How do you know who is a top Cardiologist

Hi, I had been on this board about 3 yrs ago when I had open heart surgery for an aortic valve replacement and a mitral valve repair and you were all such great support that I thought I might start here. I am looking at having to have heart surgery again as my dr. said the first surgery didn't fix everything but at the same time he doesn't seem to know 100% what exactly needs to be done to make sure the problem is resolved so I would like to get a 2nd opinion. My question is how do you find a really top cardiologist? The one I am seeing seems very good and is connected to Swedish hospital in Seattle and is board certified, etc. but due to some of the comments he has made to me and the fact that he sent me for a test that was totally wrong and the dr on staff at the hospital had to call him and tell him this wasn't the right test for me makes me question him. I have seen a million sites where they want you to pay for info but I doubt I will get much more info then where he went to school and was wondering if any of you had found a good way to get info on drs in your area? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and best of luck to all of you on these boards. I know it is scary times for many of you but at least you found this board which was a great source of info for me 3 yrs ago.

Thanks, Jeanne

Hi Jeanne,

about ten years ago I had to undergo bypass surgery. I found a book titled "Best Doctors in America" and it listed them by practice specialty. I had my surgery done by an associate of the one noted as the best cardiac/thorac surgeon. The reason for using the associate was the this particular doctor was no longer doing open heart and recommended his younger associate. I asked if he was any good and the reply was "well he did my bypass". I figured if the best doctor in America trusted the associate then so could I. I do not know if this book is still in print. Try a Google search. And as a side note look at Newsweeks best hospitals before selecting a hospital. The two most important factors for success as I recall were 1. how experienced was the heart surgeon and 2. how many procedures of the type were performed in a year at the hospital. The first is obvious the second goes to the skill of the support staff and facilities available .

If you do not feel comfortable with the current doctor get another one.

Good luck with your treatment.
Don