FAQ

What to expect during the Visit

When you arrive at site of your Appointment (Manor Hospital / Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital), please check in at reception, where the staff will guide you to the Cardiology department. If you have any questions or need assistance, the reception team will be happy to help.

Most patients will first undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG)- a quick and painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This is typically performed before your consultation.

During your appointment, you will have a detailed discussion with Dr. De Maria about your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have. This will be followed by a clinical examination to assess your heart health. In most cases, a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) - an ultrasound scan of the heart—will be performed during the same visit to provide further insights into heart function and structure.

For some patients, additional tests such as a Prolonged ECG monitor or stress (treadmill) ECG if necessary can be arranged and performed straightaway on the day. Other tests as CT or MRI scan of the heart, as well as invasive procedures, if necessary, will be scheduled for a later date, depending on availability and your specific needs.

If you are having a remote video-consultation you will receive a link to join in. If you require tests after the video-consultation Dr De Maria will give request them for you and will give you guidance of the location and time-lot to have them done.

Our goal is to ensure that your visit is as smooth and efficient as possible, with all necessary tests arranged promptly to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

What to expect after the Visit

After your appointment, you will receive a detailed clinic letter, summarizing your discussion, key findings, and any test results available at the time. If certain results are still pending, don’t worry—he will write to you separately once they are available.

For your convenience, we send all clinic correspondence via email if you have provided an email address. Unless you request otherwise, we will also share your results with your GP, ensuring they stay informed and can continue to support your care.

If your test results require further explanation or discussion, a follow-up appointment - either in person or by telephone/remote video-consultation- may be recommended to go through the findings in detail and address any questions you may have.

Some heart conditions require ongoing monitoring, with check-ups every six months or a year. If this applies to you, rest assured that we will proactively reach out a month before your next follow-up is due, so you never have to worry about keeping track of your appointments.

Our aim is to make your care as smooth, transparent, and reassuring as possible, ensuring that you always feel well-informed and supported.

Fees

We will always provide confirmation of expected charges before your appointment. For new patients, it is sometimes difficult to predict exactly which tests may be necessary, but if further investigations are recommended, we will inform you of their costs at the time. There is no obligation to proceed with additional tests on the day unless you wish to, although many patients find it more convenient to do so.

For self-paying patients, the fee for an initial consultation is £250, and follow-up appointments are £160. If you require any tests or procedures, the relative fees are set by the Hospital and we will provide details upfront in the letter confirming the date and date of your appointment.

For patients covered by private health insurance, I am recognised by all major insurance providers and charge within their agreed limits where applicable. However, it is important that you check with your insurer before attending your appointment to confirm your coverage and obtain a pre-authorisation number. Please note that any policy excess will be your responsibility to settle directly.

If your insurer allows direct billing, we will handle this on your behalf. However, if there is a shortfall (the difference between the cost of treatment and the amount your insurer covers), you will be asked for paying the outstanding balance. Some insurance companies require patients to pay upfront and claim reimbursement, in which case we will invoice you accordingly.

You will typically receive an invoice from for consultations or any procedures performed, as well as a separate invoice from the hospital for any tests or facility charges. We understand that medical billing can sometimes be complex, so please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions at drgldemaria@gmail.com.