Your Visit | Overview
Boston Children’s Outpatient Cardiology specializes in family-centered care. You and your family are integral parts of our care team. You will work with a team of professionals who are committed to supporting all of your family’s physical and psychosocial needs.
For your convenience, aside from the hospital’s main campus, we have seven satellite clinics staffed by cardiologists who rotate to these locations on a regular basis. Those teams usually include a nurse, nurse practitioner, echocardiographer, and, occasionally, a pediatric cardiology fellow who is in training.
What to expect on your first visit
On your first visit, we will review your medical history and give you a physical examination. You might also have one or more non-invasive diagnostic tests, including:
- An electrocardiogram (EKG)
- An echocardiogram (echo)
- Holter and event monitoring
- Exercise stress testing or a stress-echocardiogram
We might also need to use cross-sectional imaging technologies — two- and three-dimensional CT scans and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — to provide us with a deeper understanding of your cardiac health.
How long will I be there?
Expect to spend a minimum of two hours if you are scheduled for a clinic visit and echocardiogram. Often, any necessary additional testing can be completed on the same day, although scheduling conflicts sometimes require a return visit.
Who performs the exams?
You will be assigned a cardiologist who is responsible for coordinating all of your care throughout your lifetime. A cardiology fellow may assess you first and then discuss their findings with your primary cardiologist. If that happens, both cardiologists will return to examine you and will explain their findings.
In some instances, a nurse practitioner will perform your first evaluation and give information to your cardiologist. Together, the team will evaluate you, discuss findings, and make recommendations about further testing and follow-up visits. Our entire team always aims to make your visit easier and more efficient. We always give you an opportunity to contact team members if you have questions later.
How do I make an appointment?
Want to make an appointment? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team: Please call 617-355-2079, or email heart@childrens.harvard.edu.
If you need to schedule a lab visit, please call 617-355-6355.
How do I access results and other information?
All visits to Outpatient Cardiology are summarized in a letter sent to your referring pediatrician. Families have access to health records, test results, and other information on the MyChildren’s Patient Portal. If you have trouble accessing the portal or have questions, please call 617-919-4396.
Who do I contact for financial assistance?
Have questions about billing, insurance, or financial assistance? Please call 617-355-3397 or check out these resources.