Find answers to common questions about appointments, insurance, testing, results, and follow-up.
Information to Help You Prepare for Your Care
Most routine office testing does not prevent you from driving afterward. If a particular test or procedure requires someone to drive you home, we will let you know in advance.
Can I drive after my test?
Please let us know about any pacemaker, defibrillator, or other implanted medical device when scheduling your visit or testing.
What if I have a pacemaker or other implanted device?
Medication instructions depend on the type of test and your medical condition. Please follow the instructions provided by our clinical team. If you are unsure, call us before your appointment.
Should I take my medications before testing?
It depends on the test. We will provide specific preparation instructions when your test is scheduled.
Do I need to fast before testing?
Preparation & Safety
We accept Tricare, Traditional Medicare, Humana Medicare, some United Healthcare Medicare plans, Traditional Medicaid, Sentara Medicaid, and most commercial plans offered through your employer (examples: Anthem, Sentara Health, Cigna, Aetna, etc..). We accept a limit number of Medicare and Medicaid plans so please contact us to confirm our participation, especially during open enrollment period.
What insurances do you accept?
Insurance & Billing
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, current medication list, and any relevant medical records or test results that we may not already have.
What should I bring to my appointment?
How long does an appointment take?
Appointment times vary depending on the reason for your visit and whether testing is required. Our goal is to give you the time needed for a thorough evaluation and discussion.
Referral requirements vary depending on your insurance plan. Please contact our office if you are unsure.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Have your PCP fax a referral to us at 888-607-9653. Once referral is received, we will verify your insurance and call you to schedule an appointment.
Are you accepting new patients?
We evaluate and manage a broad range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, lipid disorders, vascular disease, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular risk.
What types of cardiovascular conditions do you evaluate?
General Questions
No. As a busy practice, most of their time is spent face-to-face with patients. Our Medical Assistants can assist you as the mediator with one of our Providers. Call the office to speak to a Medical Assistant or send a message through the Patient Portal. Keep in mind, that there may be complex concerns that can only be addressed with a face-to-face office visit.
I have a question about my care. Can the doctor or nurse practitioner call me?
Dr East does all elective Heart Catheterization at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA.
I need to have a Heart Catheterization, where would Dr East perform that?
No. We no longer offer telehealth visits for our patients at ECS.
Does Dr East do telehealth visits?
Results & Follow-Up
Results may be available through the appropriate patient portal. Important findings and treatment decisions should be discussed with your provider so that you understand what the results mean for you.
Can I access my results online?
Your provider will review the findings in the context of your overall cardiovascular health, explain what they mean, and discuss appropriate next steps with you.
What happens if something abnormal is found?
Timing depends on the type of test and whether additional review is needed. Our team will let you know how and when your results will be discussed.
When will I receive my results?
We believe results should be explained, not simply reported. Results and recommendations are reviewed with you in person or, when deemed appropriate by our providers, by phone.
How will I receive my results?
No. ECS does not do any billing for lab services. Please contact the phone number on your bill from the lab company and they can assist you.
I got a bill for my lab work. Can you refile to my insurance?
No. Copays must be paid when you check-in for your appointment.
Can you bill me for my copay for today's visit?
We do our due diligence to obtain required insurance authorization and generally perform testing that has been approved by your insurance plan, unless you have been informed of other arrangements and agree to proceed.
How do you handle testing and insurance approval?
You no longer take my Medicaid plan, can I pay cash to be seen?
No. We would be happy to give you an appointment when you change your Medicaid plan to one that we accept. We currently only accept Sentara Medicaid. Contact Social Services to get help with enrollment in a different Medicaid plan.
No. We ask patients to contact their PCM directly to get a new referral number issued to ECS. Once we receive a valid referral number, we can schedule an appointment.
I have Tricare Prime and my referral has expired. Will you contact my PCM to get a new referral?
I live in North Carolina and have Medicaid. Can get an appointment with Dr East?
No. We do to accept any North Carolina Medicaid plan.
Mon - Thu 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(888) 607-9653
(757) 222-0012
6275 E Virginia Beach Blvd #200, Norfolk, VA 23502
Your Heart Deserves Experienced Care.
Visit Us
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Mon - Thu 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(888) 607-9653
(757) 222-0012
6275 E Virginia Beach Blvd #200, Norfolk, VA 23502