Department Spotlight: Outpatient Cardiology
February 14, 2025
The heart provides life for us every day. After all, without a functioning heart, there would be no human life to begin with. Therefore, keeping it beating healthily - is not a luxury – it's a necessity. For such a vital everyday organ, there is a team - specifically dedicated to taking care of your heart, well, every day!
Meet the Outpatient Cardiology team, a member of the Renown Institute for Heart and Vascular Health. Being treated for a heart condition is one step – ongoing maintenance is another. And this is the team to help patients do exactly that: stay on top of their heart health so they can continue to live their lives to the fullest.
The Heartbeat of Patient Care
Renown Health’s Outpatient Cardiology team is a group of passionate professionals united by a common mission: to provide exceptional, compassionate care that empowers patients on their heart health journey.On the provider side of the coin, our cardiology physicians and nurse practitioners work together to ensure that patients with heart issues, especially electrical heart conditions such as arrhythmias, are given precise care. Their role involves diagnosing and managing their patients’ care to improve treatment plans, all aided by talented nurses and medical assistants.
“My day primarily consists of electrical issues of the heart,” said Michael Thompson, APRN, Clinical Nurse Specialist. “I do see general cardiology and heart failure needs as well, as all of these can have overlap.”
In Outpatient Cardiology, technology is king. In fact, this department is home to special equipment tailored specifically for heart care patients. The work of our monitor technicians and cardiac device coordinators is key in making sure that heart data is accurately captured, which helps our providers make informed decisions about patient care.
“I enroll all the mail/ship outpatient cardiac monitors as well as take care of any phone calls and MyChart questions or issues,” said Dolly Sevigny, Cardiology Monitor Technician. “My afternoon consists of placing the Cardiac Heart Monitor on patients and monitoring removals if patients are uncomfortable doing this themselves.
Every good department is backed by a stellar front-office team, and Outpatient Cardiology is no different. Their patient access representatives are often the first point of contact for patients, setting the stage for a positive experience at the office.
“We are the front line of Outpatient Cardiology; we are the faces all the patients see first,” said Brittney Hughes, Patient Access Representative Lead. “It is important for us to make a good impression and make every patient feel welcome. We handle insurance questions, scheduling, being on the lookout for symptomatic patients and much more!”
Helping out behind-the-scenes, you’ll find the physician scheduling coordinators. They are experts at ensuring everything related to scheduling, billing and documentation runs smoothly so patients can rest assured that the administrative and financial aspects of their care are taken care of.
“In my role on the Outpatient Cardiology team, I handle a variety of tasks,” said Maddie Briede, Physician Scheduling Coordinator. “I ensure that the charges dropped into patient accounts after visits are accurate. I also manage the monthly work relative value unit (wRVU) process, gathering data from both Renown and outside facilities on what our doctors have read – like Echocardiograms, Stress Tests and EKGs – and create invoices for these facilities.”
As you can tell, like other health services at Renown, individualized care for each patient is a must for this department. By prioritizing patient-centered care and collaboration, the team strives to offer personalized care that meets each patient's unique needs.
“Patient care is always the most important component,” said Michael Thompson, APRN. “There is a collaborative approach with the mindset that the patient is always the first priority. Every patient is different and needs to be treated as such.”
We Have a Lot of Heart
The heartfelt nature (pun intended) of the Outpatient Cardiology team can be felt from a mile away. Led by their caring and genuine attitudes, this team feels a special connection with Renown’s new mission, vision and values. Many of them agree that the value of Compassion resonates most with them – and for good reason.“Renown's value of Compassion resonates with me the most because I believe that when you approach everything with compassion, all the other values naturally follow,” said Maddie Briede. “Acting with compassion in every interaction helps put people first, fosters strong collaboration and ensures that integrity and excellence are maintained in everything we do.”
“Compassion resonates with me,” added Brittney Hughes. “We on the front lines make sure every patient is cared for, and all questions have been answered. We really sympathize with every patient and their situation. Not one patient is the same.”
“Compassion and empathy are very important to me – to let every patient know that they are cared for and not forgotten.” added Dolly Sevigny. “Making a difference in their everyday lives is so rewarding.”
At Renown, our employee-led Culture Crew helps our teams bring our values to life. They are on a continual mission to discover the best ways that Renown can make a real impact on the way patients, team members and the community connect. Inspired by this mission, the Outpatient Cardiology started their very own Culture Crew, an initiative that has been well received by the entire team.
“One accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is the start of our team’s Culture Crew, which I serve as chair," said Maddie Briede. “It's been important to me to help create a space where we can get to know each other beyond just work, especially since we spend over 40 hours a week together. This initiative has been truly eye-opening, and I’ve loved working with the team to organize fun activities and events such as potlucks, snack bars and treasure hunts. It’s been rewarding to see my coworkers excited about something to look forward to outside of their usual responsibilities.
Collaboration is also a top Renown value and a value that this team takes seriously. After all, teamwork makes the dream work.
“I am most proud of our teamwork,” said Brittney Hughes. “We all pitch in where we can and fill in the gaps if we are short staffed. Our patient care is top of the line, and it shows through all of us!”
“I am most proud of the collaboration from everyone on our team, from inpatient to outpatient, and seeing the full circle of great care and the amazing outcome for our patients,” added Dolly Sevigny.
This department jumps at the opportunity to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies that improve patient outcomes, especially on the electrical cardiology side of things.
“I think the electrophysiology team is taking great strides to provide up-to-date, competent care for the community, bringing in the newest devices and procedures,” said Michael Thompson, APRN.
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the region, many of these team members feel drawn to Renown’s community impact and the opportunity to give back and care for those who need it. The non-profit mindset Renown carries inspires this team to go above and beyond every day for their patients.
“Being part of a not-for-profit health system like Renown is inspiring because it allows us to be a meaningful part of our community, providing care to those who truly need it,” said Maddie Briede. “It’s rewarding to know that the entire team – MAs, Device Team, RNs, leaders and providers – works together to make a difference in our patients' lives.”
“It makes me very proud that Renown is a not-for-profit organization,” added Dolly Sevigny. “I have had patients come from other states because they couldn't get help in their state due to insurance issues. Renown has saved many lives, including his. In the 17 or so years I have worked for Renown, I have always been very proud of where I work and have met some of the best people, coworkers and patients.”
With all that said, it’s obvious that not only do these professionals care for the heart, but they also have a lot of heart themselves as well. What could be better than that?
Open Your Heart to a Career in Cardiology
So, now you have learned all about the passion and talents of our cardiology team members. How would it feel to join them? You can find out for yourself by applying for a career with Renown!If you are a hard worker, put the needs of your patients at the forefront and lead with compassion, the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health may be the ideal workplace for you.
“All of the employees in cardiology really work for our patients,” said Brittney Hughes. “We take pride in our patient care, and we work hard to meet the needs of all our patients. All our employes smile with kindness and accept our patients and any symptoms they might have. We are a very compassionate team!”
Our Outpatient Cardiology employees are masters at staying positive and believe fully that kindness and accountability goes a long way with both patients and fellow coworkers.
“A good coworker in Outpatient Cardiology is someone who is always ready to lend a hand when needed and supports the team,” said Maddie Briede. “They’re also someone you can share a laugh with, helping to make the work environment enjoyable, while still ensuring that tasks are completed.”
“What makes a good coworker in our department? Positivity, communication, and most of all, love – love makes the world a better place,” added Dolly Sevigny.
“It’s important for our team to have the ability to admit what you don’t know and to not be afraid to ask a question for the betterment of the patient,” added Michael Thompson, APRN.
Discover a career that cares about you in cardiology today. You’ll be welcomed with open arms by team members like those in the Outpatient Cardiology department, who cannot wait to change patients’ lives with you.
“I am now a senior citizen, and I have worked very hard for a long time; I am so grateful for this job, working with these great people who do the best they can for patients and each other,” said Dolly Sevigny. “I wanted to say thank you to this office and to the Renown hospital teams. I have worked in many different departments, and I am truly blessed to have been able to work with so many great people.”
“Outpatient Cardiology is such a wonderful team. I truly do love my job and am proud to be a part of this clinic,” closes Maddie Briede.