Below are answers to common questions to help you navigate your care at Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists. If you don’t see your question answered here, please contact the VCS office where you typically receive care—our team is happy to help. If your concern comes up after hours, please refer to the after-hours contact information listed below.
Hours, Locations, Appointments
Where are your offices located?
We have nine clinic locations and one ambulatory surgical center conveniently located around Central Virginia. For complete addresses, maps and directions, please visit our Location page.
What are your office hours?
Most of our phone lines and offices are open Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some offices arrange procedures before 8:30 am.
Visit the Locations page for the most current office hours and contact details to schedule an appointment. The VCS business office is available to patients Monday–Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
When should I make an appointment with a VCS Cardiologist?
You should talk with your primary care doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms or changes in your usual level of activity, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pressure or pain with activity or at rest
- Chest discomfort that spreads to your arm, neck or throat, back, or jaw/teeth
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat with lightheadedness or fainting
- Unexplained weight gain
- Difficulty doing activities that were once easy, such as walking or climbing stairs
Your primary care doctor can evaluate your symptoms and, based on your exam, tests, or blood work, may recommend that you see a cardiologist.
If you experience severe or persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or other urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911.
What can I expect at my first visit with VCS?
Your first visit to VCS is an opportunity for our cardiologists to get to know you—your symptoms, medical and family history, risk factors, and any prior test results. Your provider will also perform a physical exam and take time to listen to your concerns.
Based on this initial assessment, additional testing or lab work may be recommended to help guide your care.
To learn more, watch this short video from Dr. William Coble, a cardiologist with VCS, who explains what a typical first visit looks like:
Where do I park?
There is free parking available at all of our offices. For VCS offices located on hospitals, we encourage patients to utilize the free valet parking, where available.
Insurance
What insurances do you accept?
VCS accepts most major insurance plans. Our team will confirm participation with your specific plan when you schedule or register for an appointment.
If you are uninsured or a service is not covered, we offer a 50% self-pay discount when payment is made at the time of service.
Some preventive services—such as CT Heart Scan and Vascular View—are typically not covered by insurance. For these services, the self-pay rate is already included in the published price.
Why do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician (PCP) for my appointment?
Some insurance plans—most commonly HMO plans—require a referral from your primary care physician before seeing a specialist like a cardiologist. This referral helps your insurance plan determine coverage for your visit.
If you’re unsure whether a referral is required, our team can help. You may also check with your insurance company or your PCP to confirm whether a referral is needed or has already been sent.
Why do I need to present my insurance card for every visit?
Insurance information can change at any time—even between visits. Coverage details, copays, and plan requirements may also vary.
Checking your insurance card at each visit helps us confirm accurate information, apply your benefits correctly, and reduce the chance of billing or coverage issues later.
Patient Communication
How do I access the VCS Patient Portal to send a message to my provider?
You can access the VCS Patient Portal here.
Using the patient portal to send messages improves communication, reduces phone wait times, and supports more efficient care. For more information, visit our Patient Portal information page.
What if I didn’t receive the online registration link to the patient portal?
If you did not receive your registration link by text or email prior to your appointment, please call your VCS office to ask a team member to resend your registration link.
For more information, visit our Patient Portal information page.
If I call with a question, when will someone call me back?
When you call, you will more than likely be asked to leave a message for the nurse working with your VCS cardiologist. The nurse will review your message and provide an answer or ask your physician for guidance. Messages left for VCS physicians or their nurses are typically returned on the same business day they are received, unless the message is left after 2 PM.
Why can’t I talk directly to my Cardiologist when I call?
Our cardiologists and advanced providers spend most of their day seeing patients in the office, reviewing test results, performing procedures, and making rounds in the hospital. To ensure every scheduled patient receives timely, focused care, routine phone calls are handled by our clinical team rather than going directly to the physician.
When you call, you’ll first speak with a nurse who works closely with your cardiologist and has access to your medical information. In many cases, they can answer your question right away. If not, they will consult with your provider and follow up with you as quickly as possible. Emergency concerns are always prioritized.
This team-based approach helps us respond efficiently while ensuring your cardiology provider is fully present for patients during appointments and procedures.
When should I ask to speak with a nurse or my cardiologist?
We’re here to support your heart health every step of the way. When you call, a nurse who works closely with your cardiologist is often the fastest way to get answers.
Please ask to speak with a nurse if you have questions about symptoms, medications, test results, or next steps in your care. If your cardiologist’s input is needed, the nurse will coordinate and follow up with you promptly.
If you’re experiencing urgent symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
This team-based approach helps ensure your questions are addressed quickly, and your care stays coordinated and connected.
How do I get my medications refilled?
For your safety and convenience, our office is now using an electronic prescription system. Please call your pharmacy directly to process your medication renewal request.
How do I get my test results?
Your test results will be reviewed by your VCS physician, and a decision will be made on whether additional testing is needed, whether treatment should proceed, or whether no further action is needed. This often takes several weeks from the completion of your testing procedure. If you do not receive a call from your VCS physician (or primary care physician) regarding the results, please call your physician.
Who should I call if I have a medical concern after hours?
If you have a non-emergency medical concern outside of normal office hours, please call the VCS office where you typically see your provider. Your call will be directed to the on-call physician.
After-hours contact numbers by location:
- Bell Creek: (804) 559-0405
- Harbourside: (804) 915-1400
- Forest Medical Plaza: (804) 288-4827
- New Kent: (804) 559-0405
- St. Mary’s: (804) 282-2685
- Stony Point: (804) 323-5011
- Tappahannock: (804) 559-0405
- Waterside: (804) 458-1740
- West Creek: (804) 708-0445
If you are experiencing urgent or emergency symptoms—such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Who should I call if I have a medical question during office hours?
If you have a medical question or concern during normal office hours, please call the VCS office where you typically see your provider. Our clinical team will help answer your question or route it to the appropriate nurse or provider.
If your concern requires follow-up from your cardiologist, the care team will coordinate next steps and contact you as needed.
For urgent or emergency symptoms—such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Billing and Payment Information
How will I know if I have a co-payment?
Your co-payment amount is usually listed on your insurance card. If it’s not shown, your insurance provider can confirm what applies to your visit.
Our team can help point you in the right direction if you have questions.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Effective Monday, March 2, 2026, VCS will transition to a cashless payment system. We will no longer accept cash for services rendered. Forms of payment accepted are:
- Credit and Debit Cards (Master Card, American Express, VISA)
- Personal Checks
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSB) Cards
- Online Payments through VCS Patient Portal
- Electronic check/bank transfers
Who do I call if I have a question about my bill?
Please contact our business office at (804) 521-5823.
Where do I send my payment?
The easiest and fastest way to pay your bill is online at:
https://vacardio.com/bill-pay/
If you prefer to pay by mail, please send your payment to:
Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists
P.O. Box 791183
Baltimore, MD 21279-1183
What happens if I can’t pay my bill in full?
We understand that medical bills can be unexpected. If you’re unable to pay your balance in full, our Business Office can help discuss payment options or set up a payment plan that works for you.
Please contact the VCS Business Office at (804) 521-5823 to learn more.
Additional Care and Preparation Questions
Does having heart problems affect my ability to have dental work?
This depends on your specific heart condition. Please contact your VCS physician or nurse at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled dental visit to inquire if pre-medication is required. This will allow enough time for the VCS physician to review your medical records and a prescription to be ordered prior to your visit, if necessary.
Are there any medications or food that I should avoid before having a test?
Please review the pre-test guidelines for your particular testing procedure by clicking here. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact your VCS office.