Patients · Before your visit

For Patients

What to bring to a first appointment, what other patients have said, and answers to the questions the office is asked most.

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What to expect on your first visit

01 / Before you arrive

A little preparation helps your first appointment run smoothly and gives Dr. Vafai the fullest picture of your heart health from day one.

Photo ID & insurance card
Please bring a valid photo ID and your current insurance card(s) for registration.
Referral or prior authorization
If your insurance requires a referral or authorization for a cardiology visit, please confirm it's on file before you arrive.
Current medication list
A list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, with dosages — or simply bring the bottles.
Other healthcare provider details
Names, phone numbers, and fax numbers for your Primary Care Physician and any specialists — such as your oncologist for cardio-oncology patients — so we can coordinate care and send notes directly.
Recent records
Ahead of time, get us recent labs, EKGs, or notes from your prior cardiologist or primary care doctor. If you had a recent hospitalization, it is important that you make the office staff aware.
Prior imaging — on CD, not just the report
If you've had a cardiac CT, catheterization, or echocardiogram elsewhere, please bring the imaging disc itself so it can be compared directly, not only the written report.
What to wear
A comfortable, loose-fitting two-piece outfit and shoes that are easy to remove make blood pressure checks and EKG electrode placement easier. Please avoid heavy skin creams or fragrances, as they can interfere with EKG electrode placement.
Bring a companion
You're welcome to bring a family member or friend to help take notes and ask questions.
No fasting required
There's no need to fast before your visit — we do not perform routine blood work in the office.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Dr. Vafai runs on schedule. Arriving a little early gives you time to complete registration paperwork ahead of your scheduled visit.
Parking
Free, on-site patient parking is available at both office locations — no validation needed.

Frequently asked questions

02 / FAQ
Do you accept my insurance plan?

Please call the office for these details. We take most major insurances.

Can I walk in, or do I need a scheduled appointment?

Please call for an appointment. You may be advised to speak with a nurse to help triage your issue. If the issue is urgent, you may be advised to go to the ER.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately — do not wait for a callback from the office.

How do I reach Dr. Vafai between visits?

Call the office and our nursing staff will triage your question and get it to Dr. Vafai, or send a message through the patient portal, which he reviews himself. For anything that can't wait, call rather than message.

How do I request medication refills?

You can call the office and leave a message, or request a refill through the patient portal.

What is the cancellation or late-arrival policy?

We appreciate advance notice, as other patients may have urgent issues and want to be seen. If you are more than 5–10 minutes late for your appointment, you will be asked to reschedule.

Patient reviews

03 / What patients say
5.0★
117 ratings · Healthgrades
5.0★
58 ratings · Vitals
4.9★
96 reviews · Birdeye
★★★★★
“I’ve recommended Dr Vafai to many friends. He is the most caring, considerate and informative doctor that I have ever experienced.”
Patient review · Healthgrades · Sep 2026
★★★★★
“Always very professional, caring, thorough, a good listener and a great problem solver.”
Patient review · Birdeye
★★★★★
“Love Dr. Vafai. As a retired Hospital Administrator, I am extremely impressed with MD and office.”
Patient review · Vitals · Sep 2026
★★★★★
“Dr. Vafai is outstanding, knowledgeable, and exceptionally responsive to messages.”
Patient review · Birdeye
★★★★★
“Dr Vafai is a very caring physician, explains details thoroughly. And makes sure you understand.”
Patient review · Vitals · Aug 2026
★★★★★
“A caring and competent cardiologist who invests time to analyze and evaluate the patient’s condition.”
Patient review · Birdeye
Read all reviews on Healthgrades ↗