FAQ

• Should I still attend my appointment during the Covid-19 pandemic?

  To ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff, WA Cardiology is closely monitoring the situation with regard to COVID-19 and adhering to the WA Health Department guidelines.
  Regular updates and advice on the disease are being provided by the Department of Health and can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert#how-to-protect-yourself-and-others.

  All patients should only attend their scheduled appointment if they have not come into contact with Covid19 and are feeling well. Patients who have tested positive for Covid should reschedule their appointment for at least 7 days after testing positive. Thereafter, they should only attend if asymptomatic.

  In the interest of safety for our patients and staff, you must reschedule your appointment if you:

  • Have tested positive for Covid
  • Have any flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or are feeling unwell

  Your Cardiologist may be able to consult with you via Telehealth. Please call their Secretary for more information.

  We continue to take the following steps to mitigate the likelihood of the transmission of Covid-19:

  • Spacing waiting room chairs to maintain an acceptable social distance
  • Having hand sanitising stations available for patients to use upon arrival
  • Practising strict hand hygiene protocols at all times
  • Sterilising all handles, surfaces and medical equipment according to infection control protocols
  • Avoiding unnecessary personal contact (e.g. shaking hands)
  • Removing all magazines and newspapers from waiting rooms

  To limit the number of people entering our rooms, we ask that you attend your appointment by yourself where possible.

  Should the Health Department’s advice change, we will immediately implement their recommendations.

• Do I need a referral from my GP?

  In order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate on your test or consultation, a valid referral from a registered General Practitioner is required.

• When will my result be sent to my GP?

  Please allow 5 working days for your report to be sent to your nominated GP.  If there is a special reason that you require your result sooner, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our utmost to accommodate your request.

• Do I need to stop my medication prior to my test?

  You should not cease any medications unless instructed to do so by your General Practitioner or Cardiologist.  Your Doctor may ask you to cease Betablocker medication 24 hours prior to exercising testing.

• Do I need to fast for my test?

  There is no need to fast for most outpatient cardiology tests.  For Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound tests, you will be required to fast for 4 hours. For Renal Ultrasound tests, you will need to fast for 8 hours.  If you have Diabetes, please do not fast before seeking medical advice.  If you are having an inpatient procedure under a Cardiologist, you will be advised as part of your preparation.

• What is a Pacemaker?

  A pacemaker is a small device inserted under the skin of the chest to help control arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms.  The device is composed of three parts: a pulse generator, one or more leads, and an electrode on each lead.  Pacemakers use low-energy electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.

  A pacemaker may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. You will receive a sedative medication before the procedure to help you relax.  However, you will likely remain awake during the procedure.

  Pacemakers can relieve some arrhythmia symptoms, such as fatigue, dizzy spells, shortness of breath and fainting.  A pacemaker can also help a person who has abnormal heart rhythms resume a more active lifestyle.

  After a pacemaker insertion, regularly scheduled appointments will be made to ensure the pacemaker is functioning properly.

• What is an Angiogram?

  A coronary angiogram or cardiac catheter is the “gold standard” for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD).  The procedure uses X-Rays to investigate the coronary arteries to see if there is narrowing or blockage.  Narrowing in these arteries can cause chest pain (angina) and a blockage can cause a heart attack.

  An angiogram is a ‘day procedure’ performed under local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation, so causes minimal discomfort.  After inserting a contrast dye, the Cardiologist inserts a small catheter through the skin into an artery in either the groin or the wrist to examine the coronary arteries.

  If the Cardiologist identifies a significant narrowing or blockage, the coronary artery may possibly be treated during the angiogram by a technique known as Angioplasty or Stent.

• How do I pay my Account?

  Please refer to our Account Information page.

• Will my account be covered by Medicare or my Private Health Insurer?

  WA Cardiology is a private billing practice.  If you hold a valid Medicare card, your account will be partly covered by Medicare (with the exception of BP monitors).  The remainder of the account will be your responsibility.  Discounts apply to Pensioners and Health Care Card holders. 

  In August 2020, Medicare implemented new restrictions on the frequency of claiming several cardiology tests.  Patients are eligible for rebates on these particular services once within a two year period.  We will inform you at the time of booking if this rule affects to you.

  Private Health Insurance is only applicable for hospital inpatient accounts (including day procedures) and varies depending on your level of cover.