A Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center initiative is making same-day and next-day appointments possible for patients who need timely evaluation of non-life-threatening symptoms or concerns related to the heart.
The new program, called HVC Now, increases patient access to cardiology specialists while decreasing visits to the Emergency Department.
“Same-day and next-day appointments are a priority for patients and patient care,” said Seth Leventhal, development and clinical strategy administrator, YNHHS HVC. “HVC Now is an investment that Yale New Haven Hospital has made in the Heart and Vascular Center, and it is all about providing better care for patients in our community.”
“Right now, you would have to wait for a general cardiology appointment with a physician,” said Matthew Gordon, executive director, business operations, YNHHS HVC, Medicine, Radiology and Transplant Services. “If you suddenly have a more urgent issue, such as ankle swelling, lightheadedness or shortness of breath, you can’t wait that long. The great thing about HVC Now is that we can reduce ED admissions and reduce wait times for patients waiting for a regular appointment.
“HVC Now represents the Heart and Vascular Center’s commitment to patient access – to meet patients where they are, when they need us,” he said.
To access HVC Now, referring physicians, nurses or schedulers can call the dedicated line at 475-240-0473 to be connected with a triage nurse. The nurse will schedule same-day or next-day care with a physician or an advanced practice provider (APP) at HVC office locations in North Haven (2 Devine St.) and Branford (84 North Main St.). HVC Now hours are Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm, and appointments can be in-person or via telehealth.
HVC Now is currently intended for existing HVC patients or new patients referred by various providers, including primary care physicians. More information is available by calling the HVC North Haven location, 203-747-7300. Any patient experiencing crushing chest pains or other symptoms of a heart attack, however, should call 911 instead.
Following a soft launch in October 2022, HVC Now is ramping up its staff with the addition of four APPs. Daniel Price, MD, ambulatory medical director of the YNHHS Heart and Vascular Center, serves as HVC Now’s medical director and oversees the consultative cardiology team. Plans call for expanding the program to other sites in Greater New Haven and throughout the health system.
