INDEPENDENT HEART AND VASCULAR REVIEW
Cardiology second opinions in Mesa, Arizona
Understand your previous testing, diagnosis, and treatment options with another perspective from Nachiket J. Patel, MD, FACC, FSCAI. Meet for a consultation or ask about a focused written review of your existing records.
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON YOUR HEART CARE
Choose the review that fits your question
Compare a consultation with a focused written review of your existing records.
You can stay with your cardiologist and still seek another perspective.
| What to compare | Consultation | Written records review |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Discussing symptoms, previous tests, and treatment options with Dr. Patel. | A focused question about existing records or a proposed care plan. |
| What is involved | A clinical evaluation and a discussion of your questions. Examination, testing, or follow-up may be appropriate. | A written assessment of relevant records and available original images, explaining findings, uncertainties, and suggested next steps. |
| Visit arrangements | Selected consultations may be available by video for patients located in Arizona. Ask the office what suits your situation. | A scheduled phone or video discussion is not routinely required. Some questions need more records or a clinical visit. |
| Get started | Request a consultation | Ask about a written review |
Fees and next steps
Request a fee quote before deciding whether to proceed. The office will confirm whether a written review is suitable for your question and location, what the quoted fee includes, expected timing, and payment arrangements.
Uninsured or paying without insurance? Read about your right to a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling or requesting a written review.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
How to Begin
Tell us your question
For a written review, send a brief secure inquiry; records can follow. For a consultation or help getting started, call 480-571-1863.
Share the relevant records
Upload what you have or authorize us to request outside records. See the delivery options below.
Confirm the next step
Confirm the review’s scope and arrangements with the office before proceeding.
Video visits and traveling to Mesa
Video consultations for Arizona patients: Selected second-opinion consultations and follow-ups can take place by video when an in-person examination or office testing is not needed. You must be located in Arizona for the visit. Call the office to confirm whether video is suitable before making travel plans.
If you are traveling to Mesa, call 480-571-1863 before making plans. The office can confirm whether a consultation or written review suits your question and location. Ask how to send available records securely and whether original images are needed. An online request does not book an appointment; confirm your visit before traveling.
Which records are useful?
THE COMPLETE CLINICAL PICTURE
Please provide the available records and images that shaped the original recommendation. The office can help identify what is most useful.
Your history and goals
Current symptoms, medical history, medications, prior treatment, relevant risk factors, and the decision you are trying to make.
Clinical records
Relevant office notes, hospital records, laboratory results, procedure reports, and operative recommendations.
Testing and imaging
Coronary angiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests, rhythm monitoring, cardiac CT, coronary calcium scoring, vascular imaging, and other relevant studies.
Original image files
A written report summarizes a study. When available, the actual image files may allow Dr. Patel to review the findings directly.
About Dr. Patel
A FOCUSED REVIEW WITH DR. PATEL
Nachiket J. Patel, MD, FACC, FSCAI, is board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine and an author or co-author of more than 70 publications.
What could the review recommend?
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
Depending on the findings and your goals, the review may identify one or more of these options.
Reassurance
The available information may support the original recommendation or show that no immediate change is needed.
Medical therapy and prevention
Medication, risk-factor treatment, or prevention may be the most appropriate focus.
Observation and follow-up
Monitoring symptoms or findings over time may be reasonable when immediate action is unlikely to add benefit.
Further testing
Another study may be useful when its result is reasonably likely to clarify the question or change the plan.
Procedure discussion
When an intervention remains a reasonable option, the assessment can address its purpose, alternatives, limitations, and important risks and benefits.
Another specialist
Some questions are best addressed with input from a cardiac surgeon or another cardiovascular specialist.
HOW TO PREPARE
How to Get Your Records to Us
Paper records are welcome. Choose the option that is easiest for you.
Questions and optional worksheets
Write down: the decision you are trying to make and the questions you most want answered.
Optional printable worksheets
- Questions Before a Planned Test or Procedure (PDF) — discuss alternatives, benefits, and risks.
- Preparing for Your Visit (PDF) — organize your concerns and next steps.
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
Common Questions
Will I automatically need another test?
No. Additional testing is considered only when its result is reasonably likely to clarify the question or change the plan. Existing records and original images may already provide important information.
Can I keep my current cardiologist?
Yes. You can request a focused review while continuing care with your current cardiologist. Seeking another perspective does not require a disagreement or a transfer of care. You can share Dr. Patel’s written summary with your treating physician.
Can I receive a written review without a phone or video visit?
A scheduled discussion is not routinely required for an accepted written review. The office first confirms that your question, location, and available records are suitable. Some concerns require additional information or a clinical visit.
Does the written review include new tests or ongoing care?
The written review addresses the agreed question using existing information. Test orders, medication management, and ongoing follow-up require a separate clinical care plan. The office will explain the next step if further evaluation is recommended.
Can I request a review from outside Arizona?
Availability depends on your location and the service requested. Tell the office where you will be located so it can confirm the appropriate option before proceeding.
How do I send records and images?
Use a secure upload, paper copies, or a records authorization. Choose a records-delivery option, or call 480-571-1863 for help with original images.
Will insurance cover the consultation?
Coverage depends on your plan, network, and benefits. The office can help verify participation, but your insurer makes the final coverage decision. Review the insurance information or call before scheduling.
Should I change treatment while I wait?
Do not stop medication, cancel urgent care, or change a treatment plan without speaking with the clinician currently treating you. If symptoms may be an emergency, call 911.
Helpful reading before your second opinion
Prepare for your second opinion
Organize your questions, records, medication list, and prior images before your visit.
What a stress test can tell you
Understand what a stress test can show, its limitations, and why your symptoms still matter.
When another heart test helps
Questions to discuss with your clinician before repeating a test or considering a new one.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Request a Second Opinion
Call 480-571-1863 or submit a non-urgent request. The team will explain what records are needed and how to transfer them.
Protect your privacy: Do not include diagnoses, symptoms, medications, test results, or other private medical details in the general request form. Do not send protected health information or imaging files through ordinary email.
