WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Mount Carmel Health System opened the first cardiac walk-in clinic in Columbus. The clinic is under the management of Mount Carmel Heart and Vascular Center on the Mount Carmel St. Ann’s campus.

The hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

​The clinic provides same-day care for non-life-threatening cardiac symptoms, including: 

• Chest discomfort
• Elevated blood pressure
• Heart palpitations or rapid heart rate
• Leg swelling
• Shortness of breath

Mount Carmel’s cardiac walk-in clinic aims to keep emergency rooms from being overwhelmed with patients all at once.

The patient’s referring physician will receive an update for a care plan and a follow-up from the clinic’s care team. 

A provider decides on a treatment plan and diagnosis to help the patient’s needs. The cardiac testing includes an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and stress testing.

“Our new walk-in cardiac clinic is a significant step in our efforts to provide greater convenience and access to cardiac care for our patients in the Greater Columbus area,” said Dr. Michael Velez of Mount Carmel Medical Group. 

The clinic cannot accommodate certain patient health issues, including significant shortness of breath, severe chest pain and symptomatic blood pressure changes.

Patients should go to urgent care or emergency department for additional help with more severe problems. A patient should go to their physician’s office if any care was taken outside of Mount Carmel. 

Mount Carmel personnel said short wait times can be expected at the clinic and majority insurance plans are accepted.