A Critical Heart Condition.
The Choice: Billings Clinic.
This retired doctor from Butte notices his endurance waning while building his log home. Charles has a history of a heart murmur, so he visits a cardiologist who performs an echocardiogram which shows severe aortic stenosis. He’s told he needs heart surgery.
Charles talks with a colleague and does extensive internet research, then chooses Billings Clinic. He sees Interventional Cardiologist Scott Sample, DO, who performs a cardiac catheterization which confirms the need for surgery. Dr. Sample consults with Cardiovascular Surgeon, Scott Millikan, MD, to plan Charles’ care. The next day, Dr. Millikan, assisted by Cardiovascular Surgeon Scott Needham, MD and the surgery team, replaces his aortic valve.
Throughout this process, Charles’ care is coordinated by Clinical Nurse Navigator, Christy, Baxter, RN, who links him to his hometown cardiac rehab program.
Charles is impressed with how everyone works together so efficiently as a team. He appreciates the education he receives from the nurse navigator and the friendliness of everyone he encounters, including the PAL, who shuttles him to his appointment.
Thanks to this life saving care from Montana’s first and most experienced heart program, Charles is feeling well and building memories in his new home.
Billings Clinic. Where it all comes together.
