Joseph Guzzo works as a Cardiologist for UNC's North Carolina Heart & Vascular (Capital Heart) and was hired as an independent reviewer for Aetna. He has never treated me as a patient, seen me in person or contacted me to discuss my Long Covid symptoms which include heart palpitations and chest pain. He reviewed my medical records along with the research and CDC guidance I submitted to my insurance provider, Aetna, as part of my appeal to get the cost of an echocardiogram covered. Despite all of the documentation provided including this CDC guidance:
Additional diagnostic testing should be guided by findings from the patient history and physical examination and results of previous diagnostic testing, and may include a chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests, electrocardiogram, or echocardiogram for persistent or new respiratory or cardiac concerns,
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/post-covid-conditions.html
Joseph Guzzo chose to dismiss my symptoms and denied my appeal for an echocardiogram. He chose to hide behind a keyboard and ignore the facts for someone he will never have to face in person. This is dangerous and completely unethical. No doctor should be allowed to make decisions that negatively affect a patient's life, including him.

Submitted Aug. 12, 2023

The staff came in and asked me if I drank eight cups of water a day, laughed at me when I said it depended on the day, and told me its no wonder I don't feel well. Dr. Guzzo came in and asked me what was wrong. He let me say about 5 words before speaking louder than me to tell me about all of his other patients who were worse off. He continued his rant without allowing me the chance to get a word in the entire time he was in the room. Finally he asked if I had questions. I tried to tell him what was wrong with me again, and again he interrupted and did not allow me to speak. So I ended up asking him to please listen. Instead, he raised his voice even more. He made me feel as if my health was insignificant because he has seen so much worse. I realize other people have very serious heart issues, but that does not make mine any less important, and on top of it all I ended up having a real issue, but it's as though he just shrugged it off because he has seen worse. I will not go back.

Submitted Feb. 11, 2013

Dr. Guzzo is a very good cardiologist and is very caring about his patients. He's been my cardiologist for almost 10 years. When I went to the hospital ER he was there to see what was going on with me. We trust him and like him as a person.

Submitted Oct. 9, 2009

Nurse verbally took my health history in a small room with other people (not staff) present and also recited my social security number aloud. Nurse was rushed and recorded my current medications and dosages incorrectly in computer; she also did not take my blood pressure. Doctor was abrupt and would ask a question, then interrupt me when I began answering...several times. My impression was that I had already been diagnosed prior to review of my health information or talking with me. Would not recommend for consultation. I will not be returning.

Submitted April 16, 2009