A Clearer Look at Your Heart: Echocardiograms Now Available in Keysborough
Your heart is your body’s most vital organ, and proactive care is key to long-term health. At Parkmore Medical Centre, we are always seeking ways to bring essential health services closer to you. That’s why we are proud to announce our partnership with Heartscope, a leading cardiac diagnostics provider, to offer on-site echocardiograms right here in our Keysborough clinic.
This collaboration means you can now access expert cardiac imaging conveniently, without the need to travel to a large hospital or unfamiliar specialist centre. It’s part of our commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare for our community in Keysborough, Dingley Village, Noble Park, Dandenong and beyond.
What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, often called an “echo” or a “heart ultrasound,” is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to create live, moving images of your heart. It’s a non-invasive procedure, similar to the ultrasound used during pregnancy.
This powerful diagnostic tool allows your doctor to see:
The size and shape of your heart.
How well the heart’s chambers and valves are functioning.
The speed and direction of blood flow through the heart.
Areas of the heart muscle that may not be contracting normally.
Why Might Your GP Recommend an Echocardiogram?
Your GP is the central figure in managing your overall health. They may recommend an echocardiogram to investigate symptoms, monitor an existing condition, or assess your overall heart function. Common reasons for a referral include:
Investigating a heart murmur.
Determining the cause of symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations.
Assessing damage after a heart attack.
Monitoring heart valve conditions.
Checking the effectiveness of medication or medical treatments.
Evaluating congenital heart conditions.
The Heartscope Advantage: Expert Care, Local Convenience
By partnering with Heartscope, we ensure you receive the highest standard of care. Heartscope’s team consists of highly trained cardiac sonographers who use state-of-the-art equipment to capture detailed and accurate images.
The key benefits for you, our patient, are:
Local Access: Receive specialist-level diagnostics in the familiar and comfortable environment of Parkmore Specialist Centre, Keysborough
Expert Analysis: Your scan is performed by a dedicated cardiac sonographer and the results are reviewed by an expert cardiologist.
Continuity of Care: The detailed report is sent directly to your trusted GP, who will discuss the findings with you and manage the next steps in your care plan.
Take the Next Step for Your Heart Health
Accessing this vital service is straightforward. As this is a specialist investigation, a referral from your doctor is required.
Here’s how it works:
Consult Your GP: Book an appointment with your regular doctor to discuss your symptoms or heart health concerns.
Get a Referral: If they determine an echocardiogram is necessary, your GP will provide you with a referral form.
Book Your Echo: Our reception team will help you schedule your on-site appointment with the Heartscope sonographer at Parkmore Specialist Centre, Keysborough.
Don’t let questions about your heart health go unanswered. Speak with one of our doctors to see if an echocardiogram is right for you.
Book a GP consultation today to discuss your referral:
Phone: 9791 0777 – 1800 202 111
Online Booking: https://www.heartscope.com.au/bookings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a referral for an echocardiogram? A: Yes. An echocardiogram is a medical investigation that requires a referral from your General Practitioner. Please book an appointment with a doctor at our clinic to obtain one.
Q: Is the echocardiogram service bulk-billed? A: Yes, the echocardiogram service provided by Heartscope at our clinic is bulk-billed for all patients with a valid Medicare card and a GP referral.
Q: How long does the test take? A: The procedure itself typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. It is completely painless, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
Q: How should I prepare for my echocardiogram? A: There is generally no special preparation needed. You can eat and drink as you normally would before the test. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Q: When will my doctor get the results? A: The full report from the cardiologist will be sent securely to your referring GP, usually within a few business days. You should book a follow-up appointment with your GP to discuss the results.
Q: Do we accept external referral? A: Yes, a valid referral from any GP or specialist will be accepted.
Written by the medical team at Parkmore Medical Centre.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
