I went to North Coast Cardiology for routine surgical clearance and had a very poor experience. During the visit, I felt repeatedly pressured to undergo additional testing. For the first test, I was told, "Your insurance will pay for it, so you might as well do it." I agreed based on that representation. A second, much more expensive test was presented in a way that relied heavily on fear and uncertainty. After asking the doctor several times whether it was truly necessary, and finally asking whether he would personally spend $1,000 on it under the same circumstances, he said no, so I declined. Despite that, the office later scheduled me for the test I had declined. Worse, the first test was submitted to insurance in a way that resulted in a denial, and I was billed for the full amount. I have called and emailed Emma in billing multiple times to discuss the charge, but no one has responded. Between the pressure to purchase additional testing, the incorrect scheduling, the unexpected bill, and the complete lack of follow-up, this was an extremely disappointing customer experience. There are many cardiology practices to choose from, so I am sharing my experience to help others make an informed decision. read more

My 93 year old mom saw Dr. Ludington today as a new patient, and we couldn't be more impressed. She and her staff were prompt, kind, thorough, and genuinely insightful. They even took my mom's blood pressure manually without being asked, knowing the automatic cuff can be uncomfortable. They tracked down all her records and took a real interest in her as a person, as well the specific nuances of her as a patient. We feel so fortunate to have found her. Highly recommended! read more

I'm a patient of North Coast Cardiology. They have recently expanded care to the wellness area. In my case, my health care has suffered. The patient portal has pull downs to leave a message for providers, and the Cardiologist I've been seeing there for more than one year is not listed. The office is not responsive to important but not urgent queries. From my perspective, my health care has suffered. I can't speak to the new Wellness practice, but be wary of the cardiology practice, which has in my case become a second class practice. read more

Dr. Ludington is an excellent doctor. She takes the time to listen and explain things in a clear and thoughtful way. I felt very well taken care of by a doctor who truely cares about her patients. The office staff was friendly and very efficient. I highly recommend Dr Ludington! read more

Dr Ludington is a wonderful doctor. She takes the time to get to know you and your health, she advocates for her patients, and she explains everything very thoroughly. Everyone at the office is friendly and organized. She has helped improve my quality of life through her recommendations and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of a cardiologist. read more

Arrived on time, no one at front desk, I could here people in the back so I called out, "Hello"; no answer. Thinking that they may be with someone, I waited a bit longer before calling out again "JELLO" person in scrubs comes running ..... Have another appointment, person on phone must not be having a good day. Very short, rude read more

Tried to print copy of my blood test results but they were not available on their web site. Called office and was told they could not direct me on how to navigate the website. I have been going there for several years and feel I am not getting the correct diagnosis for my heart. Go to UCSD if you want real honest professional care. read more

I first met Dr Samani in the OCEANSIDE office. It is a very clean spacious office with little to no wait time. Dr Samani was very attentive and took time to listen carefully, and ordered some tests that I was hoping to get. My parents had a history of heart disease so I've been worried. I was scheduled in the Encinitas for my tests. I had to wait 30 minutes past my appointment time before being called back for my tests. I met with her again after, and she gave detailed results. Even though everything looked great she still took time with me to explain everything and make a couple of recommendations. It's a great Cardiology Clinic. And Dr Samani is very caring. read more

I have been going to this Dr for 2 years They want MONEY They Love To Run Tests and Get the Bill Higher for Insurance Actually I am reporting them to the Dept of Insurance and Anthem They turned me over to collections for a $20 co pay LOL Not to brag But I can afford more then $20 LOL read more

Dr. Katherine Ludington provides outstanding cardiology care. Her attention to detail is second to none. She is a doctor who actually takes the time to review and explain all testing results and recommended care. I was referred to Dr. Ludington by my mother. While I begrudingly made the appointment, I was so very grateful that I was seen by Dr. Ludington. Two of my medications needed to be changed and certain issues were detected that had gone previously undiagnosed. Dr. Ludington is not only an outstanding, well-trained cardiologist, she is an exceptional human being. Hats off to her and her entire staff. It is like a breath of fresh air going to this office for care. Thank you! read more

Dr. Ludington is amazing - knowledgeable, caring, professional, concerned and experienced. I was seen right away for each of my appointments and I never never felt rushed! I also appreciate her skillful and helpful staff. A wonderful experience during a difficult period in my life. Highly recommend! read more

I love North Coast Cardiology especially Dr Ludington. This doctor is very nice and caring. Very knowledgeable and very clear when she explains the diagnosis, lab results, medicines, etc. The office is clean and the office employees are helpful. read more

As we were getting confusing information about getting vaccinated for Covid, we got a call from Dr. Ludington's office saying we could get the shots there. Her staff was amazingly helpful and we are now vaccinated! On top of Dr. Ludington taking care of us for the last several years, she and her staff really outdid themselves in this instance. Thankfully, Lon&Sandy read more

My wife and I received our second Covid vaccination at Dr. Ludington's clinic last Friday. The whole process was so very smooth: there was no waiting around for our first appointment on February 12th - all the paperwork was ready and we were in and out in 30 minutes. Our second appointment went just as smoothly. It does make me wonder why the County does not have more small clinics dispensing the vaccine. North Coast Cardiology is a good model for how to get that done. (Note, I have been one of Dr. Ludington's patients for over ten years and hold her in the highest regard.) Ralph W. Koehrer read more

Both hubby and I are patients of Dr. Ludington and North Coast Cardiology. As patients, we were lucky to be able to schedule both our covid vaccines directly in the office. The both appointments were scheduled for us and all we had to do was show up on time. The entire staff was extremely helpful and answered all our questions. read more

I saw Dr. Katherine Ludington Cardiologist today and she gave me a very good report from a Nuclear Stress Test I had done. She is a Very Good Doctor and caring Woman. I wrote a less than flattering review, last week, about Her Associate , Dr. Pargol Sumani. I was in a bad place at the time I'd written it. I was wrong, as she is also a sweet and caring Doctor as well. You will be Happy with either Doctor, believe me. In addition, the whole staff is very efficient, caring and good! read more

Staff is friendly but the equipment seems old and outdated and I did not have a good experience with the provider I saw. I saw Dr. Samani (who is admittedly no longer with the practice) last November and she promptly dismissed my symptoms as "anxiety". I have never been an anxious person. I lived with this "diagnosis" for a few months before pursuing a second opinion at UCSD where I was promptly given a much more high tech monitoring option and an actual cardiac diagnosis within the span of two appointments. I am now being treated properly with medication and monitoring. In addition to being dismissed prematurely, I have continued to receive very annoying robo calls from the office despite not being a patient here for the last year. Marketing type robo calls from a doctors office are not confidence inspiring. Look elsewhere for high quality care - UCSD and Scripps are great options. read more

Excellent office staff and Dr. Ludington is wonderful! The office is beautiful and comfortable and the ladies in the front greeted me with friendly smiles. They got me in for an urgent appointment within 24 hours. I felt that Dr. Ludington really listened to my concerns and truly cared about me and my well being. I have now sent boht my mom and dad to Dr. Ludington also. Updated January 20, 2015: Saw Dr. L with my mom today and again had a great experience. Diane in the front is really nice and patient (my mom has some Alzheimer's so she's not easy to deal with). The doctor took her time with mom and was really in tune to her complaints and treated her with respect. Many other doctors blow off mom as crazy but not Dr. L. Thank you!! read more

After strong arming me into an appointment before refilling my amlodopine benazepril, I was informed I would also need take a blood test prior to medication approval. Being a holiday week, it was NOT easy to accommodate the requests, but I indeed attended my appointment and had the blood work done by their time line. The next morning, my refill was waiting for me, but unbelievably they called in the wrong medication! Instead of the combination pill, they sent a request for only one of the medications (amlodopine) leaving me to suffer withdrawals from the benzapril that I'd taken with it for over a year, and a holiday week of swollen ankles, chest pain, and nausea. I'm so disgusted at how they've neglected my health and left me in a dangerous position without even returning my call. I spent the money for the initial amlodopine prescription and after finally getting the amlodopine benazepril called in today, I must pay for that now, too. I have zero faith left in this office and am very angry at what their careless actions did to my health and my family's holiday celebration, not to mention the double expense for drugs (especially since I should never have been callously switched and without notice). This office is all about the follow-up appointments, excessive tests, and the almighty dollar. At my appointment I was redirected to the front office no less than three times because their "fill-in" receptionist couldn't navigate taking my $95 payment and after seeing that on the record transferred to the nurse, the nurse repeatedly directed me back to the front office to pay a bill I'd tried to pay the moment I arrived in office. One hand had no idea what the other hand was doing. Horrible coordination and zero compassion. Think twice before going here! read more

I was completely misdiagnosed at this clinic with an aortic aneurysm and heart disease. After my diagnosis I couldn't get a call back from the dr. for more clarification. I had to wait a week to see the actual dr. a physician's assistant was the one who informed me. So unprofessional and absurd. She told me "not to worry." My husband and I were beyond upset. I was able to obtain a second opinion at UCSD within the same week and had a MRI with contrast. It showed no sign of heart disease or any type of heart abnormality. In fact, my blood pressure is super low and my resting heart rate is 49. Get a second opinion if you go here first or at all. I do not recommend going to this clinic. read more

I have been going here for 4 years now, and I am 21 years old. Typically it is fine , aside of the usual extra time they always make you wait because they are running behind. However today I was very disappointed in the practice. The physician who performed my echocardiogram was extremely unprofessional. She talked about how much she wanted to quit this practice and how horrible they are at communication. I had to listen to her talk about how she was going to quit, which was awkward. She then did not leave the room for me to change which was also uncomfortable. I then went to get my halter put on, and they seem to be out of clips for the halter. This makes it extremely difficult to wear, and they tell me I have 2 hours after the halter is finished to return it or else there's a fee, and they also close at 5 so I really had 1.5 hour time frame. That has never been the case in the 4 years I've been doing this. Extremely disappointed in the service and preparedness of this appointment. read more

Dr. Katherine Ludington and her entire staff are amazing. My family doctor recommended I see Dr. Ludington after I had a stress echocardiogram performed at a different clinic and they found "possible abnormalities." I had been experiencing chest pains and thought it was just stress, but now with these recent findings, I was very concerned. I stopped by Dr. Ludington's office to make an appointment and Terry fit me in later that afternoon. Terry was very friendly and considerate and made me feel at ease with the office. The office is very calming and everyone who works there truly cares for you as a patient. Dr.Ludington is extremely knowledgeable and caring and took her time with me, answering all of my questions regarding my "possible abnormalities" and the invasive test the other cardiologist had recommended I do next. After reviewing all of my history, Dr. Ludington recommended I repeat my stress echocardiogram since the findings were inconclusive and the equipment in her office is the gold standard of equipment in the industry (which is why my doctor referred me to her). She was so kind to bring me back later that afternoon, as she could tell I was worried about the previous findings. Diane, the imaging technician, is wonderful and eased my fears with her fun nature. She is such a professional and knows exactly where to go to get the images she needs. Diane took her time and never rushed, even though I was the last appointment of the day. The finding were conclusive, my heart has NO abnormalities and is in great condition! Without Dr. Ludington's expertise, I would have undergone unnecessary and invasive tests when I am perfectly healthy. I cannot thank Dr. Ludington and everyone in her office enough for the wonderful experience and the amazing care and time they took with me to get to the bottom of the findings. I would highly recommend Dr. Ludington to anyone as she is an extraordinary cardiologist! Dr. Ludington and her entire staff (Terry, Diane, Susana and Diane) work together as an incredible team. I will be referring everyone I know to Dr. Ludington of North Coast Cardiology! read more

This operation is sad example of medicine at its worst. Last November, Dr. Ludington sent out an email trumpeting their coming ability to provide Covid vaccinations and asked clients to schedule a call to set up a reservation. There were no costs noted for this service. As a healthcare worker I wanted to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The call came in December (20 minutes after our scheduled time) and the person on the phone (not Dr.Ludington) asked for my blood pressure, what meds I was taking, etc., info that could have easily been submitted on a form. Then she proceeded to try to sign me up for additional cardiac services. I asked about Covid vaccination and she had no information. Afterwards, I thought this call was rather strange as it was not at all related to Covid vaccination. Then I got a bill for $116 for medical services. I called their office manager but was shuttled off to a voicemail where I left my name and phone number. After waiting a week with no response I emailed their office. The manager finally called me back and said that the call was a medical consult and that I owed them $116. This is a clear exploitation of Covid for personal gain and this office should be embarrassed to engage in such low bait and switch behavior. Needless to say I will never use them again and encourage everyone to consider other options. read more

I don't usually write doctor evaluations, but outstanding service by North Coast Cardiology over the years surely deserves a praise. In an era of conveyer-belt medicine, it is truly nice to find a place where patients come first. It is hard to run a private practice in today's medical landscape. It is much easier to join a big group or a hospital and have the 'machine' bring you the new patient at a fifteen minute interval. Only the best doctors, in my opinion, can resist that trend and use their skills and experience to *earn* every single patient they have. North Coast Cardiology has wonderful support staff who are very professional and willing to take the time to answer all of your questions in a polite and human manner. Scheduling appointments, having Rx sent, labs etc are handled with wonderful efficiency, and yet one never gets the feeling that you are just a case or a number... Dealing with technicians and nurses is also very reassuring - you immediately know that there are no spring chickens there; every one knows their task and are at the top of their field. I am sure that Dr. Ludington would not have it any other way. However for me, the real reason one would choose North Coast Cardiology is Dr. Ludington. I have taken my family members to many doctors over the years, but only a few standout as true professionals. Dr. Ludington is definitely one of them. Dr. Ludington is a highly educated doctor - Stanford, UCSF Medical School (one of the top in the world), UCSD (also one of the top Medical Schools in the world) coupled with years of practice and learning at top SoCal hospitals puts her credentials above most in the field. No matter what our media or insurance companies will tell us not all doctors are educated the same way and not all of them have the same experience. I trust Dr. Ludington's education and experience. Prescribed treatments, adjustments and recommendations showed very positive results for my family member. What makes Dr. Ludington even more special is her willingness to care for the patient in an old-fashion ways - she takes time to listen, never hurrying an elderly person, she takes time to answer questions (either directly or though her wonderful nurses), she also takes time to understand individuality of each patient's situation and uses all of her vast knowledge and experience to determine the best treatment possible. Again, without going into specific details in a public review, results always show it for my family. Dr. Ludington is not a magician, psychiatrist or your best friend wannabe or anything else - she is a very serious, focused, down to business Cardiologist, who works very hard, together with her staff, to take care of every single patient under her care with the best tools modern medicine offers. My family has great results under her care, and I would recommend her practice without hesitation. read more

Dr. Katherine Ludington has provided us with the highest level of medical care over the past few years. The staff at North Coast Cardiology is thorough and attentive, and the office provides a warm and welcoming environment where we always feel that we have had our needs met. Thank you, North Coast Cardiology! read more