Referrals from your GP or specialist are recommended to ensure care is safe, informed and clinically appropriate. A referral ensures that relevant background information and previous investigations are available before your cardiologist consultation.
Please bring copies of prior test results if available, a current medications list, and any recent hospital discharge summaries. Medicare or concession cards should also be provided where applicable. Clinical guidance or treatment decisions are not provided by email or phone, as medical questions are best addressed during a formal consultation where your full history and context can be considered.
Appointments are structured to support clarity and shared decision-making. The focus is not simply on ordering tests, but on understanding your symptoms, risk factors and overall health context.
Your consultation will typically involve a detailed clinical history and examination, followed by a review of relevant investigations. Diagnostic impressions are discussed openly, and guidance is provided on whether further testing or treatment is appropriate. Not all symptoms or findings require intervention, and recommendations are made with consideration of your goals, the available medical evidence and the expected benefit of any proposed investigation or treatment.
A heart health assessment may be undertaken for symptom evaluation or as part of a preventative cardiology review. This involves a structured assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and may include review of blood pressure patterns, cholesterol levels, metabolic health and family history.
Further testing, such as ECG, echocardiography, ambulatory monitoring, stress testing or imaging, is recommended selectively and only when it is likely to influence management. In many cases outcomes include reassurance and a clear monitoring plan rather than immediate intervention, with the aim of providing clarity, proportionate investigation and evidence-based care.
You will receive a clear explanation of findings and next steps at the conclusion of your cardiologist appointment.
A letter summarising the consultation and recommendations will be sent to your GP or referring doctor to support coordinated care. Follow-up is arranged according to clinical need rather than routine scheduling, with patient preferences also taken into account.
Where procedural care, such as coronary angiography or stent placement, is recommended, it is done only when it is expected to meaningfully improve symptoms or outcomes.
Not every coronary narrowing requires a stent; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with discussion of alternatives and careful consideration of risks and benefits.
