Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Kansas City

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Kansas City

Definition and scope of cardiothoracic medicine

Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and chest. This area of medicine encompasses a wide range of complex conditions, including heart disease, lung cancer, and congenital chest wall deformities.

The importance of specialized care in cardiothoracic medicine cannot be overstated. Given the complexity and critical nature of the organs involved, patients benefit significantly from the expertise of physicians who have dedicated their careers to understanding and treating these specific systems.

The landscape of cardiothoracic medicine in Kansas City

Kansas City boasts several renowned healthcare facilities that offer cardiothoracic services. These institutions are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly trained specialists, providing residents with access to top-tier cardiac and thoracic care.

Selecting the right cardiothoracic specialist is a decision of utmost importance. The chosen physician will be responsible for managing complex health issues that directly impact a patient's quality of life and longevity. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider factors such as a doctor's qualifications, experience, and patient outcomes when making this decision.

Navigating the Doctor Selection Process in Kansas City

Factors to consider when choosing a cardiothoracic specialist

Board certifications and qualifications

• Importance of American Board of Thoracic Surgery certification
• Relevance of additional certifications in related fields

Experience and education

• Evaluation of educational background, including medical school and residencies
• Consideration of fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery

Patient reviews and ratings

• Understanding the significance of star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
• Analyzing the number of reviews and overall patient satisfaction

Hospital affiliations

• Importance of a doctor's connections with reputable medical facilities
• Consideration of hospital quality and resources for complex procedures

Resources for researching doctors

Online platforms like Healthgrades

• Utilizing Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
• Accessing patient reviews and ratings for informed decision-making

Local medical associations and referrals

• Seeking recommendations from primary care physicians
• Consulting Kansas City medical societies for specialist referrals

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Specialists in Kansas City

Dr. Michael Meurer

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery
• Extensive educational background including fellowships and residencies

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 3.5-star rating based on 18 patient reviews
• Above-average patient satisfaction

Additional Information

• Contact number: (479) 452-1188
• Fluent in English
• Male physician

Dr. Charles Sciolaro

Areas of Expertise

• Board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Specializes in Thoracic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, and Emergency Medicine

Patient Feedback

• 2.1-star rating based on 7 patient reviews
• Consider discussing any concerns with the doctor directly

Contact and Language

• Reachable at (660) 385-8700
• Communicates in English
• Male physician

Dr. James Brockenbrough

Professional Focus

• Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Educational background from Howard University

Patient Information

• Limited patient rating data available
• Encourage prospective patients to request more information

Additional Details

• Contact information: (816) 531-0113
• English-speaking male physician

Additional Considerations for Selecting a Cardiothoracic Specialist

Importance of communication and language

Doctors' language proficiencies

• Highlight that all listed doctors are proficient in English
• Discuss the importance of clear communication in cardiothoracic care

Ensuring clear doctor-patient communication

• Advise patients to consider language barriers when selecting a doctor
• Suggest asking about translator services if needed

Gender preferences in healthcare

Availability of male specialists

• Note that all listed cardiothoracic specialists in Kansas City are male
• Discuss the potential impact on patient comfort and choice

Considerations for patient comfort

• Emphasize the importance of feeling comfortable with your doctor
• Suggest exploring other resources if gender preference is a priority

Accessibility and location

Contact information and appointments

• Provide phone numbers for each doctor (Dr. Meurer: (479) 452-1188, Dr. Sciolaro: (660) 385-8700, Dr. Brockenbrough: (816) 531-0113)
• Advise readers to call for current office locations and appointment availability

Online resources

• Mention Healthgrades links for more detailed information (Dr. Meurer: https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-michael-meurer-3dwnm, Dr. Sciolaro: https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-charles-sciolaro-xxg93, Dr. Brockenbrough: https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-james-brockenbrough-22jc9)
• Encourage readers to use online resources for additional research