Question 1

Are cardiac testing services provided only for athletes?

Accepted Answer

We are a general diagnostic cardiology clinic and offer our cardiac testing services to everyone, regardless of your exercise habits. Athletes do have special needs when it comes to cardiac testing. Our expertise in regards to the needs of athletes differentiates us as the premiere sports cardiology clinic for the San Francisco Bay Area.

Question 2

Is there an age limit for cardiac testing?

Accepted Answer

We test individuals age 15 and over. There is no upper age limit.

Question 3

What cardiac tests should I have?

Accepted Answer

The kinds of tests you should have depend first of all on whether you are undergoing a screening evaluation or whether you have specific symptoms that concern you.  The tests used as part of a screening evaluation will vary depending on your age and other factors. As a general rule, youth and young adults  are well served with a consultation, 12-lead ECG, and echocardiogram. For individuals who have reached an age at which coronary disease is more prevalent, a coronary calcium scan, CIMT test, stress test, and other tools are available to help assess cardiovascular health.  The testing may be more selective or more exhaustive depending on your needs. We have designed 2 standard packages that fit most of our patients’ needs, but the packages can easily be individualized. Dr. Accad makes himself available at no charge to help plan your evaluation and to answer any question that you may have.  If you have particular symptoms that concern you, then the type of symptoms may warrant that certain specific tests be performed. For example, palpitations are often evaluated with an ECG and with one form or another of a heart rhythm monitor.  Concerns about high blood pressure can be evaluated with different tests, including an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, an echocardiogram, and even a treadmill test, depending on the situation. Again, a brief phone call with Dr. Accad can help plan the consultation and testing strategy.

Question 4

How should I prepare for the day of the cardiac test?

Accepted Answer

Apart from the treadmill stress test, most of our tests do not require any special preparation. Out of respect for those scheduled after you, we ask you to arrive promptly on-time.  If you are delayed more than 10 minutes, we reserve the right to re-schedule your session.  If you are scheduled for a stress test, we recommend: - Your last heavy meal be at least 3 hours before your scheduled appointment, but you may have a light meal one hour before your visit. - Beverages, including tea and coffee, are OK anytime before your visit. - Bring comfortable clothing and shoes to walk or run on the treadmill. - If possible, avoid using cream or lotion on the chest on the morning of your test. - For men, we may use a gentle disposable razor to remove chest hair in the specific spots where the ECG leads are placed.

Question 5

Is cardiac testing safe?

Accepted Answer

The cardiovascular testing we offer is non-invasive and extremely safe. Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to obtain images of the heart and blood vessels and has no known appreciable risks. Stress testing is extremely safe. In non-selective retrospective surveys of medical practices (where testing is done primarily on patients with established or suspected active cardiac disease), the risk of a serious complication is less than 1 in 10,000. We believe the risk in our setting to be much lower, especially as we begin the session with a thorough cardiac history, physical, ECG, and echocardiogram, and our cardiologist is on site conducting the test. In many aspects, we surpass the recommendations for safe stress testing established by the American Heart Association. Furthermore, if one is to have a cardiac complication during exercise, it stands to reason that a medical office is a better setting for such an occurrence, as compared to the park or the trail!

Question 6

Is the information you obtain confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rest assured that all the information obtained during your evaluation remains confidential and is not released to anyone without your expressed consent.

Question 7

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

When you schedule your visit, we ask for your credit card information and a $200 refundable deposit. We kindly request full payment on the day of testing.  We accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards. Our cancellation fees are: $65 for cancellations within 12 to 48 hours prior to the scheduled time of your visit. $95 for cancellations less than 12 hours prior to the scheduled time of your visit.

Question 8

Are the cardiac testing services covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

We will gladly assist you in filling out a claim form so you may obtain reimbursement from your health insurance plan.  Please be advised that we do not have contracts with insurance companies and are considered “out of network.”  Also be advised that reimbursement can vary widely depending on the specific terms of your plan, your deductible, and whether your plan will cover advanced screening evaluations.  Medicare beneficiaries should not expect any reimbursement from Medicare or supplemental plans.

Question 9

Is parking available near Athletic Heart SF?

Accepted Answer

Metered-parking is fairly easy to obtain around the neighborhood. Either bring sufficient coins with you or pay by credit card via the toll-free number marked on the meter or the mobile app shown on the parking meter. You may also find free street parking West of Franklin Street and East of Larkin Street, about 2-3 blocks from Van Ness Avenue. Nearby neighborhood parking garages are also available.

Do you only see and treat athletes?

Is there an age limit for cardiac testing?

What cardiac tests should I have?

Can I order my own tests?

How should I prepare for my cardiac tests?

Is cardiac testing safe?

Is the information you obtain confidential?

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Are your services covered by insurance?

Is parking available near Athletic Heart SF?

Frequently Asked Questions