Your First Appointment with a Heart Surgeon: What to Expect

Depending on your insurance, you may need a referral to see a cardiothoracic surgeon. This referral usually comes from your cardiologist. You may also receive a referral from your primary care doctor or you may make a self-referral. For a self-referral call (212) 305-2633 or use our appointment request form.

Please confirm with the office that the surgeon accepts your insurance. You should also check with your insurance company to determine which route you should take to ensure coverage.

The next step in making an appointment is to call the surgeon's office directly. (Click here for a complete staff list.) Please arrive on time for your appointment and bring any films and reports with you (cardiac catheterization films, chest X-rays, etc.). You should also bring a list of your medications and the dosage.

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery is located in the Milstein Hospital Building (MHB) at 177 Fort Washington Avenue (between 165th and 168th Street in Manhattan). The office is on the 7th Floor, Suite 435. Parking is available in the Staff/Visitors parking garage at the corner of 165th Street and Fort Washington Avenue. You may also take advantage of valet parking in the circular driveway in front of the Milstein Hospital Building.

When you enter the building, you will be provided with a visitor's pass at the front desk. Proceed to the elevator bank to the left. On the 7th floor, follow the "Cardiothoracic Surgery Service" signs to Suite 435.

After arriving in the office, please sign in, have a seat and the appropriate office will be notified of your arrival. You will also be asked to complete several surgical and hospital forms:

  • Adult Medical Questionnaire: Ambulatory Surgery/Same Day Surgery
  • Patient Information/Insurance Forms
  • Patient History Form
  • HIPAA (Privacy Form)
  • Research Protocol

This information is used by the hospital and your doctors to ensure an appropriate health care plan of action is developed.

If surgery is required, please expect a 3-4 hour visit for consults and testing.

More Heart Surgery Guides

For more information, call us at (212) 305-2633 or use our appointment request form.