Barry's Patient Advice: Find The Best Heart Surgeon for You!
I have to congratulate Barry for being his own... best... patient advocate.
That's right. Given the common referral pattern - from primary care physician to cardiologist to surgeon - it's fairly easy to let the health system (and the insurance companies) dictate your heart surgeon selection process. Instead, I always encourage patients to find the right surgeon for them. And, for the patient's specific valvular disorder.
Just one quick look at Barry's heart surgeon research chart (shown below), I knew that Barry took his procedure very seriously.
As I constantly share with patients, "Heart surgery is a whole lot different that getting your hair cut. You need to do your homework. You need to ask surgeons the tough questions. And, second opinions are a great idea considering the different types of therapies now available to patients." For more about the questions to ask surgeons, click here.
Throughout this research process, it might get frustrating for patients. It might be time consuming. It might be complicated. However, I can assure you... When you are being rolled into the operating room, there is nothing better than having a 100% confidence in your heart surgeon and their medical team.
You might be wondering, "How did Barry do after his aortic valve replacement with Dr. Raymond Singer?" As they say, a picture is worth a 1,000 words. Here's a picture of Barry just one year after his aortic valve procedure.
Great job Barry and thanks for sharing your story and pictures with our community! And, thanks to Dr. Raymond Singer for fixing Barry's heart!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
Patient & Website Founder
Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder
Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.
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Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
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Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.
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Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.