Patient Information & FAQ
We’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about our practice, consultations, procedures, and patient care. If you have additional questions not covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
Please bring the following to your initial consultation:
Arriving 10–15 minutes early allows time for check-in and completion of any necessary paperwork. If you have any queries about what to bring, please contact the practice in advance.
Initial consultations typically last 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition and the investigations required. Follow-up appointments generally last 20–30 minutes.
Dr Hartley ensures adequate time for thorough assessment, detailed explanation of findings, and discussion of treatment options. He believes in unhurried consultations where all your questions can be properly addressed.
If you anticipate needing additional time, please mention this when booking your appointment.
Your initial consultation with Dr Hartley will typically include:
Whilst a GP referral is not strictly necessary to see Dr Hartley privately, many patients find it helpful to inform their GP of their consultation. This ensures continuity of care and allows your GP to have relevant information about your cardiac assessment.
If you have private medical insurance, your insurance provider may require a GP referral. Please check your policy details or contact your insurance provider before booking.
You can arrange a consultation directly by contacting the Dr Hartley’s practice.
Can I bring a family member or carer?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a family member or carer to your consultation. Many patients find it helpful to have a trusted person present to help them understand the information discussed and to provide support.
Many diagnostic tests, including electrocardiography (ECG), rhythm monitoring and echocardiography, can be performed at Dr Hartley’s practice following your consultation. Advanced imaging tests, such as cardiac MRI or CT can also be performed on-siteAdvanced imaging tests, such as cardiac MRI or CT can also be performed on-site. For more specialised procedures such as coronary angiography, angioplasty or TAVI, this will take place in a hospital setting Dr Hartley will arrange these investigations and lead your care throughout the process.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of your heart. It uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart’s structure and function, allowing assessment of valve function, chamber size, and blood flow.
The procedure:
The echocardiogram is one of the most important tests in cardiac assessment and provides valuable information about your heart health.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps identify rhythm abnormalities, signs of previous heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions.
The procedure:
An ECG is often performed during your initial consultation and provides important baseline information about your cardiac health.
Preparation depends on the specific test being performed. General guidance includes:
For most tests (ECG, echocardiography):
For stress testing:
For blood tests:
Dr Hartley’s team will provide specific preparation instructions when you book your appointment.
For tests performed during your consultation (such as ECG or echocardiography), Dr Hartley typically discusses initial findings with you during the same appointment.
For blood tests or more complex investigations, results are usually available within 3–5 working days. Dr Hartley will contact you with results and arrange a follow-up appointment if necessary to discuss findings and treatment options.
In urgent situations, results may be available more quickly. If you’re concerned about your results, please contact the practice.
Dr Hartley accepts patients with private medical insurance from most major providers, including:
If you’re unsure whether your insurance is accepted, please contact the practice with your policy details, and we’ll be happy to verify coverage.
Many insurance providers require pre-authorisation before your consultation. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm whether authorisation is needed.
Dr Hartley’s practice can assist with providing information to your insurance company if required. Please provide your insurance details when booking, and the team will help facilitate the authorisation process.
Dr Hartley welcomes self-paying patients. Consultation fees and costs for investigations are available upon request. The practice offers flexible payment options and can discuss fees in advance so you understand the costs involved.
For NHS patients, referral through your GP to an NHS consultant cardiologist may be available, depending on your circumstances. Please discuss this with your GP if you’re interested in NHS care.
The consultation fee typically includes:
Additional fees may apply for further investigations (such as ECG, echocardiography, stress testing, or blood tests) performed during or after the consultation. These costs will be discussed with you in advance.
Yes,investigations and procedures incur additional costs beyond the consultation fee. Dr Hartley’s team will provide an estimate of costs before any investigations are performed if requested, and your insurance provider can be contacted to confirm coverage. We believe in transparent pricing and will ensure you understand all costs involved in your care.
Yes, Dr Hartley welcomes international patients seeking specialist cardiac care in London. Many patients travel to London specifically for consultation with Dr Hartley and to access world-class cardiac facilities.
The practice can arrange consultations at times convenient for international visitors and can coordinate investigations and follow-up care.
Whilst Dr Hartley’s practice does not directly arrange accommodation or travel, we can provide recommendations for hotels and travel services in the Marylebone area.
For international patients requiring extended care or multiple appointments, we can discuss scheduling to minimise the number of visits to London if possible.
Yes, Dr Hartley can provide medical reports for international travel, insurance purposes, or for sharing with your home country physician. These reports summarise your consultation findings, test results, and treatment recommendations.
Reports can typically be provided within 5–7 working days. There may be an additional fee for detailed medical reports. Please request this when booking your appointment.
Remote consultations via video call may be available for follow-up appointments or for initial consultations with international patients in specific circumstances.
Please contact the practice to discuss whether a remote consultation would be appropriate for your situation. Some investigations and procedures require in-person attendance.
Absolutely. Dr Hartley is happy to communicate with your home country physician to ensure continuity of care. With your consent, detailed reports and recommendations can be sent to your physician.
This collaborative approach ensures that your local healthcare team is fully informed about your cardiac assessment and treatment plan.
If your question remains unanswered, our dedicated concierge team is available to assist with specific clinical or logistical queries.
Patient Services Bureau
Available Mon-Fri, 9am - 6pm
