What to Expect
We are here to support you every step of the way and provide personalized, comprehensive care that meets your unique needs.
When you are referred to the Adult Congenital Heart Disease clinic, you will receive a letter, email, and/or a phone call informing you about the time of your first appointment. Usually, this appointment will include a series of tests planned in advance and a meeting with an ACHD cardiologist.
When You Arrive
The receptionist is the first person you meet at the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic. To sign in with the receptionist, you will need your insurance card. If you do not have one, please bring another government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, etc.). After you sign in, you will be guided appropriately by the ACHD clinical Navigator.
How Long Will Your Appointment Be?
First appointments take longer than follow-up appointments.
Your first appointment can take many hours, depending on the number of tests you require. While in the clinic, you will likely have an echocardiogram and an ECG, and you may have blood tests and other investigations such as an exercise test or other imaging.
Follow-up appointments usually take less time, but this will depend on the number of tests you are scheduled for (if any).
We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays.
Before You Leave
At the end of your first appointment, the nurse or doctor will give you a contact list for your healthcare team. If you don't get a contact list, ask for it.
During your first appointment, you'll be asked if you want us to communicate with you by MyChart. Please ensure you have instructions on how to enroll in MyChart.
After every appointment, a healthcare team member will tell you about your next visit. Be sure you understand what is going to happen next. For example, know the time and place of your next visit or if someone will call you with this information.
If you are unsure about your next steps, don't be afraid to ask a team member. We are here to help you.
What to Bring
- CD or DVD of your imaging studies/Health Records
Your referring doctor may give you a CD or DVD of imaging studies such as X-rays, CT Scans, or MRIs you may have had done. If so, bringing this CD or DVD with you is essential. You should also bring or send in advance all records you may have regarding your previous consultations, surgeries, and interventions, or let the clinic know in advance how to access these.
- List of All Medications You Are Currently Taking
This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin or mineral supplements, and herbal remedies.
- Medications That You Need to Take
Appointments can take several hours. Bring with you any medications you usually take during the day.
- Record of Any Changes
Make notes about any changes in your condition you've noticed since your last visit, and bring these notes to show your doctor.
- A Trusted Friend or Family Member
A friend or family member can give you emotional support and help you make good choices. They can also help you gather information, take notes and ask questions.
- List of Doctors and Hospitals
Bring a list of doctors you have seen and the names of the hospitals where you have been treated. If you have access to your old records, including surgical reports and consultations, do bring a copy of all of them or have this information sent along ahead of you.
- Questions to Ask
Bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you remember everything you want to ask.