Paul J. Pearson, MD, PhD, cardiothoracic surgeon, discusses the reasons you should get a second opinion for heart and vascular diagnoses and why you should talk to the experts on our heart and vascular team.
Our heart and vascular team offers programs that allow you to explore more about your condition and receive advanced treatment and attention if necessary. If you are currently diagnosed with a heart or vascular condition, we offer an easily accessible and thorough evaluation with some of the country’s best cardiac and vascular physicians. Whether you want to confirm a treatment plan or want to find out more options, we are there to assist you in planning the next step for your heart and vascular care.
We see patients with all kinds of heart and vascular disease or problems – from heart failure to atrial fibrillation to peripheral artery disease. Our Cardiac Second Opinion Program and Vascular Second Opinion Program have dedicated and highly trained physician experts who specialize in all types of heart and vascular disease. They are involved in the latest research and utilize state-of-the-science diagnostic and treatment technology.
Benefits of a Second Opinion
You should not feel intimidated to request a second opinion from your current physician. In fact, most physicians encourage their patients to explore options when faced with a major health issue. Our physicians have built outstanding relationships with area physicians and will work with you and your physician in providing a customized care plan.
We believe that patients with heart and vascular diseases need to explore all alternatives to choose what is best for them. A second opinion, whether from our team or others, allows you the peace of mind to make the right decision.
Participation in Clinical Trials May be an Option
As part of the only academic medical center in eastern Wisconsin we have access to the latest treatments and technology. This means you will be presented with the best treatment options for your individual case. In addition, our physicians are involved in ongoing research. In fact, we are one of the top research centers in the country, receiving more National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant funding than almost any academic medical center nationwide.
Our physicians might suggest that you become involved in one of our on-going clinical trials as a treatment for your heart or vascular disease. Read more about clinical trial participation.
Insurance
Most insurance carriers cover second opinion visits. You will need to check with your insurance carrier regarding your plan coverage prior to your visits. For more information, please call our team at 414-777-7700.
Learn More
- Learn more about our Cardiac Second Opinion Program
- Learn more about our Vascular Second Opinion Program
Virtual Visits Are Available
Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We'll assess your condition and develop a treatment plan right away. To schedule a virtual visit, call 414-777-7700.
Our Cardiovascular Program continues to receive recognition as one of the top programs nationally. We are honored to provide high-quality, effective care for even the most high-risk patients.
-
Check Out Our Heart and Vascular Program Awards and Recognition
The Froedtert & MCW health network has built a reputation for clinical excellence and our research draws patients from around the world. Our Heart & Vascular program recognitions include:
- Premier recognized Froedtert Hospital in 2025 as one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals® according to its independent quality analysis based on a balanced scorecard. The hospitals recognized in the top 50 operated at lower cost and had better outcomes, recording significantly higher inpatient survival rates, fewer patients with complications, lower readmission rates and up to nearly $7,000 less in total costs per patient case. Froedtert Hospital was ranked in the category of top teaching hospitals with a cardiovascular residency program. No other hospital in Wisconsin was recognized with this national distinction.
- The International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS) recognizes our Cardio-Oncology Program as a gold level Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence in 2025. ICOS certification is awarded to institutions and practices that demonstrate superior expertise in the care of patients who have heart disease, are at high risk or experience heart complications with cancer treatment. The ICOS awards bronze, silver and gold certification. Of the two ICOS-certified programs in Wisconsin, we are the only one that meets the stringent requirements needed to be recognized as a gold level Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence.
- Healthgrades recognized Froedtert Hospital in its 2024 Specialty Excellence Awards, including one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery, one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care and one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention, as well as other specialty achievements in various areas.
- Becker’s Hospital Review recognized Froedtert Hospital within its 2024 list of 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Heart Programs. Hospitals featured on this list are renowned for delivering superior heart and vascular care that results in high-quality outcomes. As part of a health network that includes eastern Wisconsin’s only academic medical center, our heart and vascular specialists treat a high volume of patients with a wide variety of heart diseases.
- The Society for Vascular Surgery's Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS VQI) recognized Froedert Hospital as a Carotid Care Quality Champion by the SVS VQI‘s clinical registry recognition program in 2024. The VQI recognizes select centers across the country as Carotid Care Quality Champions for their dedication to improving the safety and effectiveness of vascular care through participation and engagement in VQI’s carotid artery stenting and/or carotid endarterectomy registries.
- The American Heart Association recognized Froedtert Hospital with the following awards that show our commitment to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks.
- Get With the Guidelines® Heart Failure Gold Plus Award
- Get With the Guidelines® — Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes
- Get With the Guidelines® — Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes
- Get With the Guidelines® AFib Gold Award
- In addition, the hospital was recognized on the AHA’s Target: Heart Failure(SM) Honor Roll and received the AHA’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll™ award.
Blogs, Patient Stories, Videos and Classes
