cardiologist appointments

[Uhrwerk]

hi, having had open heart surgery back in November 2019 can I make an appointment with my cardiologist without getting a referral from my GP?

[Hidden]

If you have been discharged from your cardiologist back to the care of the GP you most likely will need a referral.

[Hidden]

hello yes a referral by GP is needed, i last saw my local cardiologist in October 2022 and GP refused to write to that specific cardiologist and has written referral letter to the cardiology team for them to allocate.

have had another thought, I contacted my cardiologist secretary and luckily I had not been discharged but put on their “watch” list so I’ve been able to book an appointment directly. This might because it’s only been a few months though whereas in your case it’s been a few years?

Could be worth a phone call especially if you felt comfortable with that particular cardiologist, a good one that listens is as easy to find as a unicorn.

[Chickenlou]

My fiancé was discharged back to his GP a few months after his CABG.

Then he needed to see the cardiologists again as he started having AFib symptoms again. The GP had to refer him back to cardiology again. (As it was a new episode of care.)

[Sheilad3]

Not sure. If you feel unwell then maybe your GP will refer you. I had heart surgery 2020 and seen cardiologist 2022 and not be seen again until 2025 unless having problems