Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a list of frequently asked questions by our patients. We hope this information helps to answer any questions you may have, but encourage you to contact us if you need additional assistance.
Q: Can I refer myself to see a cardiologist or does my primary physician have to send me?
A: Bluestem Cardiology accepts self referrals. We frequently receive self-referrals for difficult to control blood pressure or patients who feel they are at risk for heart disease because of a strong family history or are experiencing symptoms that could be heart related.
A: Yes, after we see each patient an office note is dictated and a copy of each note is sent to the patient’s family physician. We may co-manage some medical problems with your family physician and many heart related problems may overlap with problems your family physician may caring for.
A: We ask that all patients bring a current list of their medications or their bottles of medications for our review. Many patients obtain medications from more than one physician and to ensure that your medications are safe and effective, we need a current list that includes the dosage and frequency.
If you have new insurance information, please bring this with you. New patients are asked to arrive 15-20 minutes early to complete information about your medical history. It is always beneficial when patients bring in recent blood pressure readings.
A: Cardiologists diagnose and manage conditions and disorders of the heart and major arteries include high blood pressure, heart attacks, irregular rhythms and electrical disturbances of the heart, low blood pressure, and blockages in the major arteries of the heart, neck and extremities. Cardiologists also focus on identification and management of risk factors, that lead to heart attack, stroke and heart failure. Classic symptoms are described as a pressure type pain in the center of the chest that is similar to “someone sitting on my chest” or a “vice around my chest”. Chest pain is usually accompanied by nausea, sweating and/or shortness of breath. Pain caused by a heart attack usually comes on very quickly and may radiate into the left arm, neck or jaw. A heart attack is a life threatening condition that requires emergent medical attention.
A: Mid-level practitioners are nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They are college educated health professionals that practice under the supervision of our cardiologists. In our practice they work in collaboration with our cardiologists and see patients with the physicians and in independent clinics. They can order tests, manage many cardiac conditions and prescribe medications. They works closely with each of our physicians and are trained to use current guidelines and scientific evidence. We utilize the mid-level practitioners in the office and in the hospital.
A: Most medical professional accept a blood pressure of less than 135/85 as normal. A normal blood pressure is essential in preventing many different types of heart conditions, such as hypertensive heart disease, stroke and heart failure.
A: Classic symptoms are described as a pressure type pain in the center of the chest that is similar to “someone sitting on my chest” or a “vice around my chest”. Chest pain is usually accompanied by nausea, sweating and/or shortness of breath. Pain caused by a heart attack usually comes on very quickly and may radiate into the left arm, neck or jaw. A heart attack is a life threatening condition that requires emergent medical attention.
A: There are several medical conditions and multiple lifestyle choices that increase an individual's risk for developing blockages in the coronary arteries that ultimately cause a heart attack. The more risk factors the greater the risk of developing coronary artery disease and your overall life time risk.
Risk factors include: 1. Age
2. High blood pressure
3. Diabetes
4. Family history in first degree relative especially before age 50.
5. Elevated cholesterol levels
6. Smoking
A: No. The incidence of heart disease in women is increasing and actually affects more women than breast cancer.
A: Generally speaking, it is our goal for each patient to develop a relationship with the physician of their choice. As a new patient, you may be assigned to the first available provider, if you have not specified a preference. This will usually become your primary cardiologist, who will follow your case. If you are seen in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital, you will be seen by the “On-Call” cardiologist, as our providers rotate daily call for emergencies and admissions. They have access to all records and test results from the office and can discuss your case with your primary cardiologist if needed.
Q: If I am an established patient, and have problems when the office is closed, is there any way to speak to my cardiologist?
A: Our practice has a mid-level practitioner on-call daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. that is available by phone for any urgent heart related calls such as medication questions. Most calls should be handled through the main office during normal business hours. This will allow us access to your records and if you need to be seen quicker than your next scheduled appointment, we can usually secure you an appointment as needed. Life threatening emergencies should go directly to the nearest or emergency room or call 911.
A: Call the hospital operator at 918-333-7200 and ask to speak to staff on call for Bluestem Cardiology. Calls after 8:00 p.m. will be sent to the hospital emergency room.
Q: Will I be notified of my lab or test results.?
A: It is our office policy to only notify patients of abnormal test results. Because of the very large volume of tests and procedures we receive and review each day, we will only contact a patient if a test is abnormal and requires follow-up. If your test was normal we will discuss the results with you at your next visit, but if it is abnormal we will attempt to contact you by phone and provide you with appropriate follow-up care.