Heart Station
Michael Nibert RRT,BSRT/Director of Respiratory Services
Services & Programs
We work with all age groups performing diagnostic studies to assess cardiopulmonary disorders. These diagnostic studies are interpreted by physicians with medical staff privileges as approved by medical staff credentialing. These diagnostic tests include:
- Stress testing with pulse oximetry monitoring to include nuclear studies (if required)
- Ambulatory pulse oximetry treadmill studies
- Holtor and Event monitoring
- Echocardiography to include Stress Echocardiography
- Electrocardiograms
Description
This is an outpatient cardiac diagnostic service as an extension of the hospitals out-patient departments. The Heart Station is located on the first floor adjacent to Respiratory Care. In order to provide these services, the Heart Station operates a treadmill with digital cardiac monitoring interface, portable pulse oximetry with computerized download capabilities, echocardiography instrumentation, Holtor and Event monitors with computerized scanning instrumentation, and multiple portable electrocardiograph carts.
Process
The beginning of the admission process begins with the referring physician. The office must fax the order, demographics, and pre-certification number along with copies of insurance cards to the centralized scheduling department. In addition, the centralized scheduling department must be called to schedule the diagnostic procedure. Certain diagnostic procedures will not be scheduled until the consulting cardiologist has been notified and agreed to an appointment time. This whole process ensures a seamless registration process with minimal wait time for the customer in the admissions office. The customer should arrive to the admissions office located in the Bed Tower on the first floor 30 minutes prior to the appointment of services. The customer must have followed all the preparatory requirements for the procedure to be done to provide optimal diagnostic results. The customer will be notified of diagnostic testing results by their attending physician. The Heart Station will not provide any preliminary test results to the customer as this is not in compliance with policies and procedures of the department.
FAQs
Q: How long will it take to perform my test?
A: Our customer service approach is to provide quality diagnostic testing in a manner that is as efficient as possible. We strive to have no patient wait more than 30 minutes for a scheduled procedure. The Director of the Heart Station or his designee will be contacted if the wait time exceeds 30 minutes. There are many variables that may delay the customer’s diagnostic testing to include equipment malfunctions, emergent in-patient issues, and physician availability constraints. Each diagnostic test is customer dependant to perform the procedure. We will always strive to provide our diagnostic services in a timely manner that does not compromise quality.
Q: How much will this test cost?
A: This is discussed prior to your arrival with our admissions pre-certification staff as well at time of admissions. I will contact the admissions office if you need further assistance.
Q: May I bring my children the day of my test?
A: College Station Medical Center does not have a day care at the hospital. We ask that you make other arrangements to ensure your children are not in the hospital unsupervised.
Q: Which entrance to the hospital do I use?
A: You may use any public entrance, but we ask that you use the out-patient entrance located on the east side of the campus with out-patient free parking. Personnel at the out-patient information desk will direct or escort you to the Heart Station.