Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon?

A. A thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon performs surgical procedures that treat diseases affecting organs in the thorax, or chest, which includes conditions of the heart (cardiovascular disease) and lungs (lung disease), and treats problems of the peripheral arterial tree.

Q. What procedures does a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon perform?

A. A thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon performs a variety of procedures including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), heart valve repair and replacement, heart and/or lung transplantation, arrhythmia surgery, thoracic aorta repairs, and peripheral vascular surgery.

Q. How do I make an appointment?

A. First, you will need a referral from your physician, such as your primary care physician, cardiologist or pulmonologist. Your doctor's office will send us the appropriate forms and medical records and schedule an appointment for you. You might be directed to schedule the appointment yourself after a referral has been sent to us by your doctor.

Q. What should I bring with me to my appointment?

A. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to ensure we have all appropriate information. Bring your completed patient registration form, insurance card(s) and any information or films your doctor's office instructed you to bring. Also, bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications you currently take. You should bring a list of the medications with you as well. You may also want to have a family member or friend accompany you to the appointment to take notes.

Q. Where do I go for my appointment?

A. Everett Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgical Associates is located in the Medical Office Building Suite 400, adjacent to the Providence Regional Medical Center-Everett, Colby campus in Everett, WA. For detailed directions, go to our contact information.

Q. What do I need to do be ready for my surgery?

A. You will be scheduled to attend a pre-operative appointment at the hospital several days prior to your elective surgery. This appointment will last from 4 - 6 hours. One of our Physician Assistants will meet with you to explain your surgery. You will also meet several members of the heart team. You will need to bring all of your medications with you to this appointment. You should bring a family member or friend that will be helping you during your recovery.

For further information regarding your heart, cardiac surgery, please see The Patients Guide to Cardiac Surgery. For further information regarding your thoracic surgery, please see The Patients Guide to Thoracic Surgery.

Q. After my surgery, when will I see my physician again?

A. We will schedule you for a follow-up visit within three weeks following your procedure.

Q. How do I reach my physician if I experience problems after surgery?

A. Everett Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgical Associates is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact our office at 425-261-4950 during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-5:00 pm. After hours, call the same number. If it is an urgent issue, our answering service will connect you with our on-call physician.