The best way to prepare for your first AFib appointment is to bring your medicine list, insurance card, any home readings, and a short list of questions. A little prep helps your doctor understand you faster and helps you leave with a clear plan.
Before you go
- Call 904.493.3333 to confirm the time and office.
- Ask if your insurance needs a referral.
- Gather records from any past heart tests or hospital stays.
- Plan to arrive a little early for paperwork.
What to bring
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A full list of medicines, including blood thinners, over-the-counter pills and supplements
- Home blood pressure and heart rate readings
- Smartwatch alerts or saved rhythm strips
- A symptom log with dates, times and what you felt
- A family member or friend, if you like
What to expect
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, health history and family history. You will have an exam, and you may have an EKG. Your doctor may order more testing, such as a Holter monitor, an event recorder or an echocardiogram. Then you will talk about what the results mean and what comes next.
Questions to ask
- Do I have AFib, and what type?
- What is my stroke risk?
- Do I need a blood thinner?
- Should I be checked for sleep apnea?
- Is ablation or Watchman something to consider for me?
- What symptoms should make me call the office, and which mean call 911?
After the visit
Write down the plan while it is fresh. Schedule any tests or follow-ups before you leave. If you think of new questions later, call the office during business hours, 8AM to 5PM. If you need to cancel or change, FCCI asks for at least 24 hours notice.
Who you may see
FCCI's heart rhythm specialists are Dr. Firas El Sabbagh, Director of Electrophysiology, and Dr. Deepak Kumar Pasupula. Both are Fellows of the Heart Rhythm Society.
Emergencies
Do not wait for an appointment if you have chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath or stroke signs. Call 911.
Write your story in a few lines
Before your visit, write three or four sentences about your symptoms: when they started, how often they happen, how long they last and what makes them better or worse. Doctors hear a lot of information quickly, and a short written summary helps them focus on what matters most to you.
Ask about the next steps
Before you leave, make sure you know which tests are next, when results will be ready, how you will hear about them and when your next visit is. If anything is unclear, ask the team to repeat it. Good questions are a normal part of care.
Bring someone along
A family member or friend can take notes and remember details you might miss.
Getting care at FCCI
For your first visit, pick whichever FCCI office is closest: Southside, Westside, Northside, University Blvd, Mandarin/Fruit Cove, Orange Park, Palatka or Waycross. Have your insurance card handy; FCCI accepts Medicare, Medicaid of Florida, Tricare and most major plans.
This checklist is a helpful start. Your doctor may ask for other details that fit your history.
Ready to book that first visit? New patients can call 904.493.3333 from 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday, or request a time online with just a name and phone number.
