SADS Physician Referral

Welcome to the SADS Foundation’s Physician Referral Network. If you're seeking a specialist, please complete the form below.

How Do I Select a Doctor?

It’s important to look at the information that each cardiologist or electrophysiologist (EP) has posted about their experience and practice.  By looking at these facts, you can determine how experienced they are with patients who have SADS conditions.

SADS conditions are rare and most cardiologists or EPs do not have a large experience diagnosing and treating them. Your family deserves the best care possible. If you are willing to travel to see a world expert, have a rare or complicated diagnosis, or need a second opinion, strongly consider making an appointment with a world expert and then follow up with local doctor after the initial consultation.

 How Will I Know if a Doctor is a SADS Expert?

 Look at the following information:

•  How many SADS patients are evaluated at their center?
•  How many years have they been in practice
•  Do they have genetic counselors on staff?
•  Do they have a special arrhythmia clinic?
•  Do they see the whole family?
•  Are they a SADS advisor?
•  How many papers has their center published on SADS conditions?

What If There Isn’t a Doctor In My State?

Only doctors who have completed our survey are listed in our referral database. We may be able to find you a local doctor in our larger database.

You can also look for a specialist by checking the directory of the Heart Rhythm Society or the PACES website (Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society)

Since SADS conditions are uncommon, it is not always possible to find knowledgeable doctors close to home. Consider a one-time distant consultation with an expert and bring the recommendation from the consultation to a local doctor.

Even if you travel for a consultation, you will need to establish a relationship with a local doctor. Developing a relationship takes time. Your goal is to find a doctor who is willing to talk with you, accept recommendations for care from any specialty consultations you obtain, and accept the information about SADS conditions you can obtain from our website. Please contact us if you need help determining if you need to travel to an expert.

What Should I Expect During My Appointment and How Should I Prepare?

    Preparing for your appointment

 

Disclaimer:

The SADS Foundation is a health advocacy organization. SADS does not provide medical advice or treatment. We are not a health care provider.  It is important to realize that information provided by the SADS Foundation is not meant as a replacement for proper care from a doctor. Information provided by the SADS Foundation is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychological care. It is vital that you talk with your health care providers regarding the diagnosis and treatment of SADS conditions and related disorders and your symptoms/features. Minors should consult with a parent/legal guardian when considering treatment and providers.

Health care provider information is supplied solely by the providers themselves and is not checked or warranted by the SADS Foundation. The SADS Foundation provides contact information for health care providers who are known to have seen patients with Long QT Syndrome and other inherited cardiac syndromes. SADS does not endorse or recommend individual health care providers. You are responsible for interviewing and selecting the practitioner. By requesting health care provider resources you understand and agree that The SADS Foundation and it’s affiliates are not responsible for any providers’ services or lack thereof.