Making a difference in a patient’s life by taking care of the person’s health needs is what is most gratifying to Nandu Gourineni, MD, as an interventional cardiologist. “The immediate benefit to a patient’s health and the palpable effect on the patient’s family after a successful procedure is very rewarding,” he said. Dr. Gourineni has been practicing at Southern Indiana Heart & Vascular, a Columbus Regional Health physician practice, since 2013.

Like other Columbus Regional Health providers, Southern Indiana Heart & Vascular physicians took most of their services online and offered telehealth appointments to ensure the safety of their patients and staff amid the COVID-19 outbreak. They temporarily stopped elective procedures and in-person visits. Emergency procedures continued.

Now that elective procedures have resumed at Columbus Regional Health, both staff and providers have been calling patients whose procedures/tests were postponed due to COVID-19 to make sure that their health condition is stable and following up by prioritizing the services depending on individual health needs. “It is important that patients undergo the appropriate testing/procedures as recommended by their physicians because COVID-19 will eventually go away but heart disease will stay,” said Dr. Gourineni. “The risk of dying from an untreated heart attack far outweighs the risk from COVID-19 infection.”

Dr. Gourineni wants patients to be reassured that the hospital and his practice are both providing clean and safe areas for those who need care. At Southern Indiana Heart & Vascular, patients remain in their cars until a sanitized exam room is open and ready. Once patients enter the office, they are provided with a disposable mask before being directed to the exam room. Physical contact with the staff and practitioners is limited to essential testing. Providers and staff wear masks at all times.

In the hospital, all physicians and staff wear masks. Every hospitalized patient is being tested for COVID-19 infection, and patients who test positive or who have already been admitted for COVID-19 are cared for in an area that’s separate from other patients. Early and same-day discharges are also conducted for some procedures when deemed appropriate.

Dr. Gourineni and his fellow providers strive to have frequent interactions with patients to develop a trusting relationship. That trust is important during this time of uncertainty. “We try to develop a good relationship with the patient by being honest, compassionate, caring, and understanding a patient’s problem. We always try to keep their health and well-being above everything else,” he said.

If you need an appointment with Southern Indiana Heart & Vascular providers, please call 812-379-2020.