The practical layer of good care: what to bring, how to prepare for each test, and answers to the questions patients actually ask June on the phone.
Every visit
What to bring
Photo ID and your insurance card
A complete medication list — or simply the bottles, which work even better
Prior cardiac test results, if you have copies (we'll request the rest)
Home blood-pressure logs or smartwatch rhythm exports
Your questions, written down — the hour is yours
A note on medication lists
Doses matter as much as names, and supplements count — several common ones interact with
cardiac medication. When in doubt, photograph every label on your kitchen counter and
bring the photos. Nobody here will judge the length of the list.
Findings get explained with pictures, not just terms — bring your questions.
New-patient forms
Once your appointment is booked, intake forms arrive by email: a health history, a medication
list, and consent paperwork. Completing them at home usually takes ten minutes and keeps your
arrival to a signature. Prefer paper? Arrive 15 minutes early and June will set you up with a
clipboard and a decent pen.
Demo note: on this sample site the forms themselves aren't downloadable.
Before your test
Preparation, test by test
General guidance only — the written instructions that come with your booking always take
precedence, and never stop a medication unless we've told you to.
Full test descriptions live on the diagnostics & testing page.
Preparing for: Echocardiogram
None. Eat, drink, and take medications as usual; wear a two-piece outfit for comfort. (In office — plan for about 40 min.)
Preparing for: Exercise stress testing
Wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes. You'll receive written instructions with your booking — typically no heavy meal or caffeine for a few hours beforehand, and guidance on which medications to hold. Never stop a medication unless we've told you to. (In office — plan for about 60 min including recovery.)
Shower before your fitting (the sensors need dry skin) and skip lotions on the chest that day. Most monitors are shower-friendly; we'll show you how yours works. (Fitted in office — plan for 24 hours to 14 days.)
Preparing for: 24-hour blood-pressure monitoring
Wear a loose-sleeved top. Carry on with a normal day — that's the point — but pause and keep your arm still when you feel the cuff inflate. (Fitted in office — plan for 24 hours.)
Preparing for: Cardiovascular lab panel
Most panels no longer require fasting; we'll tell you if yours does. Drink water beforehand — it genuinely makes the draw easier. (Sample drawn in office — plan for 10 min draw · results within days.)
Preparing for: Telehealth follow-up
Have your home readings and medication bottles within reach; join from somewhere you can speak freely. (Video visit from home — plan for 20 min.)
Practical questions
The things people call to ask
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No — many patients book directly, and we'll simply ask your permission to keep your primary-care physician in the loop. Some insurance plans, however, require a referral for specialist visits to be covered, so it's worth a quick check of your plan (June, our coordinator, can help).
How soon can I get an appointment?
We hold time each week for referred and symptomatic patients, and most new consultations are scheduled within one to two weeks. If your referral is marked urgent, your doctor's office can reach us on the direct fax line and we'll find something sooner.
How long are appointments?
New consultations are booked for a full 60 minutes with Dr. Marsh; follow-ups are typically 30. Tests have their own time slots — see the prep instructions on this page.
When will I get my results?
ECGs and echocardiograms are read the same day, usually with you in the room. Monitor reports and lab work are reviewed within a few business days, and you'll hear from us either way — no news is not our system.
Can you handle prescription refills between visits?
Yes — call or have your pharmacy send the request, and allow two business days. If a refill is due but we haven't seen you in over a year, we may ask for a visit first; medication without monitoring isn't good cardiology.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes, for established patients — results reviews and medication check-ins work well by video. New evaluations and anything needing a physical exam or testing are seen in the office.
What is your cancellation policy?
Life happens — we ask for one business day's notice so the slot can go to someone waiting. Repeated no-shows may require a deposit for future bookings.
Is there parking?
Yes — free patient parking behind the building, with the Suite 210 elevator beside the pharmacy entrance. Accessible spaces are directly by the door.
Something else? Call (555) 014-7821 — a person answers,
and it's usually June.
Lakeshore Cardiology
Not sure a cardiologist is the next step?
Answer a few careful questions about symptoms and history, and get an educational read on whether a consult makes sense — or request an appointment directly.
