This is a very large cardiology practice, with about 30 locations and some sixty+ medical professionals scattered throughout southern Arizona. Most, but not all, of my appointments are at the E Camp Lowell location. I found myself with severe shortness of breath and thought I might have COVID. Nope. The root of my condition lies with my heart, and here I am.
Cardiologists come in different flavors. There are "plumbers" -- cardiologists -- who deal with the heart and its valves and the various arteries that surround it. There are "electricians" (electrophysiologists) who deal with all things electrical that relate to the heart, and the various devices used diagnose it, such as an EKG, and devices to control it, such as pacemakers. And then there are are cardiothoracic surgeons, who specialize in cracking open your chest and holding your living, beating, heart in their hands.
They're all here.
Medical insurance being what it is, you will normally find yourself here because of a referral. My primary care doctor sent me to Pima Heart. I've seen a number of doctors, but I seem to have a primary cardiologist who refers me to other specialists within the practice. He's called me at home to discuss test results, and very important to me, calls my primary care physician. His reports there are not limited to the usual fax or email. Most, and perhaps all, of the doctors here are associated with TMC, and not Banner.
The doctor I am seeing is, as I understand it, one of the country's leading experts on the use of the Mitra Clip -- a treatment for the mitral valve that doesn't involve open-heart surgery.
They do use nurse practitioners, all of whom seem to have their doctorates (i.e., Doctor of Nursing Practice). My first visit I waited two hours, and every subsequent visit, about five minutes. The COVID protocols are pretty strict at the moment.
I'm sure there is no shortage of competent heart doctors in Tucson. Pima Heart seems to be one such center with many fine heart doctors. The staff and doctors seem proficient and efficient. If you find yourself here -- not a fun thought -- at least be confident that the doctors here are quite good. read more
