Frequently asked questions

Open Procedure Instructions and choose the procedure you are having. Preparation differs by procedure. If you are unsure which one to select, contact the team.

Follow the instructions given by your physician or nurse for your specific procedure. Do not change medications based on a general FAQ. If instructions are unclear or conflict, call your clinical team to clarify them.

Your preparation instructions depend on your procedure and sedation plan. Follow the timing given by your care team and check your procedure-specific guide.

HHC asks patients taking Ozempic (semaglutide) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) to stop the medication seven days (one week) before the procedure, unless their treating physician gives different instructions. If you cannot hold it for seven days, or have already taken a dose within that time, contact your physician and HHC before the procedure. A 24-hour liquid-only diet should be strongly considered with your physician, who will specify which liquids are allowed and when you must stop drinking. Do not assume that a liquid diet alone means the procedure can go ahead. The final medication and preparation plan is determined by your treating physician in coordination with the anesthesia team. Ask them about any questions or concerns, including blood sugar management if you have diabetes.

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and a current list of medications and doses. Review the patient information page for other items that may apply to your visit.

If you receive sedation, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. You cannot drive yourself or take a taxi or rideshare alone after sedation. Confirm your ride and home-support arrangements with your care team.

Call HHC at (602) 456-2342, ext. 3000 before your procedure to confirm your arrival time and preparation plan. Do not guess about fasting or medication instructions.

Contact your care team promptly and tell them exactly what you ate, drank, or took, and when. The team will decide whether your procedure can proceed or needs a change of plan.

Unless your physician or nurse has told you to stop a medication, take your usual morning medicines with a small sip of water. Blood thinners generally need to be held, and you should generally not take them on the morning of your procedure. However, the plan depends on your procedure and the specific medicine: follow your physician’s instructions if they differ, and confirm your blood thinner plan with your care team beforehand. This general advice does not override instructions to hold a medicine earlier, such as HHC’s seven-day instruction for Ozempic or tirzepatide. If you are unsure about any medicine, call before taking it.

Tell the nurse about your diabetes and all medicines you take during your pre-procedure call. Ask for a clear plan for your medicines, fasting, and blood sugar monitoring for the day.

Tell your care team that you have sleep apnea and whether you use a CPAP. Our patient guide lists CPAP equipment among the items to bring if you use it; confirm what your team wants you to bring.

Call the center if you develop a fever, infection, or new symptoms before your procedure. Your team will decide whether your plan needs to change. For a possible emergency, call 911.

You can contact HHC directly with questions about your visit. Procedures are scheduled through your physician.

HHC is at 1848 E. Thomas Road, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85016. See our contact page for directions and office information.

HHC provides outpatient procedures for heart rhythm conditions, implanted cardiac devices, and the heart and circulation. Your physician determines which procedure and setting are appropriate for you.

Call your physician’s office or HHC as soon as possible. Please give at least 72 hours’ notice when you need to reschedule.

Please plan to arrive at Heart Health Center one hour before your scheduled procedure, unless your care team gives you a different arrival time. Your actual procedure start time may vary depending on how long the cases before yours take. The first procedure of the day usually has the most predictable start time. Allow time for preparation and recovery as well as the procedure itself, and ask your team how long to plan for your particular visit.

The sedation or anesthesia plan depends on your procedure. Your care team will explain what to expect and how your comfort will be managed. Tell them about previous problems with sedation or anesthesia and any concerns you have.

Ask HHC about arrangements for your companion before your visit, including where they can wait, when they can be with you, and how they will receive updates.

Contact HHC before your procedure so you can discuss the arrangements required for your sedation plan. If you receive sedation, do not plan to drive yourself or take a taxi or rideshare alone.

Heart Health Center is located on the second floor, in Suite 200. An elevator that accommodates wheelchairs provides access to the second floor. If you have questions about getting to the suite, please contact HHC before your visit.

If your clinic has given you forms to complete, we recommend filling them out before your visit and bringing them with you. You can also complete these forms at Heart Health Center. Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, and a current list of your medications.

Follow the discharge instructions provided for your procedure, including activity, access-site care, and follow-up. Recovery guidance differs by procedure; contact your team if anything is unclear.

The Access Site & Closure Device page includes the V-Close video. Use it only if your care team gave you a V-Close and instructed you to remove it at home; follow their timing and instructions.

Contact your physician with any concerns after your procedure. You can also call Heart Health Center at (602) 456-2342, ext. 3000, and one of our nurses can help with your questions. For a possible emergency, call 911 immediately rather than waiting for a response.

These timings depend on your procedure and recovery. Follow your discharge instructions and ask the team about your work, driving, bathing, and activity needs before you leave.

Use the after-hours contact instructions provided in your discharge paperwork. Before leaving HHC, make sure you know whom to call if a concern arises when the center is closed. For a possible emergency, call 911 immediately.

Ask your treating physician when results will be available and how they will be shared. Before leaving, confirm whether a follow-up visit is needed, who will arrange it, and which office to contact.

Contact HHC about benefit verification, any required prior authorization, and an estimate of your expected out-of-pocket costs. Coverage depends on your individual plan.

You may receive a facility bill from the center and separate bills from your physician or anesthesia group. Call the number on the statement if you have questions about a charge.

Contact HHC with your insurer and exact plan name to confirm participation and benefits for your planned procedure. Ask about prior authorization and expected costs; coverage cannot be confirmed from the insurer’s name alone.