Care for Heart

+ Is treatment at Care for Heart covered by my health care insurance?

Yes, treatment is fully covered. In fact, all offered care is covered by basic health care insurance. This means you do not need supplementary insurance. All that is required is a referral letter from your GP or physician.

+ How soon can I get an appointment?

There are no waiting lists. You can see a doctor within five working days.

+ How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment you can call us during office hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 0031 (0)79 362 05 12. Or you can send an e-mail with your request to info@careforheart.nl
We will then contact you as soon as possible.

+ Which tests are carried out at Care for Heart?

Care for Heart is an outpatient clinic for cardiovascular diseases and is similar to a cardiology department in a hospital. In other words, we offer full diagnosis procedures.

+ What is Care for Heart?

Care for Heart is an institution for specialist medical care (IMSZ) and is DKIK-certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2008.
We only provide non-urgent, elective outpatient care. Our outpatient cardiac care spans all aspects, from diagnosis, treatment, if necessary the quick organisation of intervention, to prevention.

+ What is a ZBC?

A ZBC is an independent treatment centre that offers standard health care in another location than in a hospital. Actually, this term has been abolished in 2006. All medical institutions licensed by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports are now referred to as IMSZ (institution for specialist medical care).

+ What is an IMSZ?

All institutions with a license for medical specialist care, such as hospitals and ZBCs, are considered an IMSZ (institution for specialist medical care). To qualify for a license from the government, the IMSZ must meet a number of conditions related to quality of care, accessibility, administrative structure and operational management. For example, the IMSZ must be a non-profit organisation. However, it is subject to market forces, contracts with health care insurance companies and checks carried out by the Chief Public Health Inspector.

+ What can I expect at a first consultation?

Your first visit to Care for Heart will be an intake interview with a cardiologist. In addition, we will carry out a number of tests. The test results will be made available on the same day and treatment will be started accordingly.

+ Can I make an appointment without being referred to Care for Heart by a doctor?

Yes, it is possible to make an appointment without a referral letter. However, you should be aware that you will have to pay the fee yourself. Medical examinations are not covered by insurance.

+ I’m already seeing a cardiologist but would like a second opinion. Is this possible?

You can always ask your GP for a referral for a second opinion. In accordance with basic health care insurance, you have the right to a second opinion and free choice of doctor.

+ What will happen if I need to be admitted to hospital?

It is of course possible that clinical admission is required. As Care for Heart collaborates with all (academic) hospitals in the region, you will be referred to one of these hospitals. We will also make sure that you are treated promptly. Of course, the choice of hospital will be determined in consultation with you. If treatment in the Netherlands is not an option due to long waiting lists, we offer the possibility of fast treatment at a facility in Spain. This high-quality treatment is covered by health care insurance. Should you decide to take this route, you will return to Care for Heart for outpatient follow-up care, which also may include a cardiac rehabilitation programme.

+ Will my patient file be available when I’m admitted to hospital?

Every hospital or first-aid department can get access to your patient file with a signed informed consent form. On request and if required, we can provide you your personal medical summary report and copy EKG (medical passport).