Cardiology Referrals from Radiology Results
Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown specializes in non-invasive preventive cardiology and cardio-oncology. She provides comprehensive cardiovascular care, focusing on early detection, prevention, and management of heart disease.
Services Offered:
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Telehealth Video Visits: Direct virtual consultations with patients.
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Interprofessional Consults: Submit a consult request, Dr. Brown provides recommendations based on the chart.
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Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Assessments: For cancer patients, high-risk individuals, and preventive care.
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Executive & Preventive Heart Health: Custom plans for professionals/individuals prioritizing cardiovascular wellness.
Referral Tips
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Direct us to Relevant Medical Records:
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Date of the last relevant PCP note/visit for the patient.
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Cardiovascular test results (if available).
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Key medical history.
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Specify the urgency of the referral (routine, urgent, emergent).
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Patient Follow-Up Plan
Dr. Brown will see patients frequently until their cardiovascular condition is under good control.
Once well-managed, the patient will be returned to the PCP for primary cardiovascular care, and Dr. Brown will transition to less frequent follow-up visits as needed.
For patients with advanced cardiovascular disease, Dr. Brown may continue long-term management directly.
Important Notes
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Management Approach: Dr. Brown will make recommendations for PCPs to manage the patient’s condition.
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She will see the patient frequently until their cardiovascular condition is under good control, then transition to less frequent follow-ups and return them to PCP care.
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Advanced cardiovascular disease patients may remain under Dr. Brown’s long-term management.
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Thank you for trusting us with Cardiology care of your patients.
We are honored to serve you.
Introduction to My Heart Spark P.C. and Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown
My Heart Spark P.C., led by Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown, specializes in non-invasive general cardiology, preventive cardiology, and cardio-oncology. Our mission is to provide comprehensive cardiovascular care with a focus on prevention and early detection, especially in patients with cancer or those at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Focus Areas:
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Non-Invasive General Cardiology: Utilizing advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to assess and manage heart conditions without surgical intervention.
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Preventive Cardiology: Emphasizing risk assessment and proactive management to prevent the onset or progression of cardiovascular diseases.
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Cardio-Oncology: Dedicated to the cardiovascular health of cancer patients, addressing heart-related side effects of cancer treatments and ensuring optimal cardiac care during and after oncology therapies.
Referral Request:
We seek your collaboration in identifying patients who may benefit from our specialized services. Specifically, when you detect breast arterial calcification (BAC) on mammography or coronary artery calcification (CAC) on chest CT scans, we encourage you to:
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Recommend Referral: Suggest in your imaging reports that the patient's primary care provider (PCP) consider referring them to My Heart Spark P.C. for a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation.
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Direct Referrals: If appropriate, refer patients directly to our clinic for further assessment and management.
Understanding Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC):
BAC appears as calcified deposits within the walls of breast arteries on mammograms. While not indicative of breast cancer, BAC has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that women with BAC are more likely to develop heart disease or stroke compared to those without BAC. Despite its significance, BAC is not always reported in mammography findings. Incorporating BAC detection into routine mammogram assessments can serve as an opportunistic screening tool for cardiovascular risk.
Understanding Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC):
CAC refers to the accumulation of calcium in the coronary arteries, detectable through chest CT scans. The presence of CAC is a marker of atherosclerosis and correlates with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Reporting CAC on routine chest CT scans can aid in risk stratification and guide preventive strategies.
Reporting Guidelines and Templates:
1. Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) Reporting:
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Inclusion in Reports: Incorporate BAC findings in mammography reports, noting the presence, extent, and pattern of calcification.
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Sample Reporting Statement:
"Impression: Breast arterial calcifications are present. While benign concerning malignancy, their presence may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Clinical correlation and consideration for cardiovascular evaluation are recommended."
2. Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) Reporting:
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Inclusion in Reports: Document the presence and extent of CAC in chest CT reports, using standardized scoring systems when possible.
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Sample Reporting Statement:
"Impression: Coronary artery calcifications are noted, suggesting subclinical atherosclerosis. This finding is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Referral to a preventive cardiology specialist is advised for further assessment."
Referral Protocols:
When referring a patient to My Heart Spark P.C., please ensure the following steps are completed:
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Provide Cardiology Intake Forms: Supply each referred patient with our Cardiology Intake Forms to complete prior to their appointment.
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Consult Request Details: Include the following information in your referral:
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Patient Information: Full name, date of birth, and contact details.
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Medical History: Relevant medical and surgical history, including known cardiovascular conditions.
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Imaging Findings: Detailed description of BAC or CAC findings, including images if available.
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Reason for Referral: Specific cardiovascular condition or abnormal test result prompting the referral.
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Urgency of Referral: Indicate the urgency and reason, such as pending surgery. For surgical patients, specify the type, date, reason for surgery, and classify as elective, urgent, or emergent.
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Specific Questions: Clearly state the questions or concerns you wish addressed in the cardiology consultation.
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Collaboration and Communication:
Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to enhance patient care. For each referred patient, we will provide detailed recommendations to assist PCPs in managing the identified cardiovascular conditions.
Educational Resources:
Enclosed are informational materials and worksheets on BAC and CAC, including:
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Educational brochures detailing the significance of BAC and CAC.
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Templates for standardized reporting of BAC in mammography reports.
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Templates for standardized reporting of CAC in chest CT reports.
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Referral checklists to ensure all necessary information is included.
We appreciate your attention to these important aspects of patient care and look forward to collaborating to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
References:
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Margolies, L. et al. (2016). Breast Arterial Calcifications on Mammography: A Marker of Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Radiology, 277(1), 25-33. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2015142786
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Hendriks, E. J. et al. (2021). Breast Arterial Calcifications: Beyond Breast Cancer Detection – A Review of Cardiovascular Implications. European Journal of Radiology, 142, 109874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109874
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Agatston, A. S. et al. (1990). Quantification of Coronary Artery Calcium Using Ultrafast Computed Tomography. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 15(4), 827-832. https://doi.org/10.1016/0735-1097(90)90282-T
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Hecht, H. S. (2015). Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring: Past, Present, and Future. JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, 8(5), 579-596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmg.2015.02.006
WORKSHEETS & FORMS
1. Radiology Referral Checklist for My Heart Spark P.C.
Use this structured checklist when referring patients with BAC or CAC for cardiology evaluation.
✅ Patient Information
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☐ Full Name
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☐ Date of Birth
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☐ Contact Information
✅ Clinical History
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☐ Medical History (Cardiovascular & Oncologic if applicable)
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☐ Medication List (especially statins, antihypertensives, anticoagulants)
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☐ Surgical History
✅ Imaging Findings
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☐ Presence of Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC)
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☐ Location(s) of calcifications
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☐ Extent and pattern of calcification (mild, moderate, severe)
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☐ Presence of Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC)
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☐ Calcium Score (if available)
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☐ Description of location (LAD, RCA, LCx)
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✅ Reason for Referral
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☐ Specific abnormal finding (BAC, CAC, both)
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☐ Patient’s risk factors (Diabetes, Hypertension, Smoking, Hyperlipidemia, Family history of CAD)
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☐ Specific question to be addressed in Cardiology consult
✅ Referral Urgency
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☐ Routine
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☐ Urgent (state reason: pending surgery, symptoms, etc.)
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☐ Type of Surgery: _______________
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☐ Date of Surgery: _______________
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☐ Surgery Classification: ☐ Elective ☐ Urgent ☐ Emergent
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✅ Preferred Consultation Type
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☐ Telehealth Visit with Patient
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☐ Interprofessional Consultation (Asynchronous Chart Review & Recommendations to PCP)
2. Standardized Radiology Report Templates
A. Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) Report Template
Impression:
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Breast arterial calcifications are present. While these are benign in the context of breast cancer, they may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Consideration for referral to preventive cardiology is advised to assess cardiovascular risk factors and potential interventions.
Recommended Next Steps:
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If not already established, consider evaluation by a cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular risk prevention, such as My Heart Spark P.C. (Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown).
B. Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) Report Template
Impression:
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Coronary artery calcifications are noted on this chest CT. The presence of CAC is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
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A referral for further cardiovascular risk stratification and preventive cardiology assessment is advised.
Recommended Next Steps:
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If not already managed, referral to a cardiologist specializing in preventive cardiology is recommended. Consider evaluation at My Heart Spark P.C. (Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown).
3. Cardiology Intake Forms for Referred Patients
These forms should be given to every patient referred to My Heart Spark P.C. to complete before their visit.
Patient Information Form
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Name, DOB, Contact Info, Emergency Contact
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Primary Care Physician & Referring Physician
Medical History Questionnaire
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Prior heart disease? (Yes/No)
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Hypertension? (Yes/No)
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Diabetes? (Yes/No)
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High cholesterol? (Yes/No)
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Smoking history? (Yes/No)
Medication List
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Name, Dose, Frequency
Symptoms Checklist
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Chest pain? (Yes/No)
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Shortness of breath? (Yes/No)
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Palpitations? (Yes/No)
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Leg swelling? (Yes/No)
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Other symptoms: ________
4. Radiology FAQs for BAC & CAC Referrals
Q: Why should radiologists report BAC and CAC?
A: These findings indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and identifying them can allow for early intervention to prevent major cardiac events.
Q: What does BAC mean for a patient?
A: BAC is associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart disease, independent of traditional risk factors.
Q: How should CAC be quantified?
A: CAC should ideally be graded using the Agatston Score (if available), or at minimum, reported as mild, moderate, or severe.
Q: Who should be referred for further cardiovascular evaluation?
A: Any patient with moderate to severe BAC or CAC, particularly those with additional risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking history).
5. Next Steps for Radiology Teams
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Incorporate BAC & CAC reporting templates into your standard mammography and CT chest reports.
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Educate team on the cardiovascular implications of BAC and CAC.
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Inform patients and PCPs about the importance of cardiovascular follow-up.
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Provide information in reports where appropriate.
6. CME (Continuing Medical Education)
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My Heart Spark P.C. offers CME-accredited training on the cardiovascular significance of Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) and Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC).
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Virtual and in-person educational sessions for radiologists and radiology technicians on integrating cardiovascular risk assessment into routine imaging.
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Webinar series and lunch-and-learn sessions on preventive cardiology and cardio-oncology.
7. Sample Referral Letter Template for PCPs
Ready-to-use referral letter template for radiologists to attach to imaging reports for PCPs
📌 Subject: Recommendation for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment – Imaging Findings
Dear [PCP Name],
Your patient, [Patient Name, DOB], underwent a [mammogram/chest CT] on [date], which revealed:
✅ Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) – Associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
✅ Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) – A marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular event risk.
Given these findings, a preventive cardiology evaluation is recommended.
My Heart Spark P.C. (Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown, M.D., Ph.D.) specializes in:
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Non-invasive general cardiology
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Preventive cardiology (early detection and risk reduction)
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Cardio-oncology (heart health in cancer patients)
I encourage you to refer the patient for further cardiovascular risk assessment and management.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Radiology Practice]
8. Patient Education Handouts
A. Breast Arterial Calcification & Heart Health (Patient-Friendly Brochure)
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What is BAC, and why does it matter?
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How BAC can indicate increased heart disease risk.
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Next steps: Cardiology evaluation & lifestyle modifications.
B. Coronary Artery Calcification & Heart Health (Patient-Friendly Brochure)
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What does CAC mean for heart health?
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Preventive measures: Diet, exercise, medications.
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Importance of early intervention.
9. Digital Integration & PACS-Friendly Notes
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Work with radiology departments to embed BAC & CAC referral recommendations into PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) for seamless reporting.
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Develop smart templates in PACS or dictation software (Nuance, Powerscribe) to auto-generate standardized BAC & CAC reports with referral suggestions.
10. Customized Reporting Guidelines for Different Institutions
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Create institution-specific guidelines for radiologists and technicians at different hospitals, ensuring BAC & CAC reporting compliance aligns with their workflow.
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Offer consultation with hospital leadership to implement BAC & CAC reporting standards system-wide.
11. Outcomes Tracking & Feedback Loop
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Establish a feedback loop where My Heart Spark P.C. can share follow-up outcomes with radiologists to demonstrate the impact of BAC & CAC reporting on patient care.
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Create quarterly reports for radiology departments showing:
✅ How many BAC/CAC patients were referred
✅ What interventions were recommended
✅ Long-term impact on cardiovascular health
12. Press Release & Awareness Campaign
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Distribute a press release to radiology groups, medical societies, and cardiology networks highlighting the importance of BAC & CAC reporting and collaboration with My Heart Spark P.C.
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Engage in social media outreach & educational blog posts to increase awareness among clinicians.
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Feature case studies & success stories of early cardiovascular intervention due to BAC & CAC findings.
📌 13. Online Referral Form for My Heart Spark P.C.
(For Radiologists and PCPs to Refer Patients for Cardiology Consultation)
Patient Information
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Full Name: _______________
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Date of Birth (DOB): _______________
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Contact Number: _______________
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Email Address: _______________
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Primary Care Provider (PCP): _______________
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Referring Provider (if different from PCP): _______________
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Practice Name: _______________
Imaging Findings & Reason for Referral
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Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) Findings:
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☐ Present
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☐ Location(s): _______________
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☐ Severity (if noted): ☐ Mild ☐ Moderate ☐ Severe
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Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) Findings:
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☐ Present
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☐ Agatston Score (if available): _______________
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☐ Severity: ☐ Mild ☐ Moderate ☐ Severe
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Medical History
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☐ Hypertension
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☐ Diabetes
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☐ Hyperlipidemia
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☐ Smoking History
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☐ Family History of Heart Disease
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☐ Current Cardiac Symptoms (if any): _______________
Referral Urgency
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☐ Routine
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☐ Urgent – Reason: _______________
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☐ Preoperative Evaluation – Surgery Date & Type: _______________
Preferred Consultation Type
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☐ Telehealth Video Visit with Patient
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☐ Interprofessional Chart Review & Recommendations to PCP
📚 Educational Resources on BAC & CAC for Radiologists, PCPs & Patients
1. For Radiologists & Radiology Technicians
📄 Guidelines on Reporting BAC & CAC
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How to document BAC in mammography reports.
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How to document CAC in chest CT reports.
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Sample structured reporting templates.
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How BAC & CAC correlate with cardiovascular disease risk.
📹 Video CME (Continuing Medical Education) Course
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BAC & CAC: What Every Radiologist Should Know.
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Earn CME credits for professional development.
2. For Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
📑 Quick Reference Guide:
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Interpreting BAC & CAC in radiology reports.
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When to refer to preventive cardiology.
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Management strategies for patients with BAC or CAC.
📹 Webinar: Cardiovascular Implications of BAC & CAC
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Featuring Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown, M.D., Ph.D.
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Free for primary care and radiology providers.
3. For Patients
📖 Patient Education Handouts:
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"What Your Mammogram Can Tell You About Your Heart" (BAC)
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"What Your Chest CT Shows About Your Heart Health" (CAC)
📞 Schedule a Consultation:
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Book a Preventive Cardiology Appointment with My Heart Spark P.C.
📌 Online Referral Form for My Heart Spark P.C.
(For Radiologists and PCPs to Refer Patients for Cardiology Consultation)
Patient Information
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Full Name: __________________________
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Date of Birth (DOB): _______________
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Contact Number: __________________
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Email Address: __________________
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Primary Care Provider (PCP): __________________
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Referring Provider (if different from PCP): __________________
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Practice Name: __________________
Imaging Findings & Reason for Referral
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Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) Findings:
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☐ Present
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☐ Location(s): __________________
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☐ Severity (if noted): ☐ Mild ☐ Moderate ☐ Severe
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Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) Findings:
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☐ Present
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☐ Agatston Score (if available): _______________
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☐ Severity: ☐ Mild ☐ Moderate ☐ Severe
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Medical History
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☐ Hypertension
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☐ Diabetes
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☐ Hyperlipidemia
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☐ Smoking History
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☐ Family History of Heart Disease
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☐ Current Cardiac Symptoms (if any): __________________
Referral Urgency
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☐ Routine
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☐ Urgent – Reason: __________________
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☐ Preoperative Evaluation – Surgery Date & Type: __________________
Preferred Consultation Type
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☐ Telehealth Video Visit with Patient
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☐ Interprofessional Chart Review & Recommendations to PCP
📞 For any questions, contact My Heart Spark P.C. at: [Clinic Contact Information]
📚 Educational Resources on BAC & CAC for Radiologists, PCPs & Patients
1. For Radiologists & Radiology Technicians
📄 Guidelines on Reporting BAC & CAC
✅ Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) Reporting Guidelines
-
Document presence, location, and extent in mammography reports.
-
Include standardized reporting statements encouraging referral to preventive cardiology.
✅ Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) Reporting Guidelines
-
Report Agatston Score (if available).
-
Use standardized phrasing to suggest cardiology referral.
📄 Sample BAC Reporting Statement:
"Breast arterial calcifications are present. While benign concerning malignancy, their presence is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Clinical correlation and consideration for cardiovascular evaluation are recommended."
📄 Sample CAC Reporting Statement:
"Coronary artery calcifications are noted, suggesting subclinical atherosclerosis. This finding is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Referral to a preventive cardiology specialist is advised for further assessment."
📹 CME (Continuing Medical Education) Course for Radiologists
-
“Breast Arterial Calcification & Coronary Calcium: What Radiologists Need to Know”
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Earn CME credits while improving BAC & CAC reporting accuracy.
2. For Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
📑 Quick Reference Guide for PCPs:
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Understanding BAC & CAC as markers of cardiovascular risk.
-
Guidance on when to refer to preventive cardiology.
-
Initial management strategies for patients with BAC or CAC findings.
📹 Webinar: Cardiovascular Implications of BAC & CAC
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Featuring Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown, M.D., Ph.D.
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Free educational session for PCPs & radiologists.
3. For Patients
📖 Patient Education Handouts:
📌 “What Your Mammogram Can Tell You About Your Heart” (BAC)
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BAC is not cancer, but it may indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
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Next steps: Cardiology evaluation, lifestyle changes, and monitoring.
📌 “What Your Chest CT Shows About Your Heart Health” (CAC)
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CAC is a marker of early atherosclerosis.
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If you have CAC, a cardiologist can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
📞 Schedule a Consultation
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Patients can book a Preventive Cardiology Appointment directly through My Heart Spark P.C.
📝 Structured Radiology Worksheets & Templates
✅ Radiology Referral Checklist
Checklist Items
Patient Information (Name, DOB, Contact)
Medical History (Risk Factors, Cardiac Symptoms)
Imaging Findings (BAC/CAC Presence, Location, Severity)
Reason for Referral (Specific Cardiology Question)
Urgency of Referral (Routine/Urgent/Preoperative)
Preferred Consultation Type (Telehealth vs. Interprofessional)
📄 Standardized BAC Reporting Template
Findings: Breast arterial calcifications present. These are benign concerning malignancy.
Assessment: BAC is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Recommendation: Consider referral to preventive cardiology for cardiovascular risk assessment.
📄 Standardized CAC Reporting Template
Findings: Coronary artery calcifications detected, indicative of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Assessment: Presence of CAC correlates with increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Recommendation: Referral to preventive cardiology is recommended for further evaluation.
Next Steps for Radiology Teams
✅ Incorporate BAC & CAC reporting templates into mammography and chest CT reports.
✅ Educate your team on the cardiovascular implications of BAC and CAC.
✅ Inform patients and PCPs about the importance of cardiovascular follow-up.
✅ Provide My Heart Spark P.C.’s contact information in reports where appropriate.
✅ Use the structured referral checklist for any patient being referred to Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown, M.D., Ph.D.
📌 Online Referral Form for My Heart Spark P.C.
For Radiologists and PCPs to Refer Patients for Cardiology Consultation
Patient Information
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Full Name: __________________________
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Date of Birth (DOB): _______________
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Contact Number: __________________
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Email Address: __________________
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Primary Care Provider (PCP): __________________
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Referring Provider (if different from PCP): __________________
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Practice Name: __________________
Imaging Findings & Reason for Referral
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Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) Findings:
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☐ Present
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☐ Location(s): __________________
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☐ Severity (if noted): ☐ Mild ☐ Moderate ☐ Severe
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Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) Findings:
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☐ Present
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☐ Agatston Score (if available): _______________
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☐ Severity: ☐ Mild ☐ Moderate ☐ Severe
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Medical History
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☐ Hypertension
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☐ Diabetes
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☐ Hyperlipidemia
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☐ Smoking History
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☐ Family History of Heart Disease
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☐ Current Cardiac Symptoms (if any): __________________
Referral Urgency
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☐ Routine
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☐ Urgent – Reason: __________________
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☐ Preoperative Evaluation – Surgery Date & Type: __________________
Preferred Consultation Type
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☐ Telehealth Video Visit with Patient
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☐ Interprofessional Chart Review & Recommendations to PCP
📚 Educational Resources on
BAC & CAC for Radiologists,
PCPs & Patients
1. For Radiologists & Radiology Technicians
📄 Guidelines on Reporting BAC & CAC
✅ Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) Reporting Guidelines
-
Document presence, location, and extent in mammography reports.
-
Include standardized reporting statements encouraging referral to preventive cardiology.
✅ Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) Reporting Guidelines
-
Report Agatston Score (if available).
-
Use standardized phrasing to suggest cardiology referral.
📄 Sample BAC Reporting Statement:
"Breast arterial calcifications are present. While benign concerning malignancy, their presence is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Clinical correlation and consideration for cardiovascular evaluation are recommended."
📄 Sample CAC Reporting Statement:
"Coronary artery calcifications are noted, suggesting subclinical atherosclerosis. This finding is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Referral to a preventive cardiology specialist is advised for further assessment."
📹 CME (Continuing Medical Education) Course for Radiologists
-
“Breast Arterial Calcification & Coronary Calcium: What Radiologists Need to Know”
-
Earn CME credits while improving BAC & CAC reporting accuracy.
2. For Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
📑 Quick Reference Guide for PCPs:
-
Understanding BAC & CAC as markers of cardiovascular risk.
-
Guidance on when to refer to preventive cardiology.
-
Initial management strategies for patients with BAC or CAC findings.
📹 Webinar: Cardiovascular Implications of BAC & CAC
-
Featuring Dr. Sherry-Ann Brown, M.D., Ph.D.
-
Free educational sessions for PCPs & radiologists.
3. For Patients
📖 Patient Education Handouts:
📌 “What Your Mammogram Can Tell You About Your Heart” (BAC)
-
BAC is not cancer, and it may indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
-
Next steps: Cardiology evaluation, lifestyle changes, and monitoring.
📌 “What Your Chest CT Shows About Your Heart Health” (CAC)
-
CAC is a marker of early atherosclerosis.
-
If you have CAC, a cardiologist can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
📞 Schedule a Consultation
-
Patients can book a Preventive Cardiology Appointment with My Heart Spark P.C.
📝 Structured Radiology
Worksheets & Templates
✅ Radiology Referral Checklist
Checklist Items
Patient Information (Name, DOB, Contact)
Medical History (Risk Factors, Cardiac Symptoms)
Imaging Findings (BAC/CAC Presence, Location, Severity)
Reason for Referral (Specific Cardiology Question)
Urgency of Referral (Routine/Urgent/Preoperative)
Preferred Consultation Type (Telehealth vs. Interprofessional)
📄 Standardized BAC Reporting Template
Section Standardized Language
Findings Breast arterial calcifications present. These are benign concerning malignancy.
Assessment BAC is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Recommendation Consider referral to preventive cardiology for cardiovascular risk assessment.
📄 Standardized CAC Reporting Template
Section Standardized Language
Findings Coronary artery calcifications detected, indicative of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Assessment Presence of CAC correlates with increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Recommendation Referral to preventive cardiology is recommended for further evaluation.
Next Steps for Radiology Teams
✅ Incorporate BAC & CAC reporting templates into mammography and chest CT reports.
✅ Educate your team on the cardiovascular implications of BAC and CAC.
✅ Inform patients and PCPs about the importance of cardiovascular follow-up.
✅ Provide My Heart Spark P.C.’s contact information in reports where appropriate.
✅ Use the structured referral checklist for any patient being referred.
This packet serves as a comprehensive guide for radiologists and radiology technicians to enhance cardiovascular risk assessment and streamline referrals to My Heart Spark P.C. for BAC & CAC findings.