Patient
My husband was seen by the cardiologists from Cardiology Associates of North Jersey while he was in the Emergency Room at Chilton Memorial Hospital. I want to be clear that the doctors themselves were excellent -- knowledgeable, attentive, and compassionate. My husband felt comfortable with them and truly wanted to continue his care with this group. Unfortunately, our experience after discharge was extremely disappointing. We attempted to have my husband transferred to another hospital, which ultimately did not happen due to issues with the hospital's social work department. As a result, the cardiologists discharged him with a LifeVest and instructed us to follow up with their office within a week or with our regular cardiologist. When I finally reached someone at the Cardiology Associates office, I spoke with Melissa, and the interaction was upsetting and unprofessional. I was told they could not see my husband until March, and that he needed to see his regular cardiologist instead. Her tone was rude and dismissive, and it was made very clear that because we had tried to transfer him, they "didn't have time for him." This was especially upsetting given the seriousness of my husband's condition and the fact that he genuinely liked the doctors and wanted to stay with this practice. It's unfortunate that such a strong medical team is overshadowed by poor and insensitive office communication.