Why Would An Echo Test Be Cancelled?

Posted on Fri, 24 Nov 2017

Question: My pulmonologist said pulmonology tests he did indicated need for echo stress test to rule out ischemic heart disease and referred me to a cardiology practice who scheduled the test. ( They even got pre-approval from ins. co. -- so already to go.) The test was to be tomorrow. But then ...somehow -- not clear -- my PCP inserted herself (otherwise not involved) and I got a XXXXXXX call from the cardiology office (now with an attitude) saying they cancelled my echo due to the PCP and won't perform it (maybe not at all) until I come in for a consult. What happened -- why now only the consult? PCP apologized for the 'mix up' saying if this cardiology office won't do the echo, she'll try to find me someone. But I was referred to top notch doctors -- and if they for some reason decide not to re-schedule (decline) the test, my insurance coverage (and health) are at risk. What would have changed? Why all of a sudden only the consult? The pulmonologist was not in office Friday when this unfolded.)

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please refer to the detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello Maam

After going through the medical details provided by you i would like to tell you that the most likely reason which i think or believe, of your appointment being getting cancelled by the cardiology office will be some unwanted interference by your PCP, may be some kind of argument or something have had happened between them.

The only possible solution to find out what actually has happened is to consult the cardiologist and inquire from there only after your consultation.

And from the medical point of view it could be some doubt from the cardiology point of view of not conducting the stress echo due to some suspected pulmonary problem. But again to find out this you have to consult the cardiologist.

Hope to have been helpful.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vishesh Rohatgi