If you are looking for the best cardiac care, Dr. Tee is the doctor!" This suggests a high level of perceived medical expertise.

However, the patient reviews also reveal significant concerns regarding the features of Dr. Tee's practice:

• Difficulties with appointment scheduling and communication: One patient reported a significant delay in obtaining an initial appointment (over a month) and a lack of communication regarding appointment changes or cancellations.
• Unwelcoming reception: The closed reception window and the perceived lack of a pleasant greeting are noted as negative aspects of the initial patient interaction.
• Privacy concerns: The practice of having patients sign in on a sticker with their name and date of birth left visible for an extended period raises concerns about patient privacy.
• Unusual financial policies: The requirement for a patient to sign a form agreeing to pay for services even if their insurance denies coverage, without prior discussion, is described as highly unusual and concerning.
• Demanding immediate payment for old balances without prior notification: The insistence on immediate payment of a $10 balance from over a year prior, without any prior notification to the patient, and the refusal to provide care until it was paid, is a significant point of contention.
• Perceived prioritization of money over patient care: The patient who was denied care due to the $10 balance expressed feeling that financial concerns were prioritized over their urgent need for cardiac care, especially given their elevated blood pressure and ER visit recommendations.
• Busy office and potentially overwhelmed staff: The description of a "very very busy office" suggests that the staff may be under significant pressure, potentially contributing to the communication and administrative issues reported.

There is no promotional information available for Dr. Tee's practice in the provided text. The patient reviews offer starkly contrasting viewpoints. One patient expresses strong satisfaction with Dr. Tee's cardiac care, while the other details a deeply negative experience centered around administrative policies and staff interactions.

For local users in Vero Beach, Florida, seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me," Howard Tee, MD, FACC, FACP, presents a complex scenario. One patient clearly values his cardiac expertise, even recommending him for the "best cardiac care." However, another patient recounts a highly negative experience involving perceived issues with appointment handling, reception, privacy, and, most notably, a strict financial policy that resulted in denied care for a seemingly minor unpaid balance. This raises significant concerns about the practice's administrative efficiency and patient-centeredness.

Prospective patients should carefully consider these contrasting experiences. While Dr. Tee may possess strong clinical skills in cardiology, the reported issues with office policies and staff interactions could significantly impact the overall patient experience. The unusual financial form and the handling of the past due balance, especially in light of the patient's urgent cardiac concerns, are particularly noteworthy. The description of a very busy office might explain some of the administrative challenges, but it does not excuse policies that are perceived as unwelcoming and prioritizing finances over immediate patient needs.

Ultimately, the decision to choose Dr. Tee as your "Heart Doctor Near Me" requires a personal assessment of what aspects of healthcare are most important to you. If you prioritize perceived top-tier cardiac expertise and are willing to potentially navigate administrative hurdles, Dr. Tee might be an option. However, if a welcoming and efficient office environment, clear communication, and patient-centered administrative policies are paramount, the negative review raises serious concerns that should be carefully considered. It may be prudent to seek additional information or consider other cardiologists in the Vero Beach area to ensure a comfortable and comprehensive healthcare experience.