The Phoenix Heart Institute appears to be a “heart” meatmarket with very little time to build rapport with its patients. The experience my wife and I went through in the clinic on 7 Jan 2020 was one of the most humiliating episodes I have ever encountered in a doctor’s office. We were greeted by the Nurse from H&ll, a poor excuse for a health practitioner…no empathy, no compassion, arrogant, dismissive, and lacking in authenticity. Moreover, after her cell phone rang for the 5th time I gave her a stare that suggested she turn it off. She complied. No excuse for the nurse to be all over the place when the patient is attempting to build a dialogue about his case.
The nurse initially could not locate my transferred hospital records, so how did she or the cardiologist have time to review it thoroughly? The Receptionist could not get my insurance or email address correct after 2 times during the intake process. Nor did she contact me before an appointment to let me know if my Part B insurance would cover the Nuclear MPI test or not, so I had to cancel. The PAs wired up the ECG incorrectly and had to take two readings.
When the Dr. Patel breezed in, we had less than 4 min. to speak with him before he indicated that he had another patient to meet with--the standard is pretty low. Does he tell all the patients that he is so busy and must go on to the next patient? What a meat market. I was not impressed how he brushed off my inquiry about side effects of beta blockers. Like I am supposed to trust him totally even though we have no patient-doctor relationship.
The lack of knowledge of non-pharmaceuticals, such as Hawthorne Berry, antioxidants like Pomegranate Juice, or even CoQ10 gives me pause for concern. His and his nurse’s focus was too narrow. I research everything that goes into my body. The possible side effects of Carvedilol were significant and stopped me in my tracks.
Since my insurance is high deductible, I am basically paying the first $6,000 this new year for interaction with a cardiologist before Part B kicks in. I will locate another cardiologist with whom I can feel a patient-doctor relationship is appreciated and nurtured. How did the PH Institute ever receive awards (Best in AZ Businesses) for so many years.

Submitted Jan. 11, 2020