Q: How long are the wait times for cardiac testing?
A: Appointments for cardiac testing can typically be scheduled within a couple of working days from the date of request.

Q: What is the expected wait time for a pediatric echo?
A: Pediatric patients can expect a wait time of 1-2 months maximum for an echo.

Q: How long are the wait times for nephrology consultations?
A: From receiving the referral, the consultation report is sent to the family doctor within 1 month.

Q: Is there an alternative test available for patients unable to undergo a stress test on a treadmill?
A: The treadmill stress test is normally recommended for patients up to 200kg (440lbs). For those patients unable to undergo a treadmill stress test we offer referrals to the hospital for Persantine or Dobutamine stress tests.

Q: Does your clinic perform nuclear imaging?
A: We specialize in contrast stress echoes, which provide clear images without the need for radioactive tracers. 

Q: What languages do your cardiologists and staff speak?
A: Our team offers language support in English, French, Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic, Assyrian, Farsi, Ukrainian, Polish, Chinese (Cantonese), Gujrati, and Filipino.

Q: Can patients without OHIP cards or visitors receive testing?
A: We accept health cards from all provinces outside Ontario, except Quebec. Private testing is also available for cash patients or visitors. For pricing, please contact us at 1-416-741-1042.

Q: Are your referral forms accessible through EMR platforms?
A: Yes, our referral forms are available on major EMR platforms, including OSCAR, PS SUITE, ACURO, OCEAN, TELUS, and more. To download please visit our website and select referral form.

Q: Do your cardiologists conduct follow-up appointments with patients?
A: Absolutely. Once a referral is made to us, we ensure comprehensive care and follow-up with patients for short-term and long-term needs.

Q: Which hospitals are your cardiologists affiliated with?
A: Our cardiologists have affiliations with several hospitals across the GTA, notably St. Michael’s Hospital, Michael Garron Hospital, and Toronto General Hospital in Toronto; William Osler Health Centre and Brampton Civic Hospital in Brampton; William Osler Health Centre in Etobicoke; Scarborough Health Network Centenary and Scarborough Health Sciences Centre in Scarborough.

Q: Are there any preparations required for Echocardiogram, Stress Echo or Holter monitoring?
A: Yes, please ensure to:

• Take a shower before your appointment, if possible.
• Avoid applying oils or moisturizers.
• Shave your chest if applicable and no religious restrictions apply.
• Have your usual meal but avoid caffeine.
• Do not wear long dresses/shirts without pants. Legs should be covered by pants.
• Wear comfortable clothing and running shoes for treadmill tests.
• Stop blood pressure medicine ending with “LOL” 48 hours before the test.
• Bring all your active medications with you to the appointment.

Q: What symptoms or indications are appropriate for referring a patient to OHC?

A: Our referral form contains a section listing the prevalent symptoms and indications as options to select.

Q: Are these services covered by OHIP?

A: All our services except Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) are covered by OHIP. The cost for the ABPM test is $70.00. Patients without OHIP coverage or reciprocal coverage from their home province can be seen on a cash basis.

Q: Can I get a test or consultation on a walk-in basis?

A: Our services are by appointment. To qualify for OHIP coverage, we need a referral from your primary care provider. We will contact you to schedule an appointment based on this referral.

Q: Who is authorized to provide these referrals?

A: Any medical doctor or nurse practitioner licensed to practice in Ontario can make a referral for any of our services.

Q: What happens if the tests find something wrong?

A: Your Ontario Heart Center cardiologist will discuss any findings with you, and arrange for any additional testing, treatment or prescriptions you require. Your primary care provider will also be kept informed of the results.

Q: What kind of wait times can I expect for cardiology testing and consultation?

A: We can usually schedule diagnostic testing within a few days of receiving the referral, and the consultation with the cardiologist within a month of receiving the referral.

Q: Do you offer any other services?

A: We also provide consultations for psychotherapy and internal medicine (internal organs).

For any further questions or clarifications, feel free to contact our clinic directly at 416-741-1042.