Frequently Asked Questions
Accepted Insurance
Pacemaker Clinic
Healthy Lifestyle
We will keep you updated as changes occur, such as newer treatment recommendations, technology advancements, and daily lifestyle improvements.
Instructions For Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
How do I get a refill on my medication?
Have your pharmacy fax a request to our office.
We offer every patient the highest quality cardiology care and ask that you notify our office 24 hours in advance if you are cancelling your appointment. Due to the high cost of radio isotopes for nuclear testing, a charge will be made for no shows or last minute cancellations.
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed weekends.
return for a follow-up appointment?
During your appointment the physician will enter the next date when you are to return for your follow-up appointment. Our staff will arrange any authorizations that may be required and contact you by phone or letter.
or 805-278-4020 (Oxnard) to determine if we accept your insurance.
- AARP
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield Affiliates
- Blue Shield
- BC/BS Federal
- Cigna
- Department of Labor and Welfare
- GEHA
- Healthnet
- Kaiser
- Medicare
- Medical and Gold Coast
- PPO
- Private
- Seaview Medical Group
- Ventura County
- Tricare
- Triwest
- Workers Comp
- Blue Shield Covered California
- MasterCard
- Visa
- American Express
- Debit Cards
- Cash
- Checks
Cardiovascular Consultation
Adult Echocardiography is a diagnostic test which uses
ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures. It can measure cardiac output and is a sensitive test for fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion).
Dr. Brackett is one of only a few cardiologists in our County who holds the honor of adult echocardiography testamur. This requires the completion of a special competence examination to optimize skill in the performance and interpretation of cardiac ultrasound. Cardiology Associates echo lab is accredited with ICAEL.
Bubble Study Echocardiogram
Carotid Ultrasound
Venous Doppler Ultrasound
Nuclear Stress Test
Nuclear Stress Test is a nuclear stress test measures blood flow to the heart at rest and while the heart is working harder as a result of exertion or medication (Lexiscan). The test provides images that can show areas of low blood flow through the heart and damaged heart muscle using a radioisotope. Cardiology Associates nuclear lab is accredited with ICANL.
Dr. Steinberg and Dr. Shaun Patel are certified in Nuclear Cardiology.
Event Monitoring
A cardiac event recorder is a battery-powered portable device that you control to tape-record your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) when you have symptoms. There are two types of event recorders: a loop memory monitor and a symptom event monitor. The FDA-cleared ZIO Patch is a small, adhesive, water-resistant one lead ECG sensor that the user can stick onto their chest for a continuous
24-hour monitoring over 2 weeks, but it is only approved on some insurance plans.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. It is performed as an outpatient procedure in the hospital. During cardiac catheterization, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted in an artery or vein in the groin, neck or arm (transradial) and threaded through your blood vessels to the heart to determine if there is disease of the heart muscle, valves or coronary (heart) arteries. During the procedure, the pressure and blood flow in the heart can be measured.
Dr. Omid Fatemi is trained in transradial catheterization procedures.
During a cardiac catheterization if it is determined that there are blockages that would benefit from a coronary stent, then a small tube-shaped device (stent) will be placed via the already in-place catheter, to keep the blocked coronary arteries open and increasing blood flow to the heart.
Dr. Shaun Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are Interventional Cardiologists at Cardiology Associates.
CTO percutaneous coronary intervention is a minimally invasive technique used to treat patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO), or complete blockages, of the coronary arteries.
Dr. Omid Fatemi specializes in this procedure.
PFO Closure
Percutaneous closure is a surgical procedure used to treat patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD). Advancements in device technology and image guidance now permit the safe and effective catheter-based closure of numerous intracardiac defects, including PFO and ASD.
Dr. Omid Fatemi has been doing these closures at Community Memorial Hospital.
Aortic Valvuloplasty
Aortic Valvuloplasty also known as balloon aortic valvotomy is the widening of a stenotic aortic valve using a balloon catheter inside the valve. The balloon is placed into the aortic valve that has become stiff from calcium buildup.
ASD Closure
ASD CLOSURE – Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is an opening or hole in the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. This wall is called the atrial septum. The hole causes oxygen-rich blood to leak from the left side of the heart to the right side. Different types of closure devices are used to close a hole or an opening between the right and left sides of the heart. Some of these birth defects are located in the wall (septum) between the upper chambers (atria) of the heart: Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Dr. Omid Fatemi have been doing these closures at Community Memorial Hospital.
Peripheral Vascular Intervention
Peripheral Vascular Intervention removes the plaque and restores the flow of blood through the artery. These interventions are medical specialties that treat peripheral artery diseases without surgically opening the leg or arm. Instead, the doctor uses small tools and at least one catheter. A catheter is a thin tube that is inserted into a blood vessel through a small cut, usually in the leg or arm, and threaded to the site of disease. Once in place, it acts as a tunnel, enabling the doctor to efficiently guide the tools to where they are needed.
Dr. Shaun Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are board certified in endovascular procedures.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
When patients suffer from hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, their arteries are partially blocked by a substance called plaque. When these blockages occur in the legs or arms, they are called peripheral artery disease.
Dr. Shaun Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are board certified in endovascular procedures.
Peripheral Angiogram
Peripheral Angiogram is a test that uses X-rays and dye to help your doctor find narrowed or blocked areas in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to your legs. The test is also called a peripheral arteriogram.
Dr. Shaun Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are board certified in endovascular procedures.
Complex Ablations For A-FIB, A-FLUTTER, VT, SVT, PVC
Dr. Jonathan Dukes, Electrophysiologist, regularly performs these procedures at Community Memorial Hospital and St John’s Regional Medical Center. Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat cardiac arrhythmias. It can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. During an ablation, the doctor destroys small areas in the heart that are firing off abnormal electrical impulses and causing atrial fibrillation, aflutter, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia or premature ventricular contractions.
Dr. Jonathan Dukes specializes in complex ablations, and accepts new patients for first time evaluations as well as new patients seeking to have a redo ablation.
Pacemaker Implantation
A pacemaker insertion is the implantation of a small electronic device that is usually placed in the chest (just below the collarbone) to help regulate slow electrical problems of the heart. A pacemaker may be recommended to ensure that the heartbeat does not slow to a dangerously low rate.
Dr. Jonathan Dukes and Dr. Shaun Patel perform pacemaker implantation.
Defibrillator Implantation
An Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) is a cardiac device that is intended for high risk patients to reduce their risk of dying if the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) go into a dangerous rhythm and stop beating effectively (cardiac arrest).
Dr. Jonathan Dukes perform defibrillator implantation
Watchman Procedure
The Watchman Procedure is among the newest procedures available to prevent
A-fib related stroke.
Dr. Jonathan Dukes and Dr. Omid Fatemiperform the Watchman Procedure.
Pacemaker And Defibrillator
Battery Replacement
A pacemaker battery usually lasts 7 to 8 years. When the battery runs down, a new pacemaker will be implanted. The surgery to replace the old pacemaker with a new one usually requires a local anesthetic. In most cases, your original pacemaker leads will not need to be replaced.
Implantable Monitoring Device
Reveal LINQ, Insertable Cardiac Monitor, is the world’s smallest implantable cardiac monitoring device. The procedure to implant one just takes a few minutes to perform as an outpatient. It records the heart rhythm continuously to capsure recurrent unexplained episodes of palpitations.
Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT)
Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT) – Also known as computed tomography; computed axial tomography scan (CAT scan). A cardiac CT scan is a painless imaging test that uses x rays to take many detailed pictures of your heart and its blood vessels. An electron beam CT scanner also can show calcium in coronary arteries.
Dr. Alon Steinberg is certified to interpret Cardiac CT scans.
Our Coumadin Clinic is coordinated to allow our patients to optimize their anticoagulation medications (blood thinners) by:
- Managing Coumadin/warfarin dosing
- Providing monitoring and patient evaluation
- Providing education
- Communicating with referring physicians to ensure each patient has complete medical care
When administering Coumadin/warfarin, it requires careful monitoring and regulation. At CAMG, we realize how important it is to follow our anticoagulation patients with consistent, accurate care. We have a well trained staff that is experienced in dealing with your questions and care.
Our on-site lab is available during working hours, (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). We use a finger stick method, and your INR results are ready in a couple of minutes. At the time of your protime, you will receive instructions for your dosing and next appointment.
What is Coumadin? A brand name for warfarin sodium. It is used to prevent strokes, heart attacks and blood clots. It must be carefully regulated to maintain safety for patients taking this medication.
Varicose Veins Treatment
Endovenous Ablation is an image-guided, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. It uses radiofrequency or laser energy to cauterize (burn) and close the varicose veins. The results are remarkable. Patients who suffer with painful, disfiguring varicose vein now have the opportunity for a simple procedure with minimal pain.
Our Vein Lab in Oxnard, CA is where we treat patients who meet medically based requirements. Vein ablations are covered by most insurances.
Dr. Shaun Patel and Dr. Omid Fatemi are board certified in endovascular procedures.
