North Carolina Heart & Vascular

For local users seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me," we present an overview of North Carolina Heart & Vascular, located at 910 Berkshire Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577, USA. You can contact them at (919) 989-7909 or +1 919-989-7909. It's important to consider various aspects of a healthcare provider, including the quality of medical care, the efficiency of administrative processes, and the overall patient experience. The information available for North Carolina Heart & Vascular primarily comes from online reviews, which offer insights into these areas.

Based on the limited review information, there appear to be significant concerns regarding the patient experience at North Carolina Heart & Vascular in Smithfield. One patient recounted a deeply negative experience with a Dr. Akhtar, alleging that despite multiple visits and tests indicating a potential cause for their symptoms, the doctor disregarded these findings and the patient's experiences. This patient also reported not receiving test results and being contacted nearly a month later for a seemingly urgent appointment due to falling "through the cracks." Furthermore, they claimed that Dr. Akhtar kept them on a medication for months that was ineffective and harmful. Ultimately, this patient sought care elsewhere and found a diagnosis and appropriate treatment at another institution. This experience strongly suggests potential issues with communication, attentiveness to patient concerns, and the continuity of care with Dr. Akhtar.

Another patient reported a mixed experience. They found the intake staff to be "very friendly" and noted that a Dr. Karha answered all their questions during the consultation. However, the checkout process was described as "horrible." This patient was given a follow-up appointment a year later with a different doctor because Dr. Karha was leaving the practice. This raised concerns for the patient about the rationale for scheduling with a departing physician. Additionally, the checkout staff member seemed rushed and provided a late February appointment for necessary testing, leading the patient to opt for testing at the hospital instead. The patient also reported feeling that their attempts to ask questions, particularly about blood work, were met with aggravation and being talked over, even when they sought assistance at the front desk. This review highlights potential issues with staff communication, appointment scheduling, and the handling of patient inquiries, particularly during transitions in physician staffing.

The available information does not provide specific details about the environment of North Carolina Heart & Vascular in Smithfield. Typically, a heart and vascular center would have a reception area, waiting rooms, consultation rooms for physician-patient meetings, and examination rooms equipped for basic cardiac assessments. Depending on the services offered, there might also be areas for diagnostic testing such as electrocardiograms (ECGs/EKGs) or echocardiograms. However, without specific information, it is difficult to describe the environment of this particular clinic.

Similarly, the limited information does not explicitly detail the comprehensive range of services offered by North Carolina Heart & Vascular at this location. Generally, a heart and vascular center would provide services such as:

• Cardiac consultations and evaluations
• Diagnostic testing, including but not limited to stress tests, ECGs/EKGs, echocardiograms, and potentially Holter and event monitoring
• Management of various cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias
• Preventive cardiology services and counseling on heart-healthy lifestyles
• Follow-up care and long-term management of cardiac conditions

Given the negative feedback concerning specific doctors (Dr. Akhtar leaving the practice according to one review) and administrative processes, it is challenging to highlight positive features of this particular location based solely on the provided reviews. The friendly intake staff mentioned by one reviewer could be considered a positive aspect of the initial patient interaction. However, the subsequent negative experiences overshadow this initial positive impression.

Currently, there is no promotional information available for North Carolina Heart & Vascular in Smithfield based on the provided text. It is always advisable to inquire directly with the center about any ongoing promotions, special programs, or payment options they may offer.

For local users seeking a "Heart Doctor Near Me" and considering North Carolina Heart & Vascular in Smithfield, it is strongly recommended to carefully consider the available patient feedback. The reviews raise significant concerns about the quality of care provided by at least one physician, communication issues, administrative inefficiencies, and the handling of patient inquiries. The experience of one patient who felt their concerns were disregarded and their treatment was ineffective is particularly concerning for those seeking reliable and attentive cardiac care. The other review highlights problems with appointment scheduling, communication during checkout, and the impact of physician departures on patient continuity of care.

Prospective patients may want to exercise caution and consider these reported negative experiences when making their decision. It would be prudent to seek additional reviews or testimonials from other patients to gain a broader perspective if considering this practice. Alternatively, exploring other options within the "Heart Doctor Near Me" category in Smithfield might be advisable to ensure a more positive and effective healthcare experience.

Given the serious nature of the allegations in the negative reviews, it is essential for individuals with cardiac concerns to prioritize practices that demonstrate clear communication, attentiveness to patient needs, efficient administrative processes, and continuity of care. While every medical practice can have isolated negative experiences, the issues raised in these reviews warrant careful consideration.

We strongly encourage users to conduct thorough research and consider multiple options before choosing a heart and vascular center. Contacting the practice directly to discuss concerns raised in reviews and to inquire about their policies and procedures may provide further clarity. However, the available information suggests that there may be potential challenges in receiving optimal care and a positive patient experience at this particular North Carolina Heart & Vascular location in Smithfield.