All told, there are around 32,800 practicing cardiologists in the United States.
This article covers the different types of cardiologists and the specialties they have.
It also discusses cardiology tests and treatment as well as what to expect at a cardiology appointment.
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Cardiologists are not surgeons.
Those who perform surgery are calledcardiothoracicsurgeons and undergo a surgical, rather than internal medicine or pediatric, residency.
Adult Cardiologist
The adult cardiologist only sees adult patients.
Examples include:
These subspecialties typically require one to two years of additional training.
so that begin practicing, you would need to obtain a medical license from your state’s licensing board.
In your third year of residency, you would start making applications to cardiac fellowship programs of your choice.
+3 Years:A cardiac fellowship lasts for three years and exposes you to all aspects of cardiology.
People who require surgery or more invasive procedures would be referred to a cardiothoracic orvascular surgeon.
Many chronic cardiovascular conditions can be treated or managed with medications.
Heart failure can be treated with a combination of these and other drugs.
In 2018, around three-quarters of cardiologists were employed by hospitals.
you might also ask your primary care physician to forward these electronically in advance of your appointment.
Before your appointment, check that the office accepts your health insurance.
You should also find out what labs they used to ensure they arein-connection providers.
If not, you may be faced with higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Arrive at your appointment prepared to ask questions.
Cardiologists treat adult heart conditions while pediatric cardiologists treat only children.
Some cardiologists practice general cardiology while others pursue subspecialties that allow them to focus on certain conditions.
It takes at least 14 years of education to obtain board certification in cardiology.
If you have a cardiology appointment see to it to bring any relevant tests, reports, or imaging.
Consider bringing a list of questions to help you make informed decisions about your health.
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Federation of State Medical Boards.State Specific Requirements for Initial Medical Licensure.
American Board of Internal Medicine.Cardiovascular Disease Certification Exam.
Medscape.Medscape Cardiologist Compensation Report 2019.
Medscape.Medscape Cardiologist Compensation Report 2018.
