Residents in Watervliet and surrounding areas can now receive expanded heart care at Corewell HealthTM Watervliet Hospital.
New services include general cardiology office visits, a specialized device clinic for pacemaker and defibrillator patients, and point-of-care testing for blood thinners, providing rapid results to quickly guide treatment decisions. Testing includes echocardiograms, heart rhythm monitors, event monitors, stress testing and nuclear medicine testing which uses radioactive tracers to assess organ and metabolism function.
“Bringing high-quality cardiology services closer to home is a meaningful step forward for patients in northern Berrien and Van Buren counties,” said Natalie Baggio, president of Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan. “By expanding trusted programs known for excellent outcomes and experience, we’re making it easier for our communities to access the care they need, where and when they need it most.”
Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital is located at 400 Medical Park Drive in Watervliet. Cardiology services are provided Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital is offering services five days per week in addition to cardiology testing for patients who previously had to travel to Niles and St. Joseph,” said Beth Bailey, heart and vascular practice manager, Niles and Watervliet.
The hospital is in the process of hiring several new cardiologists with the expectation of an influx of new patients. The new services became available in early July.
“Cardiovascular disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States,” said J.P Markovic, M.D., cardiologist, Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan. “But a large percentage of cardiovascular disease is preventable, so it is vital that patients have convenient options for care as close to home as possible.”
