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Patient
Resources

Our team is committed to being there for patients throughout their cardiovascular care journey, serving as a trusted resource and partner in healing. We're here to provide support, answer questions, and help you get back to a life you love.

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Financial Policy

Our goal is to keep your insurance or other financial arrangements as simple as possible. In order to accomplish this in a cost-effective manner, we ask that you adhere to our financial policy guidelines.

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New Patient Information

Learn more about our processes and procedures by exploring our new patient information.
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New Patient Packet

Are you a new patient? Prepare for your appointment in advance by accessing our new patient packet.

Patient Notices


Practicing As a Group

This is a group practice and the providers share coverage with each other on an alternating basis after-hours, during the week, and on weekends. This assures you continuity of care, since one of the providers is always available for you 24 hours a day, to meet your medical needs.

Appointments

Patients are seen by appointment Monday through Friday, and we request that you call in advance to schedule so that we can reserve time for you. If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please call and let us know as soon as possible. A 24 hour notice is appreciated.

We will make every effort to honor your appointment time, however emergency situations occasionally arise and create delays. We appreciate your patience on these occasions.

Office Visit Reminders

Bring all of your medicines (in the original containers)
Bring your insurance cards
Bring your copay or deductible at the time of the visit
Bring current medical records including any recent diagnostic testing

Telephone Advice or Questions

If you have a medical question, please feel free to call the office with non-emergency calls between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. when your records are readily available. Our nurses and staff are specially trained to answer your questions and pass information between you and your physician. We will make every attempt to return your call by the end of the day.

Emergencies

In the case of a non-life threatening emergency, please contact the office, 24 hours a day. Our professional answering service will connect you with the physician on-call for after-hours emergencies. For any life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Prescriptions

If you need a refill on your medication, please call your pharmacy and they will check with your physician regarding refill requirements. If you call the office for a refill, please have the phone number of your pharmacy ready so that we can expedite your request. Routine prescriptions are filled within 24-48 hours of request by either the patient or pharmacy. Medications will not be refilled after-hours, on weekends, or on holidays. Please plan ahead before you run out of your medication.

Insurance & Business Office

Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona is contracted with most insurance plans. For proper claims processing, we will require a current copy of your insurance card at the time of the visit, and your insurance benefits will be verified by our office staff. Please note that once we have billed your insurance, a diagnosis cannot be changed.

It is the patient’s responsibility to be familiar with policy benefits and to know if authorization or referral is required. Since most primary care offices and insurance carriers cannot process a referral in less than 7-14 days, please contact your insurance carrier/primary care office well in advance of your appointment date here.

Co-pays and co-insurance payments are due at the time services are rendered. For those patients with large deductibles, limited benefits, or for those who are without medical coverage, our billing department will be happy to create a payment program for you. We do not wish anyone to be denied medical care because of a financial hardship. If you have any difficulty understanding or paying your bill, we encourage you to contact our billing department.

Laboratory, Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine

Your insurance carrier has contracted with a specific laboratory for the processing of laboratory testing, as well as a specific center for Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine testing. The processing lab and/or testing center will bill your insurance carrier directly for the services provided. It is the patient’s responsibility to verify benefits and coverage of these services.

Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona routinely reports the results of all laboratory, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine services to our patients. If you do not hear from the office by phone or by mail within 14-21 days following your testing, please contact the office regarding your results.

Medical Records – Release of Information

To request a copy of your medical records, please complete our medical release form, listed below. To request records from your primary care doctor or another specialist, please download and complete the form below.

Download Medical Records Release Form
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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to stay heart-healthy and reduce my risk of heart issues?

The most important things you can do to prevent further heart issues and live a long, healthy life are:

  • Follow a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and added sugars. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily or as tolerated. Walking, swimming, and other aerobic exercise promotes heart health.
  • Take all prescribed medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions.
  • If you smoke, commit to quitting.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Manage stress levels through yoga, meditation, counseling, or other outlets.
  • Get enough quality sleep each night.
  • Keep all follow-up care appointments to monitor your health.
The more diligently you follow heart-healthy lifestyle habits and manage other health conditions, the better you will feel. We are here to provide support and guidance every step of the way.

What causes high blood pressure and how can I reduce it?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, generally develops over time. Common causes include an unhealthy diet, inactivity, obesity, genetics, diabetes, and kidney disease. Getting your blood pressure checked regularly is essential in diagnosis, as high blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms until it reaches a point where it becomes a hypertensive crisis. 

Lifestyle changes and medications can help lower your blood pressure. Our doctors will work with you to develop a plan to keep you healthy and feeling well.

What causes heart arrhythmias and are they dangerous?

Heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeat become disrupted. There are different types, with some causes including:

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, or prior heart attack that has damaged the heart’s electrical system
  • Congenital heart abnormalities present from birth
  • Imbalances in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, or magnesium
  • Effects of caffeine, alcohol, medications, or stimulants
  • Physical causes like sleep apnea or thyroid disorders
  • Stress or strenuous exercise

Sometimes, there is no identifiable cause for an arrhythmia. Whether an arrhythmia is dangerous depends on the type, frequency, and one’s overall heart health. Some may cause bothersome symptoms but are otherwise benign. However, certain arrhythmias can significantly raise the risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest. The good news is very effective treatments are available for most arrhythmias.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

A heart attack is a serious medical condition. If you suspect you may be having a heart attack, call 911. Common symptoms of a heart attack:

  • Chest pain or discomfort, often described as tightness, pressure, squeezing
  • Pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, or back
  • Shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, sweating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Fatigue for days leading up to an event

What tests will I need to diagnose my heart condition?

Common diagnostic tests include an EKG, echocardiogram, stress test, CT scan, or cardiac catheterization. The SWCVA team will recommend the appropriate tests based on your symptoms and medical history.

What are peripheral vascular conditions?

Peripheral vascular conditions affect the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. Some common peripheral vascular conditions include:

  • Peripheral artery disease: A narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs, arms, stomach, or kidneys due to fatty plaques, causing pain, cramping, or fatigue in affected areas.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A condition in which blood clots form in the body's deep veins, often the legs.
  • Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): A condition causing impaired blood flow, leading to leg swelling and varicose veins.
  • Pelvic congestive syndrome: A common cause of chronic pelvic pain, this condition arises from problems with blood flow in pelvic veins.

At SWCVA, we can help diagnose and treat your peripheral vascular condition to ease your pain and help you get back to your life.

More on Cardiovascular Conditions