Todd J. Tessendorf, MD, FACC

I was referred to Dr. Tessendorf by my electrophysiologist, Dr. Kapalis, after an echocardiogram showed structural abnormalities that required follow-up. Unfortunately, my experience with Dr. Tessendorf was disappointing and concerning. Visit 1 (May 29, 2025): I attended my appointment with my partner, who witnessed the entire interaction. Dr. Tessendorf opened the visit by saying he 'figured I wouldn't show up since my mother had canceled her appointment' and assured me that I 'wouldn't be the train wreck my mother was.' This comment was highly unprofessional and inappropriate. He said he would order another echocardiogram because of "shadows" on the previous one and also recommended a Holter monitor. Visit 2 (August 28, 2025): Dr. Tessendorf mentioned that the Holter monitor showed an area of sinus tachycardia but Dr. Tessendorf told me that I did not have an arrhythmia. Per Dr. Tessendorf: "Sinus tachycardia is not an arrhythmia. It is just the normal rhythm but fast. There are many things that can make the heart rate go faster including stress, exercise and other things. I do not have an exact reason as to why your heart runs a little bit faster but the treatment is what we are doing currently which is medication." He stated he was 'treating symptoms,' but when I asked 'symptoms of what?' he would not explain further. He prescribed Atenolol but did not clearly explain how I should take it, and he said he would see me again in a year -- at which point my care could be transferred back to my primary doctor if nothing changed. He also did not address any of the structural abnormalities that led to the original referral, nor did he follow through on ordering the second echocardiogram. Overall, I left both visits feeling dismissed, confused, and without answers about my cardiac condition. The lack of communication, failure to follow up on significant findings, and inappropriate comments during my first visit were deeply unprofessional. I hope this review encourages Dr. Tessendorf and his office to treat future patients with more respect, clearer communication, and thorough follow-up -- especially when referrals involve potentially serious cardiac findings." Sinus Tachycardia is an arrhythmia and mine typically runs at approximately 215+ bpm which is a medical emergency. My Echocardiogram did show structural abnormalities which were not discussed. Additionally, my visit summary included "palpitations" which Dr. Tessendorf did not mention at all.

I noticed that my earlier review was taken down. Honest feedback -- even if it's not flattering -- is an important part of helping others make informed decisions, and it shouldn't be removed just because it reflects poorly on you as a cardiologist My experience with Dr. Tessendorf was deeply disappointing and concerning. I was referred for cardiac care due to complex structural heart issues, arrhythmias, and other high-risk conditions. Despite following all procedures and notifying the office in advance about medically necessary cancellations -- including in-person communication from my caregiver -- I was later refused care in a public and humiliating way. This refusal happened despite a valid referral and without any follow-up guidance for my ongoing cardiac needs. Patients with serious, multi-system conditions deserve coordinated care, accurate documentation, and compassion, not dismissal.

Dr. Tessendorf has been my cardiologist since 2006. He is an excellent physician, detail oriented and very concerned about his patients. He explains everything well in regular English, and is very clear about the consequences of doing or not doing something he recommends. It would be impossible for me to recommend him more highly.

Dr Tessendorf is the BEST Cardiologist Ever! His Staff is Very Compassionate and Caring and Knowledgeable!

A very well organized hospital with an excellent staff.