Dr Ang Teck Kee

Cardiologist

MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), MMed (Singapore)

What to Look for When Choosing a Cardiologist in Singapore

Choosing a cardiologist is not necessarily about finding the doctor with the longest list of credentials. The expertise that matters most depends partly on why you need cardiac care, whether you are investigating new symptoms, managing an existing condition or considering a particular procedure.

Qualifications and specialist registration provide an important baseline, but they do not tell you everything about whether a cardiologist is suited to your particular needs. Relevant clinical experience, how clearly the doctor explains your options and the practicalities of ongoing care may also matter.

What Qualifications Should You Look for in a Cardiologist?

Qualifications provide a useful starting point when evaluating a cardiologist. In Singapore, you can check whether a doctor is registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) and listed as a specialist in cardiology on the SMC Register of Specialists.

Additional fellowship training or areas of clinical practice may also be relevant, particularly if you need assessment or treatment for a specific heart condition. These details are most useful when considered in relation to the care you are seeking rather than as credentials in isolation.

Using Referrals and Reviews to Inform Your Choice

A referral from your GP or another doctor can be useful when you are unsure what type of cardiac expertise you need. Because the recommendation can take your symptoms, previous results and suspected diagnosis into account, it may help narrow the search to cardiologists whose practice is relevant to your concern.

Recommendations from friends or family and online reviews can provide some insight into the patient experience, including how clearly a doctor communicates or how the clinic is organised. However, they are less useful for judging clinical suitability. A cardiologist who was appropriate for someone else's heart condition may not have the expertise most relevant to yours.

Matching the Cardiologist's Expertise to Your Heart Condition

Cardiologists are trained to manage a broad range of cardiovascular conditions, but some develop particular expertise in specific conditions or procedures. This can become especially relevant when you have an established diagnosis, require ongoing specialist management or have been advised to consider a cardiac procedure.

For example, recurrent heart rhythm problems may require expertise in arrhythmia management, while a patient being considered for coronary angioplasty would need a cardiologist with appropriate interventional experience.

Depending on your condition, relevant areas of cardiac practice may include:

• Interventional cardiology: Catheter-based diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, including coronary angiography, angioplasty and stenting
• Cardiac electrophysiology: Assessment and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms, which may include catheter ablation or implanted rhythm devices
• Heart failure care: Ongoing assessment and treatment for patients with reduced heart function or more advanced heart failure
• Cardiac imaging and non-invasive cardiology: Diagnostic assessment using investigations such as echocardiography and stress testing

A useful question is therefore not simply, "How experienced is this cardiologist?" but, "How much experience do they have managing my particular condition or treatment needs?"

If a cardiac procedure has been recommended, you can also ask about the cardiologist's experience performing it and why it is being recommended in your case. The consultation should also cover the expected benefits and risks, as well as reasonable alternatives where applicable.

Consider How the Cardiologist Communicates

How Accessible Is the Cardiologist and Their Clinic?

Understanding Costs and Insurance Coverage

The cost of cardiology care can vary depending on where you receive treatment, the investigations required and whether procedures are needed. Before your appointment, it may be useful to ask the clinic about:

• initial and follow-up consultation fees;
• estimated charges for recommended investigations or procedures;
• whether the cardiologist or hospital is on your insurer's panel; and
• whether any applicable MediSave or MediShield Life claims can be made for your treatment.

If you have an Integrated Shield Plan or employer-provided insurance, check the policy requirements before treatment. Some plans may have panel restrictions, pre-authorisation requirements or different levels of coverage depending on the provider.

For more costly investigations or procedures, ask for an estimated fee breakdown so you understand what is included before proceeding.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Cardiologist

Before or during your first consultation, the following questions can help you understand whether the cardiologist's expertise and approach are suited to your needs:

• Does the cardiologist regularly assess or treat patients with my condition?
• If a procedure is recommended, how much experience does the cardiologist have performing it?
• What investigations might I need, and how will the results influence my treatment?
• If there is more than one treatment option, how will we decide which is appropriate for me?
• What costs should I expect for consultations, investigations or treatment?
• What follow-up is likely to be needed?

Cardiac Assessment and Care With Dr Ang Teck Kee

If you have new cardiac symptoms, an abnormal screening result or an existing heart condition that requires specialist care, a cardiology assessment can help clarify what investigations or management may be appropriate.

At Ace Cardiology Clinic, patients can receive assessment and management for cardiovascular concerns including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and other heart conditions. Where appropriate, cardiac investigations can be used to evaluate heart function and help guide further treatment.

Dr Ang Teck Kee is a cardiologist with 20 years of experience in interventional cardiology. His clinical experience includes coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, alongside the assessment and management of cardiovascular conditions. If you have concerns about your heart health or would like to discuss whether specialist assessment is appropriate, arrange a consultation with us today.