Why Choose Private Practices, an Alternative to Corporate Medicine
It’s no secret that the hospital-centric, corporate medicine, vertical-integration model has become the norm within the healthcare industry. As giant hospital systems continue to acquire private practices at an astounding rate, patient out-of-pocket costs increase while direct access to care and overall patient satisfaction is on the steady decline. Garoutte Medical Associates (GMA) is proud to offer its patients an alternative to corporate medicine. GMA is a private, independent, cardiovascular practice that offers a better healthcare experience for our patients. We offer patient-focused care at a lower cost, higher efficiency and greater patient satisfaction.
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Easier Access to Care
We have openings daily for new patients. There is no hospital admission process. One call to our office and we will take care of the rest.
Consistency
Dr. Garoutte is the only physician in the office. In a large group practice, patients are frequently passed around the group at the expense and inconvenience of multiple consultative fees. Dr. Garoutte determines a plan-of-care for every patient, including those that meet for their initial consultation with one of our Nurse Practitioners.
Prompt Feedback
Our eClinical Works EMR allows for instantaneous transmission of reports. Reports are transmitted to your primary care and/or referring surgeon immediately after Dr. Garoutte finalizes the report. The eClinical Works is the most prevalent clinic electronic healthcare record software and allows Dr. Garoutte to directly interface and transfer information to referring physicians who use this software program.
Reduced Cost
Our services are reimbursed at 30-50% less expense for testing as compared to hospitals! Hospital-employed cardiologists are allowed to bill a “facility fee” that adds significant additional cost to patients for the very same testing. Our cash-pay rates are transparent, pre-negotiated, and in many cases, approximate Medicare allowable rates of reimbursement.
Higher Patient Satisfaction
A review of the various physician evaluation sites will show that our overall patient satisfaction is much higher than most of the hospital-employed cardiologists. Dr. Garoutte has been rated a 5 out of 5 rating by almost 200 patients in the U.S. News and World Report website. He is a five-star physician at WebMD and has received the prestigious Patient Choice Award.
Commitment to Patient Care
Dr. Garoutte & his staff’s focus is 100% patient-centric. We don’t have to be concerned about corporate shareholder interests or how many RVU’s (Relative Value Units) that are being produced like hospital-employed clinicians do.
Proactive Cardiac Care
Dr. Garoutte’s job is to keep patients out of the ER and out of the hospital. Patient preventative care and Dr. Garoutte’s proactive approach to cardiovascular care will optimize the likelihood that the expense and inconvenience of hospital visits will be minimized.
Comprehensive Cardiac Care
With the exception services and procedures provided by a cardiac electrophysiologist, our cardiovascular patients can receive ALL of their outpatient cardiac care by one cardiologist in one location.
Post-Testing Consultation With Dr. Garoutte
Unlike many large practices, Dr. Garoutte meets with each patient at the time of follow up after testing has been completed in the office. He provides copies of the test results to the patient while he reviews the results.
Meet our Clinicians and Leadership
Trent “T.J” Fackelman, DNP, RN, FNP-C
T.J. serves as the nurse practitioner at Garoutte Medical Associates.
Work Hard, Play Hard
At GMA, we embrace a "work hard, play hard" ethos. Dr. Garoutte recognizes the escalating demands and regulations within the healthcare sector, acknowledging the shared burden of increased responsibilities on both physicians and support staff.
We take great pride in ensuring our staff receive fair compensation for their dedication and loyalty. Our leadership team consistently evaluates performance and compensation across all roles, striving to maintain competitive packages that place us at or near the top of the market. There are no glass ceilings on any position within our office.
Beyond competitive compensation and benefits, Dr. Garoutte is committed to fostering a cohesive team environment. We offer various team-building activities, incentives, group outings, and staff trips to all eligible full-time employees.
If you are interested in joining our team or more information about our benefits and compensation packages, please send an email with your resume attached to our hiring coordinator, Chris Wiley.
Below is a comprehensive list of various staff trips that GMA has taken over the years.
Connect with us on our Facebook page to follow our events, outings and adventures and to find out where our next team trip will be!
- Hawaii – Oct 2023
- South Padre Island – July 2022
- South Padre Island – August 2021
- Mayan Dude Ranch – August 2020
- Mexico Cruise – June 2019
- South Padre Island – July 2018
- Telluride, CO – 2016
- Mexico Cruise – Sept 2014
- Port Aransas – 2013
- Telluride, CO – Sept 2012
- Bahamas – 2010
- Cozumel, MX - 2009
Frequently asked questions
Got questions? We've got answers! Check out our frequently asked questions to find quick solutions to common queries. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out to our support team for assistance.
Can I get my cardiac testing the same day as I meet with the doctor?
In most cases, once the doctor has met you and formulated your evaluation plan, his business office with start the pre-authorization process with your insurance company. This may take several days. Once the insurance authorization is obtained, testing can commence.
I am here for pre-op clearance. Can’t the doctor just clear me based on my EKG?
No. Your surgeon or anesthesiologist sent you to Dr. Garoutte because they have concern about intra-operative cardiac complications. Dr. Garoutte will order cardiac testing that will allow him to assess your cardiac risk for surgery. Most patients pass their testing in which case Dr. Garoutte transmits a clearance letter to the surgeon. About ten (10) percent of pre-op clearance patients are discovered to have cardiac issues that require treatments such asa stent or bypass surgery.
Why have I been scheduled for cardiac tests on different days instead of having all of the tests on one day?
Some insurance companies will only allow one test per day. Also, the availability of testing on a given day is driven by staffing requirements or if a nuclear isotope must be ordered on a particular day.
Why are their two check-in windows?
On any given day, more than half the patients who enter the building will be there for testing. If they are patients who need nuclear imaging, we must bring them back to the testing area promptly to avoid the degradation of the nuclear material. If you see patients being brought back before you, it is likely because they are in the office for testing, not to see the doctor.
I am an established patient, why do I have to complete paperwork so frequently?
Unfortunately, this is a requirement from your insurance company. The practice is audited for completion of the paperwork and can be financially penalized if the paperwork is not in your chart.