Cardiac Function Clinic   at
Foothills Medical Centre
Connect Care Specialty: Cardiology
Connect Care Department: CGY FMC CARDIAC FUNCTION CL
Estimated time to routine appointment: Within 3 months
Alberta Health Services - Calgary Zone
SERVICE DESCRIPTION
Clinic is dedicated to the management of heart failure patients who have complex care needs.The Cardiac Function Clinic (CFC) is a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to the support of Heart Failure (HF) patients who have complex care needs that require close monitoring and/or medication optimization . Care offered includes ongoing physical assessment, management of medical and non-pharmacological treatments, and patient teaching regarding diet, lifestyle and medication management.
Clinic is dedicated to the management of heart failure patients who have complex care needs.The Cardiac Function Clinic (CFC) is a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to the support of Heart Failure (HF) patients who have complex care needs that require close monitoring and/or medication optimization . Care offered includes ongoing physical assessment, management of medical and non-pharmacological treatments, and patient teaching regarding diet, lifestyle and medication management.
ROUTINE REFERRAL PROCESS
Referrals sent to the CFC must include the following components before a referral will be processed and assessed. Incomplete referrals will be returned to the referring source for completion.
  • Completed CFC Referral Form        
  • Accurate patient demographics including contact information is listed.
ROUTINE: Target < 6 weeks - NOTE: As of October 25, 2022 estimated wait times are approximately 12 weeks.  Please contant the CFC clinic directly for updated referral waittimes as these are subject to change.

Non-Connect Care Users: Complete the referral form and send it to the service using the contact information in this profile.

Connect Care Users: Use ‘Outgoing’ referral class on the Ambulatory Referral Order in Connect Care.
Referrals sent to the CFC must include the following components before a referral will be processed and assessed. Incomplete referrals will be returned to the referring source for completion.
  • Completed CFC Referral Form        
  • Accurate patient demographics including contact information is listed.
ROUTINE: Target < 6 weeks - NOTE: As of October 25, 2022 estimated wait times are approximately 12 weeks.  Please contant the CFC clinic directly for updated referral waittimes as these are subject to change.

Non-Connect Care Users: Complete the referral form and send it to the service using the contact information in this profile.

Connect Care Users: Use ‘Outgoing’ referral class on the Ambulatory Referral Order in Connect Care.
URGENT REFERRAL PROCESS
URGENT: Target < 2 weeks*  - NOTE: As of October 25, 2022 estimated wait times are approximately 4 weeks.  Please contant the CFC clinic directly for updated referral waittimes as these are subject to change.

*For urgent referrals, the referring source must call the Cardiac Function Clinic (CFC) and speak directly to the nurse clinician to secure appointment.
URGENT: Target < 2 weeks*  - NOTE: As of October 25, 2022 estimated wait times are approximately 4 weeks.  Please contant the CFC clinic directly for updated referral waittimes as these are subject to change.

*For urgent referrals, the referring source must call the Cardiac Function Clinic (CFC) and speak directly to the nurse clinician to secure appointment.
EMERGENCY REFERRAL PROCESS
Clinically unstable patients should be directed to either call 911 or to present to the nearest Emergency Department. On call service or emergent care is NOT provided by this clinic after hours.
Clinically unstable patients should be directed to either call 911 or to present to the nearest Emergency Department. On call service or emergent care is NOT provided by this clinic after hours.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Patients must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. A diagnosis of Heart Failure (HF) either through a consultant's note or through a discharge summary from hospital.
2. A primary cardiologist has been identified and they are agreeable to follow the patient in CFC
3. A documented measure of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF).
4. Require ongoing titration of medications or enhanced surveillance for either:
  • Optimization Track: Medication titration of evidence based HF medications only. (Following medication titration, patient will be immediately discharged from the CFC to the care of the primary cardiologist or the primary care giver).
  • Care Track: Ongoing management of HF care in clinic until meeting discharge criteria.
5. Be 18 years or older.
6. Patient/Agent is aware and agreeable to be seen and cared for in the CFC and be able to physically attend appointments on a regular basis.

For special cases outside of eligibility criteria, direct discussion between the accepting primary cardiologist and the medical director of the specific CFC should take place. Referral will be accepted if in agreement by both parties.
Patients must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. A diagnosis of Heart Failure (HF) either through a consultant's note or through a discharge summary from hospital.
2. A primary cardiologist has been identified and they are agreeable to follow the patient in CFC
3. A documented measure of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF).
4. Require ongoing titration of medications or enhanced surveillance for either:
  • Optimization Track: Medication titration of evidence based HF medications only. (Following medication titration, patient will be immediately discharged from the CFC to the care of the primary cardiologist or the primary care giver).
  • Care Track: Ongoing management of HF care in clinic until meeting discharge criteria.
5. Be 18 years or older.
6. Patient/Agent is aware and agreeable to be seen and cared for in the CFC and be able to physically attend appointments on a regular basis.

For special cases outside of eligibility criteria, direct discussion between the accepting primary cardiologist and the medical director of the specific CFC should take place. Referral will be accepted if in agreement by both parties.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE DETAILS
Exclusion Criteria/Ineligibilty:   
  • Does not have a confirmed diagnosis of HF
  • Referrals for a second opinion or advanced HF specialist assessemnt
  • Does not have symptoms of HF
  • Patient's primary cardiologist does not follow within the CFC
  • Does not have a primary cardiologist
  • Unable to physically attend the CFC on a regular basis
  • Not willing to adhere to Patient/Clinic roles
  • Patients followed by another program
  • Known history documented abuse of staff and for whom an accepted risk mitigation plan is not in place.
Patients who are not eligible for the CFC may be considered for referral to:
  • Cardiac Navigation
  • Referral to Alberta Healthy Living Program (Dietary Consult and/or Exercise)
  • Primary Cardiologist
  • Internist/GIM clinic 
  • Community paramedics
  • Access to AHS website myhealth.alberta and search heart failure for educational literature
  • Referral to Home Care Heart Failure Team (only within Calgary Zone city limits)
If requested by the referrer, the Medical Director of the CFC at any site may on request, review the  referral to suggest best available alternative.
Exclusion Criteria/Ineligibilty:   
  • Does not have a confirmed diagnosis of HF
  • Referrals for a second opinion or advanced HF specialist assessemnt
  • Does not have symptoms of HF
  • Patient's primary cardiologist does not follow within the CFC
  • Does not have a primary cardiologist
  • Unable to physically attend the CFC on a regular basis
  • Not willing to adhere to Patient/Clinic roles
  • Patients followed by another program
  • Known history documented abuse of staff and for whom an accepted risk mitigation plan is not in place.
Patients who are not eligible for the CFC may be considered for referral to:
  • Cardiac Navigation
  • Referral to Alberta Healthy Living Program (Dietary Consult and/or Exercise)
  • Primary Cardiologist
  • Internist/GIM clinic 
  • Community paramedics
  • Access to AHS website myhealth.alberta and search heart failure for educational literature
  • Referral to Home Care Heart Failure Team (only within Calgary Zone city limits)
If requested by the referrer, the Medical Director of the CFC at any site may on request, review the  referral to suggest best available alternative.
COMMUNICATION PROCESS
  • Communication of referral receipt to referral source will occur within 7 calendar days.
  • Communication of appointment details or wait list status to patient and referral source will occur within 14 calendar days.
  • Communication of initial appointment outcomes to referral source will occur within 30 calendar days.
 
PHONE
403-944-5900
FAX
403-283-7061
REFERRAL RESOURCES
Specialist LINK
CLICK + TO VIEW REFERRAL GUIDELINES
+-
Routine Reason for Referral
Access Targets convey the clinically appropriate timeframe patients should be seen within, by reason for referral and priority level.
Access Target
Required Information/Investigations
Timing
Additional Details
+-
Heart failure
Past Medical History
 
Most recent
Medication List (dose, frequency, route)
 
Most recent
Cardiac Consultation/Internal Medicine Consultation/Discharge Summary
 
Most recent
Blood Work: CBC, Electrolytes, BUN
 
Within 1 month
Blood Work: OP NT-pro BNP, Inpatient NT-pro BNP required upon discharge
 
Within 6 months
Echocardiogram - Mandatory
 
Most recent
Cardiac catheterization
 
If available (most recent)
Cardiac MRI
 
If available (most recent)
MUGA - Multiple-gated acquisition
 
If available (most recent)
Myocardial perfusion stress imaging using Thallium 201
 
If available (most recent)
  • new diagnosis of HF, stable, compensated
  • HF with mild to moderate or NYHA II/III symptoms
  • worsening HF with therapy
  • mild symptoms with valvular heart disease, renal disease or hypotension
  • chronic HF disease management NYHA II
  • NYHA FC I symptoms, structural heart disease without symptoms of HF (AHA/ACC stage B)
+-
Urgent Reason for Referral
Access Targets convey the clinically appropriate timeframe patients should be seen within, by reason for referral and priority level.
Access Target
Required Information/Investigations
Timing
Additional Details
+-
Heart failure
Past Medical History
 
Most recent
Medication List (dose, frequency, route)
 
Most recent
Cardiac Consultation/Internal Medicine Consultation/Discharge Summary
 
Most recent
Blood Work: CBC, Electrolytes, BUN
 
Within 1 month
Blood Work: OP NT-pro BNP, Inpatient NT-pro BNP required upon discharge
 
Within 6 months
Echocardiogram - Mandatory
 
Most recent
Cardiac catheterization
 
If available (most recent)
Cardiac MRI
 
If available (most recent)
MUGA - Multiple-gated acquisition
 
If available (most recent)
Myocardial perfusion stress imaging using Thallium 201
 
If available (most recent)
  • progressive HF and/or decompensated HF
  • new diagnosis of HF, unstable, decompensated
  • new progression to NYHA IV, AHA/ACC stage D
  • post myocaridal infarction HF
  • post hospitalization or ER visit for HF
  • HF with severe valvular heart disease
PATIENT APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Email
Print
 
MISSED APPOINTMENT GUIDELINES
No show or late cancellation (<24hour) to the initial appointment will result in telephone followup to explain our discharge policy for no show appointments and rebooking of appointments. A total of three no shows or late cancellations (<24 hours) to an initial appointment will require a re-referral to the CFC.

Patients who miss three consecutive scheduled follow up CFC appointments, or 50% of their appointments within a year, without notification to the clinic and with no valid reason, will be assessed for discharge from the clinic.

Patients who are unable to attend scheduled appointments must notify the clinic at least 24 hours in advance.
No show or late cancellation (<24hour) to the initial appointment will result in telephone followup to explain our discharge policy for no show appointments and rebooking of appointments. A total of three no shows or late cancellations (<24 hours) to an initial appointment will require a re-referral to the CFC.

Patients who miss three consecutive scheduled follow up CFC appointments, or 50% of their appointments within a year, without notification to the clinic and with no valid reason, will be assessed for discharge from the clinic.

Patients who are unable to attend scheduled appointments must notify the clinic at least 24 hours in advance.
 
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Description:
Closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

Phones are answered from 8:00 AM-3:30PM Monday to Friday

Closed from 12:00PM-1:00PM for lunch
   
 
ADDRESS
Area 6a Health Sciences Centre
1403 29 Street NW
Calgary Alberta
T2N 2T9
PATIENT APPOINTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
  • Bring your Alberta health care card and a piece of government issued photo ID.
  • Check in at reception 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
  • You may bring a family member or significant other during your consultation.
  • Please make sure to have someone with you if you are unable to communicate in English.
  • Bring your Alberta health care card and a piece of government issued photo ID.
  • Check in at reception 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
  • You may bring a family member or significant other during your consultation.
  • Please make sure to have someone with you if you are unable to communicate in English.
 
DIRECTIONS
Located at the intersection of 16 Avenue NW and 29 Street NW.

Transit:
Public transportation is available to this facility.
Located at the intersection of 16 Avenue NW and 29 Street NW.

Transit:
Public transportation is available to this facility.
 
PHONE
403-944-5900
 
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
The new Central Parking is now open to patients, families and visitors. Public parking is available on the Skyline (second level at grade) and Mountain levels (third level) with an additional level opening in the coming months.
Most public parking at Foothills Medical Centre will be in the new Central Parking, but there are two other public parking lots for your convenience: West Parking (Lot 10) and North Parking (Lot 6)
The new Central Parking is now open to patients, families and visitors. Public parking is available on the Skyline (second level at grade) and Mountain levels (third level) with an additional level opening in the coming months.
Most public parking at Foothills Medical Centre will be in the new Central Parking, but there are two other public parking lots for your convenience: West Parking (Lot 10) and North Parking (Lot 6)
 
EMAIL
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
 
 
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
Yes

The primary purpose of the All Locations list is to let the user easily access any location of a healthcare service without going back to the main search screen.

The locations listed have 3 background colors:
  • Green means the healthcare service@location has referral information attached to it.
  • Brown means the healthcare service@location never had referral information attached to it, or it has unpublished referral information.
  • Red means
    • IA changed the healthcare service@location's status to something other than Current
    • It was deleted if it is an ARD healthcare service@location.
Green  and Brown are always at the top of the list. These are the Healthcare Service@Locations with the status of Current.
The Red list at the bottom consists of non-current Healthcare Service@locations that once had Published referral information in the ARD.
If the referral information was never published in ARD the Healthcare Service@location will not show in the Red list.

The secondary purpose of the All Locations list is to allow ARD Administrators to recover (copy) referral information from the non-current Healthcare Service@Locations to ones that are current.

Common Scenario:
A Healthcare Service moves from one location to another. In this case the IA Healthcare Service@Location record will be made defunct (non-current) and a new Healthcare Service@Location record will be created with a current status. In this scenario the captured referral guidelines in ARD can become "orphaned" as they are not attached to any current IA healthcare service.

Categories of non-current or orphaned referral guidelines: INDIVIDUAL and COMMON.
The REFERRAL GUIDELINES section of the profile has the prefix INDIVIDUAL or COMMON to help you choose the method below when transferring referral guidelines from a non-current Healthcare Service@Location to a current healthcare service@location.

Individual referral process
  1. Click on a non-current (Red) Healthcare Service@Location at the bottom of the All Locations list.
  2. The non-current referral info is displayed with the link Copy this Referral Process to another Healthcare Service@Location link on the upper right hand corner. Click on the copy link.
  3. Choose a current location (Green or Brown) from the All Locations list. This will be the Healthcare Service@Location you are pasting the referral info into.
  4. The system will display the Edit Referral Info screen populated with the referral info from the non-current Healthcare Service@Location you viewed in the first step.
  5. Click Save and the referral info is transferred from the non-current Healthcare Service@Location to the current one.
  6. Repeat these steps for each Healthcare Service@Location that needs attention.

Common referral process - 2 sub cases.
Case 1: At least 1 current Healthcare Service@Location with common referral info is with current status for this healthcare service; One or more Healthcare Healthcare Service@Locations where replaced by new one.
  1. Click on any current Healthcare Service@Location whether it has referral info (Green) or not (Brown).
  2. The healthcare service location opens in the Edit Referral Info screen populated with the current common referral info.
  3. Save it. 
  4. All locations will be updated with the common referral information, including all the locations that don't have referral info yet (Brown). The non-current referrals (Red) will also be updated.
Case 2:  All Healthcare Healthcare Service@Locations for a healthcare service are set to a non-current status and replaced by new ones. In this case there is no current additional referral info to copy from, so the only alternative is to pick up the non-current common referral process (Red). Follow the steps described in the section Individual Referral Process above to copy/paste the non-current common referral info to the current healthcare service locations.
Generally we want to replicate current common referral info to new or replaced healthcare service locations. We only resort to copying non-current common referral info if there is no other option.

Remember: Some fields can be location specific with the common referral process:
Parking Instructions, Directions, Parking Map, Wait Time, Referral Phone or Referral Fax.
To update these items you have to edit each Healthcare Service@Location separately.

ADDITONAL NOTES:
  • The info icon after the All Locations drop down will be visible to ARD Administrators.
  • The system doesn't allow you to copy referral information from one non-current Healthcare Service@Location to another.

 

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