Our Acute Cardiac Assessment at Blackrock Health, Galway Clinic is centered on a team of specialists whose sole focus is cardiac patient care.
The service provides you with easy, rapid access to expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment for urgent cardiac symptoms.
About
The service provides quick and easy access to expert diagnosis and cardiac treatment services if required.
Acute Cardiac Assessment is a dedicated service for patients with urgent cardiac symptoms such as:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Palpitations / arrhythmia
- Breathlessness.
Patients can access the service directly without a GP referral by phoning 1800 240 999.
All patients using the service can expect a phone screening by a member of the cardiology team, quick access on arrival, prompt assessment and rapid access to non-invasive cardiology services, including Cath Lab access if required, and a cardiologist consultant evaluation.
How does it work?
When you phone, a member of our cardiology team will answer your call, discuss your symptoms and decide upon the best course of action.
Depending on the nature of your symptoms, you will be advised to:
- Come immediately to the Acute Cardiac Assessment unit here at Blackrock Health, Galway Clinic
- Arrange an appointment in the cardiology department within the hospital
- Go directly to your nearest accident and emergency department.
The advice will be to ensure you receive the most appropriate and timely care, based on your symptoms.
If you are advised to come to the Acute Cardiac Assessment unit for further assessment, our team will be ready to look after you.
Our cardiac consultants have access to the most technologically advanced diagnostic equipment, including the latest in high-tech cardiac CT screening.
Specialist cardiac care
On arrival you will be taken into the care of a dedicated cardiology team.
You will have an initial assessment which may include:
- History and physical examination
- Blood tests
- An electrocardiogram or ECG - a simple test used to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity.
A consultant cardiologist will review your test results and consult you about your care plan which may be:
- Admission to the cardiology department within the hospital
- Cath Lab intervention
- Referral for further cardiac tests or diagnostics
- A follow up appointment with a cardiologist.
Further cardiac diagnostic tests may be necessary depending on your symptoms and the results of the initial assessment.
After care
Your cardiology team will advise you about any further appointments or tests that you require once your initial treatment is completed.
You can call us on our dedicated phone number if you have any further symptoms or queries 1800 240 999.
Pricing and insurance
Pricing accurate as of May 2022.
The charge for an Acute Cardiac Assessment, with an ECG is €280.
Should additional tests be required as part of your treatment plan, the cost of your visit is capped at €595.
The cost includes the initial consultation and testing (but excludes cardiac CT and cardiac MRI).
Some private health insurance plans offer outpatients benefits; you are advised to check with your insurance provider if you can claim back any related charges.
Inpatient admission
In the event of being admitted into the hospital from the Acute Cardiac Assessment unit, the level of cover will depend on your insurance policy and the treatment required.
Prior to admission your insurance will be verified and any cost and options will be discussed with you by our admissions team.
We also welcome patients who prefer to pay for their own treatment directly.
To secure payment, credit card details will be required but no payment will be taken until discharge.