Medicare Procedure and Patient Information
Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Andrew J. West, MD in 2013
The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Andrew J. West, MD treated during 2013 were hypertension.
| 75 | |
Loading Page
Dr. Andrew J. West, MD is an interventional cardiologist in San Antonio, TX specializing in interventional cardiology and adult cardiology. He graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1990 and has 34 years of experience. Dr. Andrew J. West, MD is affiliated with Baptist Health System, Baptist Hospital and WELLMED NETWORKS, INC.
4330 Medical Drive Suite 500
San Antonio, TX 78229
Heart Attack
A heart attack is a serious medical event that happens when the blood supplying oxygen to the heart is cut off, usually because of a blockage in an artery. This results in damage or death of part of the heart muscle. The heart can heal, but like any part of the body that was injured it leaves a scar. This scar tissue does not contract effectively, so the ability of the heart to pump is lowered after a heart attack.
A heart attack, sometimes called a myocardial infarction, can happen without warning. However there are certain factors that raise the risk of heart attack. Some of these are:
Heart attacks typically feel like pain or pressure in the chest that can radiate out to the back, arm, or jaw. Some other symptoms can include fatigue or weakness, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.
Treatment aims to increase blood flow to the heart muscle by opening up blocked blood vessels. Medications are sometimes used to dissolve clots in the arteries. Aspirin and other medications such as Plavix can thin the blood and make clots less likely to form. Dilators can widen blood vessels to make room for more blood to flow. Doctors can also use a procedure called catheterization to look at the blood vessels around the heart directly, place stents, or widen vessels using angioplasty. In extreme cases bypass surgery can be used to help blood flow better. After recovery, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and take any prescribed medications in order to protect the heart.
Heart Problems
The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. This smooth muscle expands and contracts rhythmically an entire lifetime, pumping blood to the lungs and then to every other cell in the body. When heart problems occur, it becomes difficult for the body to get the nutrients and oxygen it needs via the blood. So while there are a variety of illnesses and disorders that affect the heart, most of them cause weakness, exhaustion and shortness of breath. The most common heart conditions include heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, and valve disorders.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This includes coronary artery disease, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Some conditions, such as genetics, cannot be controlled. But there are many other things one can do to lower their risk for heart disease. Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing or stopping smoking, exercising more and losing weight if needed, and eating a diet low in sodium can all protect the heart.
Angina is a squeezing type of chest pain that happens when the muscles around the heart don't get enough oxygen. It can be regular or infrequent. Usually, angina is caused by coronary heart disease. However, not all chest pain is angina. Chest pain can also be caused by a lung infection or panic attack, for example, so it is important to have any sudden pain checked.
Arrhythmia is the word for when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly with skipped beats. It can feel frightening, and depending on the type it can be dangerous, but in most cases arrhythmia is not serious and can be treated. It is very common, especially in older adults.
Heart valve problems can happen in any one of the the heart's four valves that keep blood flowing where it needs to go. Babies can be born with problems in their heart valves, or valves can be damaged by infections. The valves can stiffen and become less mobile, or they can stop closing properly and 'leak' when the heart beats. Valve problems can usually be repaired surgically.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Andrew J. West, MD for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Andrew J. West, MD treated as an interventional cardiologist in San Antonio, TX were ultrasound (sonogram) and cardiac procedures.
| 22 | |
| 29 | |
| 22 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Andrew J. West, MD.
| 11 | |
| 15 |
| 14 | |
| 2 | |
| 8 | |
| 3 | |
| 5 |
The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Andrew J. West, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
| 60 | |
| 43 | |
| 36 | |
| 10 | |
| 34 | |
| 25 | |
| 26 | |
| 7 | |
| 2 |
Dr. Andrew J. West, MD graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1990. He completed residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center. He has a state license in Michigan.
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine (1990)
Residency: Wilford Hall Medical Center
Licensed In: Michigan
Dr. Andrew J. West, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Andrew J. West, MD does not have any reviews yet, be the first to leave a review of Dr. Andrew J. West, MD here: Leave a Review
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Andrew J. West, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
|
$375
Pacemakers $242 |
Vascular $119 |
BMW guide wires $15 |
||||
|
$359
BRILINTA $237 |
FARXIGA $122 |
|||||
|
$250
Legacy $150 |
Impella $100 |
|||||
|
$164
XARELTO $164 |
||||||
|
$142
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators - ICDs $44 |
Patient Management - Data Connectivity Solutions $39 |
Pacemakers $33 |
Leads $27 |
|||
|
$507
Vimpat $64 |
Effient $58 |
Xyrem $34 |
VIAGRA $34 |
Nuedexta $33 |
Other $283 |
| $1,797 |
Dr. Andrew West is a physician who specializes in adult cardiology and interventional cardiology. Dr. West's areas of clinical interest consist of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart attack, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). He is affiliated with Baptist Health System. He graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine.