Identification & insurance
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card(s)
- Medicare/Medicaid card if applicable
- Referral authorization if required by your plan
New patients
Your first visit to James River Cardiology.
Here is everything you need to know before your appointment — what to bring, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your visit.
Before your visit
What to bring to your appointment.
Having the right documents ready at your first visit helps the care team provide the best evaluation possible.
Medical records
- Recent EKG or echocardiogram results
- Prior cardiology records or stress test results
- Hospital discharge summaries (if recent)
- Lab work from the past 6–12 months
Medications
- A complete list of all current medications, including dosages
- Over-the-counter medications and supplements
- Any known drug allergies
Medical history
- Past cardiac procedures or surgeries
- Family history of heart disease
- A description of current symptoms and when they started
What to expect
How your first visit works.
Check-in
Arrive 15–20 minutes early to complete registration paperwork if you haven't already done so online. Bring your ID and insurance card.
Medical history review
A member of the care team will review your medical history, current symptoms, and reason for your visit before the physician or advanced practice provider sees you.
Evaluation & testing
Your provider will conduct a clinical examination. Depending on your reason for visit, the team may recommend an EKG, echocardiogram, stress test, or lab work — some of which may be done that day.
Care plan discussion
Your provider will discuss their findings and recommend a care plan. This may include medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, further testing, or a specialist referral within the JRC team.
Follow-up scheduling
Before you leave, the team will schedule any follow-up appointments, tests, or procedures you need. They will also explain next steps clearly so you know what to expect.
After your visit
You will receive a summary of your visit through the patient portal or by mail. If you have questions after your appointment, call your office directly during business hours.
Frequently asked questions
Common new patient questions.
Do I need a referral?
Not necessarily. James River Cardiology accepts patients with and without physician referrals. However, some insurance plans require a referral before they will cover specialist visits. Check with your insurance company before scheduling if you are unsure.
What insurance do you accept?
James River Cardiology works with most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. Contact the office at your preferred location to verify your specific plan prior to your appointment.
How far in advance should I schedule?
Same-week and next-week appointments are often available. If your situation is urgent, call the office directly — the care team will do their best to accommodate you quickly.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
Please call your scheduled office location as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. We ask for at least 24 hours notice when possible so the appointment can be offered to another patient.
Are telehealth visits available?
Follow-up visits and select consultations for established patients may be available via telehealth. Ask the care team at scheduling if a virtual visit is appropriate for your situation.
Ready to get started?
Request your first appointment.
Use the online form to send your information and preferred location. The team will follow up to confirm your appointment, or call us directly.