Please scroll through the questions below for further information:
Q. What is an Interventional Cardiologist and how are they different from a regular cardiologist?
A. Dr Flood has an interest in all areas of cardiology, but has undergone specialist high level training in Coronary Artery Angioplasty and Stenting, completing the highest level training as a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians. As an Interventional Cardiologist he looks after people’s individual heart conditions like a non-interventionalist, but is also highly qualified in more specialist procedures. For the patient, this means that Dr Flood can complete most forms of cardiac treatment himself rather than referring to another cardiologist.
Q. How much will a hospital procedure cost?
A. Every procedure has a different cost associated with it. Dr Flood seeks to ensure that angiograms and angioplasty performed in hospital are done so under the ‘no-gap’ agreement available with many health funds. You should check with your health fund to see what costs may be associated with your specific cover.
Q. Will Medicare or my health-fund cover everything?
A. Your health fund will cover the costs of your private hospital unless they have exclusions or gap payments. You should always ring your health fund to ensure you are covered. In the rooms, there is a gap. You are required to pay the full fee and then Medicare will provide you with a rebate. Credit cards are accepted.
Q. How do I pay?
A. The rooms accept cash or credit. You will be asked to pay on the day of consultation. Pensioners are bulk-billed by Dr Flood.
Q. Which hospitals should I go to?
A. Dr Flood has inpatients at the Sydney Adventist Hospital and the Hills Private Hospital. For patients who are not privately insured, Dr Flood has colleagues at Westmead Public Hospital.
Q. What do I do if I think I am having a heart attack?
A. You should call an ambulance immediately. If you are privately insured, ask them to take you to the Sydney Adventist Hospital or the Hills Private. Tell them you are Dr Flood’s patient.
Q. Will I have all tests done on one day?
A. Many people find it is easier to complete tests conducted in the rooms on one day, however, this usually has a smaller rebate from Medicare than doing them separately. Many patients choose to come back to complete tests as a result. Dr Flood or the booking receptionists will discuss options with you when you phone to make a booking. The choices may also be determined by availability and suitability for the patient.
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Q. I am a pensioner. Does this make a difference in payment?
A. All pensioners are bulk-billed by Dr Flood.
Q. How soon after heart treatment can I resume normal sexual activity?
A. It depends on the procedure. If you are told that you should limit exercise after a procedure, such as with a pacemaker or bypass surgery, then you should wait until this recommended time has lapsed, otherwise let your body be your judge.
Q. Can I receive a copy of my results?
A. Yes, if requested.
Q. Do I have to return to the rooms and see Dr Flood to get results back?
A. Yes, if it a part of the treatment. Dr Flood will also discuss your continuing care and answer any questions that you may have at this ‘short revisit’. It also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have.
Q. What are these new CARDIAC CT scans I keep hearing about in the media? What benefits or pitfalls are there?
A. There are several Cardiac CT scanners in Sydney and there has been a lot of hype surrounding them, particularly when the SAN installed one in mid 2007. The CT scan requires an injection and most patients find it painless. It does not require sedation.
These scans offer patients another step in diagnosis. They are particularly useful for patients who are found to have healthy coronary arteries, because these patients do not then have to go through angiography. (Unless they develop heart disease at a later date)
If the scan comes back positive for coronary heart disease, however, an angiogram will still need to be performed on the patient in order to progress to procedures such as angioplasty and stenting.
As of 2007, neither Medicare nor Private Health Funds covered the scans. If you are considering this as an option, you should contact your Health Fund or talk to the hospital for clarification.
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