Frequently Asked Questions

It may seem like a paradox that many patients seen by the Kay Medical Group come believing surgery is their only option and learn that their condition does not warrant operation, while others come without hope -- having been told that they are too old or too sick, that their condition cannot be improved -- and learn that they can indeed be helped. Judgement is the key. The physicians and staff of the Kay Medical Group provide the care that is best able to meet the patient's particular needs.

Below are some commonly asked questions about the Kay Medical Group, and their answers. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please feel free to contact us.

Does the Kay Medical Group operate only on the heart?

No. The surgeons of the Kay Medical Group operate on the lungs and also blood vessels of the neck, abdomen, and legs. The same team that works with heart patients gives the same level of expert care to patients with lung or vascular disease.

Why does the Kay Medical Group work at only one hospital?

Working exclusively at Good Samaritan Hospital allows for prompt coordinated action through Kay Medical Group's system of multi-layered care and on-call surgical teams. Here, patients are treated in a dedicated cardiac surgery unit by highly trained medical professionals whose intense everyday experience with heart patients keeps their skills sharp. Plus, our physicians are never at another hospital when their patients need them. The difference can be life-saving.

Does the Kay Medical group accept my insurance?

Most certainly. The Kay Medical group accepts assignment on Medicare and Medical, and has contracts in place with practically every PPO, EPO, POS, HMO and their affiliated medical groups and IPAs. The Kay Medical Group will work with you following appropriate authorization protocols to ensure there are no problems with insurance coverage.

If myself or a loved one is sent to the Kay Medical Group, does it mean having open heart surgery?

Not necessarily. The physicians of the Kay Medical Group work closely with the patient's primary care provider and cardiologists to determine which treatment is best: medical management, cardiology intervention, or an operation. The surgeon's opinion is as important in deciding whether an operation is needed as it is in selecting which operation is to be performed and when it should be done.

We're coming from fay away. Where will my wife wait?

For families of patients that come from as far away as out of the country or as close as a neighboring county, Good Samaritan Hopsital provides single rooms and suites at the Weingart House at special rates. This residential hotel is right next door to the hospital, making it easy for a patient's family to be right there. Appointed waiting rooms in the hospital encourage family involvement.

If I need open heart surgery, how long does it take to recover?

Techniques for safe and rapid rehabilitation help patients recover their sense of health and well-being quickly. Many patients recover from their operation so quickly they wish to leave the hospital by the fourth or fifth post-operative day and are able to do so. Some patients leave as early as the third day after their operation. This will depend on the individual.

Are the anesthesiologists who work with the Kay Medical Group experts?

Absolutely. Although independent of the Kay Medical Group, the anesthesiologists care exclusively for our cardiac, thoracic, and vascular patients. Their dedication and experience with our patients gives them an edge in treating patients with difficult medical and cardiac problems, and is integral for rapid, sustained recovery.