Midwest Cardiovascular Institute Frequently Asked Questions
Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is a team of 20+ cardiologists and advanced practice nurses providing comprehensive cardiovascular care in Naperville and Elmhurst, Illinois. With a mission to provide the highest-quality cardiovascular care available, MCI is dedicated to putting patients first through clinical excellence, communication and compassion. MCI cardiologists represent nearly every specialty in cardiovascular medicine including treatment of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease, structural heart defects, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, interventional cardiology, venous disease, nuclear cardiology, and lipid management.
Not all patients need a referral from their primary physician to see us. We recommend contacting and discussing your health insurance with your insurance provider prior to scheduling a visit. You can also give us a call at 630-600-0700 and someone from our knowledgeable staff can assist you with questions.
Give us a call at 1-866-624-2778.
MCI is a physician-led practice owned by 20 cardiologists.
MCI is affiliated with Edward-Elmhurst Health and its clinics.
Give us a call at 1-866-624-2778 and we’d be happy to answer any questions surrounding your cardio healthcare.
Midwest Cardiovascular Institute provides state-of-the-art cardiovascular care in the Greater Chicago Area with two main locations in Elmhurst and Naperville, IL, as well as satellite locations in Plainfield, Sandwich, and Yorkville to serve Chicago, the Chicago suburbs, and other portions of the Midwest.
Cardiologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating the heart using the latest in diagnostic techniques and procedures. Cardiologists are primarily focused on treating heart conditions with prescribed medication, lifestyle changes, and consistent monitoring.
An interventional cardiologist is fully trained in cardiology, but has undergone additional training in interventional cardiology that allows them to perform minimally invasive procedures. These procedures generally include a small incision and the use of catheters rather than general, more invasive surgery.
Also known as a cardiac electrophysiologist, an electrophysiologist is a cardiologist with a focus on testing and treating conditions that involve irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. They use specialized instruments to test electrical impulses to the heart and determine if those impulses are allowing the heart to function properly.
Cardiothoracic surgeons are cardiologists who perform heart surgery in the areas of the heart and lungs. Cardiothoracic surgeons have trained extensively to perform very complex procedures to deliver life-saving cardiac care. Their methods may also include the use of robotic surgery, video assisted surgery, and open heart surgery.
Cardiovascular testing includes a wide range of diagnostic tests. Some of the most common are tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (Echo), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and stress tests that are used to elevate the heart rate and test its function. Some tests also involve the use of thallium that is injected into the bloodstream for observation with a radioactive tracer and special camera.
An electrocardiogram is a test that measures and records the electrical signals in the heart. It is a fully non-invasive test that involves the use of sensors attached painlessly to the chest to monitor the heart rate and activity for cardiologists to understand how the heart is functioning.
An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to create a graphic outline that shows the heart’s movement and structure. The cardiologist uses a hand-held device placed close to the chest to create a picture of the heart’s valves and chambers to evaluate the pumping action of the heart and determine if there is any issue.
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses radioactive tracers in the bloodstream to provide cardiologists with an image of tissues and organs, such as the heart. The PET scan primarily measures the metabolic activity of your body to detect the early signs of a serious health condition.
Cardiac catheterization labs are special rooms in a hospital where cardiologists perform procedures meant to be minimally invasive that can test and diagnose cardiac abnormalities. The tests performed involve a catheter, or long flexible tube which can be inserted instead of surgery to access the heart.
Our helpful staff here at Midwest Cardiovascular Institute can take your appointment over the phone. We also offer an online booking system that will allow you to fill out your information and schedule a visit online.
MCI accepts most major health insurance providers. However, most Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) require a referral. We recommend contacting and discussing your health insurance with your insurance provider prior to your visit. You can also give us a call at 630-600-0700 and someone from our knowledgeable staff can assist you with questions.
Your cardiovascular health is important to us. In order to understand what you may need for your cardiologist appointment, we provide helpful information on how to plan your visit. You will also receive appointment reminders via text message, with access to pre-check-in online in order to make your registration process faster and easier. As always, you may contact our staff via phone with any questions you may have.
Midwest Cardiovascular Institute is proudly affiliated with Edward-Elmhurst Health and its associated clinics. You can find our main locations in both Elmhurst and Naperville, with satellite clinics in Sandwich, Plainfield, and Yorkville.
At Midwest Cardiovascular Institute, our doctors and staff work hard to ensure that we provide patient-first care. That includes keeping our call wait times low. Our aim is to keep any call wait time under three minutes.
Through our online booking portal and contact with our staff, we make every effort to ensure scheduling an appointment is as easy and convenient as possible. If an appointment time is available, we can accommodate same-day bookings. If you are experiencing a cardiac emergency of any kind, please call 911 for immediate assistance.
Midwest Cardiovascular Institute abides by all HIPAA and patient confidentiality laws to ensure that your medical records stay secure and private. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the privacy policies employed by MCI. Those policies are also posted on our website.
Yes, MCI believes in the importance of research to provide the most advanced care available.
Midwest Cardiovascular Institute utilizes Sharecare to complete your forms. Please complete the “Request for Form Completion” and return back to the MCI clinic.
Same day in-clinic appointments are available for your convenience.