Patient Care

Overview of Our Program

The team of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery offers a wide variety of procedures that you will not find in other institutions. Your initial step should include scheduling a surgical consultation with our robotic surgery physicians. You can call the center directly at 312-355-4300 to make an appointment. If you have specific questions related to your diagnosis or visit,  please call our office at 312-996-4942 to speak with a member of our staff.

Patients are seen in the Cardiothoracic Surgery clinic at the University of Illinois Outpatient Care Center in suite 3F. The Outpatient Care Center is located at 1801 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois. At your initial visit you will meet with several members of our multidisciplinary team. We will review your records, any radiology imaging, and obtain a comprehensive history so as to best formulate a plan for your care.

If a decision is made for you to undergo surgery, you will need to meet with our anesthesiology team and additional tests may be performed. The appointments can sometimes be scheduled on the same day you come in for the initial visit, but there are times when you may need to meet with them at a later date. We will work with you to best meet your scheduling needs.

On the day of their outpatient surgery, patients will go to the Surgicenter, which is located in the main hospital at 1740 W. Taylor Street on the 3rd floor, room 3300. If you are having a same day surgery procedure you will be discharged from the Surgicenter once you have fully recovered.  If your surgery requires a hospital stay, this will be discussed with you at your initial visit. The hospital building is also located at 1740 W. Taylor Street.
During your hospital stay you will be cared for by several members of our team who will assist you in your healing process. Prior to discharge and throughout your stay, you will learn about the care you will need to have a successful recovery at home. You may learn about your pain medications, specific instructions on care of any incisions that you might have, and maybe even dietary changes you will need to make. Once you are discharged from the hospital, you will be seen in the surgery clinic for a follow up visit usually within one to two weeks after returning home.

How to schedule an appointment?

To schedule a clinic appointment with one of our surgeons, please call 312-355-4300. To register for a visit, you will need to provide the call center with some basic information, including your insurance information. If you have any specific medical questions or have any issues regarding an upcoming visit, please call our office directly at 312-355-1493.

What should I bring with me on my first appointment?

At the time of your first appointment, you should bring your medical records, x-ray films or a CD disk of your radiology x-rays, CT or MRI. Please also bring your referring physician’s information (name and phone number). If your insurance provider requires a referral (such as an HMO plan), please contact your primary care provider. You should also bring your insurance card, picture ID, and a list of questions you may want to have addressed.
It is recommended that you bring a family member or trusted friend with you to the appointment. This person can assist you in keeping track of all the information you will receive during your visit.

On subsequent visits you may need to only bring your insurance card and picture ID. If you have an HMO insurance provider, you will need a new referral 60 days following your surgery. 

Where should I go?
Anytime you have a visit with our surgeons you should come to the Surgery clinic at the Outpatient Care Center located at 1801 W. Taylor Street (Chicago) on the 3rd floor, Suite 3F. If you need additional directions, please call 312-355-4300 or toll-free 1-866-600-CARE (2273). Click here for maps and directions.

When should I get there?
Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. After reporting to the patient care area to register, you will then be seated in a waiting area until you are escorted to an examination/treatment room for your consultation.

How long will I be there?
Expect to spend anywhere from one to three hours during your first visit; this time is to assure that each new patient is fully evaluated. The length of subsequent visits will depend upon the treatment plan and follow-up testing that will be recommended for you. Since there may be a wait before you see the physician, please bring something to read or items of interest to occupy your wait time. If you are diabetic, be aware that there is not a vending machine in the clinic; therefore you may bring water or a healthy snack. In the main hospital there is a food court for all your food needs. If you or your family member chooses to leave the waiting area, be sure to notify the registration staff.

What will happen while I’m there?
During your visit, a discussion of your treatment needs will occur. First the specialist will review your materials and conduct an examination. At this time, the doctor may give you several treatment options or further diagnostic recommendations. Additional testing and specialty referrals may be ordered and the nurse will schedule the surgery based on your needs.

Where should I park?
You may park in the parking structure located at the corner of Taylor and Wood Streets, or Taylor and Paulina Streets. Bring the parking ticket with you to have it validated for a discounted parking rate.