Clinic

Welcome to Cardiology Associates of Northeast Arkansas. We offer all aspects of cardiac care. Our Cardiologists are extensively trained in both the invasive and the noninvasive areas of cardiac care. Because each is an expert in his particular area, you may have an occasion to have both of these groups involved in your care. The noninvasive Cardiologist is specially trained in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, stress testing, carotid and vascular imaging, preventive cardiac care, risk factor identification and modification, research participation, as well as levels of acute care. The invasive Cardiologist is trained in the areas of cardiac cath balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, pacemaker insertion, preventive cardiac care, risk factor modification, research participation, as well as all areas of acute cardiac care.

After Hours
Our Phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it is after hours, the answering service will take a message and the physician on call will call you back.

Office Hours
The office is open Monday through Friday form 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The physicians work by appointment only.

Appointments
Most cardiac patients are referred to us by their family or primary physician. But if you believe you have a heart problem but haven't been referred by a doctor, you are welcome to call our office and speak with one of the nurses. After discussing your situation with you, the nurse will be able to determine if an appointment with a Cardiologist is in order. Most returning patients appointment will be scheduled before you leave our office. If your appointment isn't for six to twelve months, we will mail an appointment card to you.
If it is your first appointment with us, please be timely for that appointment as we need you to fill out a brief information sheet in order to establish you medical record. Also please be sure to bring you health insurance information.

Emergencies
If you or a member of your family experiences a life-threatening situation after hours, please go directly to the closest Emergency Room. Once there, ask the hospital to contact your cardiologist. If you experience problems after hours and feel you need to see or speak with the doctor, feel free to call our office number 870-935-6729, to speak with the Cardiologist on call.
If an emergency occurs during office hours please call the office (870-935-6729). We will discuss your problem and decide whether you need to be seen in the Emergency Room or the office. But, if it is a life-threatening situation, go directly to the Emergency Room. If you have a non-emergency, cardiac-related problem or question, please call during office hours and consult with the nurse.

New Patient Examinations
Your First examination will be a complete cardiac evaluation, which may take an hour to an hour and a half. During the visit the nurse will take you history. The Cardiologist will review this along with you current records and preform a physical examination. Depending on your situation, you may require a stress test, blood work, or additional procedures.
If you have recently had blood work, a treadmill stress test, or chest X-rays, please bring those results with you. This will help to keep your expenses down. Also, please bring all current medications with you.

Credit Policy
Patients will be billed for balances that are not paid by insurance. All balances are the responsibility of the patient. If you have problems paying your account, please call the office so we can arrange a payment schedule.

Precertification
If your insurance company requires precertification for admission or procedures it is ultimately you responsibility to notify the insurance company of the scheduled admission or procedure. However, we will be happy to assist you with the precertification as long as you make us aware that it is required.

Prescription Refills
If your prescription is running low and/or you need a refill, please call to let us know. One of the nurses will verify your prescription and dosage and call it into the pharmacy of your choice.

Insurance
Cardiology Associates assignment on Blue Cross and Medicare. We file insurance claims for all of our patients and will ask you to sign an "authorization of benefits" form, which designates that insurance payments will be sent directly to our office. However, you will be responsible for deductibles and co-insurance payments.