Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Plano

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Plano, Texas

Definition and scope of Cardiothoracic Medicine

Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and chest. In Plano, Texas, this medical specialty plays a significant role in providing advanced care for patients with complex cardiovascular and thoracic issues.

Cardiothoracic specialists in Plano perform a wide range of procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, lung resections, and minimally invasive thoracic surgeries. These procedures address conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, lung cancer, and other chest-related pathologies.

The scope of cardiothoracic medicine extends beyond surgical interventions. It also encompasses preoperative evaluation, postoperative care, and long-term management of patients with heart and lung conditions. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive continuity of care throughout their treatment journey.

Importance of choosing the right cardiothoracic specialist

Selecting the appropriate cardiothoracic specialist is a key decision that can significantly influence a patient's treatment outcomes and overall quality of care. The complexity of cardiothoracic procedures requires a high level of skill, precision, and experience.

Patient outcomes in cardiothoracic medicine are closely tied to the surgeon's expertise. Experienced specialists often have lower complication rates and better success rates for complex procedures. For instance, in Plano, top-rated cardiothoracic surgeons like Dr. Tung Cai and Dr. Katherine Harrington have received high patient ratings, which can be indicative of their skill and the quality of care they provide.

The significance of experience in this field cannot be overstated. Cardiothoracic specialists who have performed a high volume of procedures are often better equipped to handle unexpected complications and adapt to each patient's unique circumstances. In Plano, many of the leading cardiothoracic surgeons have extensive educational backgrounds and years of experience, as evidenced by their profiles on platforms like Healthgrades.

Overview of the Doctor Selection Process in Plano

Factors to consider when choosing a cardiothoracic specialist

Board certifications and educational background

• Review of American Board of Thoracic Surgery certifications
• Examination of educational institutions and fellowships

Hospital affiliations and available facilities

• Focus on major cardiothoracic centers in Plano
• Consideration of technology and resources available

Patient ratings and reviews

• Analysis of star ratings and review counts
• Importance of balanced perspective on patient feedback

Language capabilities and communication skills

• Availability of multilingual doctors
• Emphasis on clear doctor-patient communication

Resources for finding cardiothoracic specialists in Plano

Online directories and rating platforms

• Utilization of Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor information
• Exploration of other reputable medical review websites

Referrals from primary care physicians or other healthcare providers

• Importance of professional recommendations
• How to request and evaluate referrals

Local medical associations and societies

• Texas Medical Association resources
• Cardiothoracic specialty groups in the Plano area

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Specialists in Plano

Dr. Tung Cai

Educational Background and Certifications

• Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Residency and Internship at Baylor University Medical Center
• MD from University of Kansas School of Medicine
• Board Certified by American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Hospital Affiliations and Contact Information

• Baylor Scott & White the Heart Hospital-Plano
• Baylor Scott & White the Heart Hospital-Denton
• Baylor Scott and White Medical Center Grapevine
• Phone: (940) 381-2003

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 5.0-star rating based on 25 reviews
• Fluent in English and Vietnamese

Dr. Katherine Harrington

Educational Background and Certifications

• Fellowship and Residency at Stanford University Hospital and Clinic
• MD from Stanford University School of Medicine
• Board Certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Hospital Affiliations and Contact Information

• Baylor Scott & White the Heart Hospital-Plano
• Medical City Dallas
• Phone: (469) 800-6200

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 5.0-star rating based on 17 reviews
• Fluent in English and Spanish

Dr. Robert Smith

Educational Background and Certifications

• MD from University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine
• Board Certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Hospital Affiliations and Contact Information

• Baylor Scott & White the Heart Hospital-Plano
• Hillcrest Medical Center
• Phone: (972) 596-6676

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.8-star rating based on 18 reviews
• Specializes in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. David Moore

Educational Background and Certifications

• MD from LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine
• Board Certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Hospital Affiliations and Contact Information

• Baylor Scott & White the Heart Hospital-Plano
• Quail Creek Surgical Hospital
• Baylor Scott and White Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
• Phone: (469) 800-6200

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.8-star rating based on 23 reviews

Dr. William Brinkman

Educational Background and Certifications

• MD from Emory University
• Board Certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Hospital Affiliations and Contact Information

• Baylor Scott & White the Heart Hospital-Plano
• Phone: (972) 596-6676

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.7-star rating based on 12 reviews

Additional Resources and Tips for Finding the Right Cardiothoracic Specialist in Plano

Scheduling Consultations

Preparing Questions

• Develop a list of specific questions about your condition and treatment options
• Inquire about the doctor's experience with your particular cardiac or thoracic issue

Assessing Compatibility

• Evaluate the doctor's communication style and willingness to explain complex medical concepts
• Consider how comfortable you feel discussing your health concerns with the specialist

Practical Considerations

Location and Accessibility

• Review the hospital affiliations of potential doctors, such as Baylor Scott & White the Heart Hospital-Plano
• Consider the proximity of the doctor's office to your home or workplace

Insurance and Financial Factors

• Verify if the specialist is in-network with your insurance provider
• Inquire about payment plans or financial assistance options if needed

Utilizing Online Resources

Review Websites

• Explore Healthgrades profiles for detailed information on doctors' backgrounds and patient reviews
• Check hospital websites for additional information on cardiothoracic programs and specialists

Professional Credentials

• Verify board certifications through the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Research the educational background of potential doctors, such as Dr. Tung Cai's training at Johns Hopkins Hospital

Seeking Second Opinions

Benefits

• Gain different perspectives on your diagnosis and treatment options
• Increase confidence in your healthcare decisions

Process

• Request a referral from your primary care physician for a second opinion
• Consult with another highly-rated specialist in Plano, such as Dr. Katherine Harrington or Dr. Robert Smith