Steven La Viola, MD

Went to Dr. La Viola for a preop cardiac clearance appointment and can't say enough about how kind and professional his office staff are. Assisted me in seeing him timely and Vanessa held previous physician records for me since I was a new patient. Dr. La Viola was easy to talk with, listened to my concerns and answered questions I had. Felt his office manner was excellent and I trusted his opinions. I didn't feel rushed and know I will return should I need further cardiac care.

My mother went to Dr. La Viola many times and he told her she needed a pacemaker, but she continued to say "no", until one day she went to the ER. While the ER Doctor wasn't able to figure out what was wrong, she continued to "faint" but after Dr. La Viola was called he explained that she had a heart attack and she needed a pacemaker urgently. After putting in the pacemaker he said "I won't beat around the bush, it still may not help with her heart." I'm so glad he was forward with us and made sure we understood the gravity of the situation, her life was running out of time. But then doesn't everyone's? We all have an "end date", and I would rather be prepared and enjoy what life there is left than live in a vegetative state not really living, but waiting for death. I will gladly send my friends and family to see him and I will see him when I need a cardiologist.

I'd like to start off by saying this is my own personal opinion and this is only a reflection of the treatment given to my father who recently has passed away in March of 2017. With that said: In my experience and caregiver of my father, Laviola was not thorough enough, he never once showed urgency to help my father or feel compassion for him as a patient. He had a severe acrid personality with a sharp tongue. His office staff is both kind and helpful but that is not all it takes to run a cardiac clinic. They did NOT have a specific protocol for chest pain or shortness of breath. (which is VERY DANGEROUS) Seeing as we are not drs, it was hard for us to understand my father's situation, so naturally we had questions. We requested to speak to Laviola in regards to my fathers current state. At first he seemed upset and quick after was irritated. He asked in his graceless tone "so?..did you have questions for me?" Then continued to say "well. his heart's at the end of life, there's nothing to do! Hope that helps." That is NOT something you say infront of a devastated family. You are supposed to have a sense of benevolence when you speak to them. Laviola is very cold, very stand offish and very crude. My advice to anyone who has Laviola as a cardiologist, PLEASE...PLEASE SEEK A SECOND OPINION! Your life depends on it.