Table 7.

Possible ways to reorganize cardiology consultations

First one-stop clinic

Have the echocardiograph available in the consultation: it can be used by the clinician or the imaging specialist who will centralize various consultations. The possibility to perform other tests such as the stress ultrasound should be available

Test results

Once the pertinent answers are received in the initial consultation, test results can be given over the telephone. Reports or images could be sent by email

Telephone follow-up

A face-to face consultation should be considered if there is any indication that a physical examination or complementary tests are necessary. This is an attractive option for conditions such as chronic coronary syndrome

Echo-consultation

Consultation after an echocardiogram specially directed to the follow-up of patients with valvular disease

Follow-up of heart failure

Promotion of self-monitoring, teleconsultations, video consultations, and sending of tables and spreadsheets via email or cloud-shared folders

Link with the primary care physician

A multidisciplinary consultation can finally be carried out through simultaneous contact between the family physician and specialists in a conference call (with or without video) with the patient