Looking for EP in Philadelphia area

[lizliz40]

I have been experiencing pvc's, pac's, and brief episodes of sudden rapid heartbeats for about a year and a half now.  I see a cardiologist and have had blood work, echo, and stress echo that all show things are normal.  Despite these results, I would really like to speak with an electrophysiologist.  I have many questions, some about EP studies, others about why this is happening to me now, especially the rapid heartbeat (this really scares me).  I have an appt in a couple weeks with an EP that my cardiologist recommended.  She was listed as one of the top doctors in the area by one of the local magazines.  My question is, if I wanted to get a second opinion, how do you go about finding a top notch EP?  If I were to ever need an ablation, I would want the most experienced physician possible.  Is there a well known heart specialty center in the Philly area?  Of course I would love to be able to go to the Cleveland Clinic, but that seems a bit far.  Thank you.

[lizliz40]

Thanks for the helpful information.  May I ask if your procedure was a success?

[twinbee]

One of the top EP's in the country is located at Univ of Penn, Dr. Marchlinski. His group is one of the best.(Marchlinski, Callans, Gerstenfeld to name a few). I had my ablation done at Univ of Penn for a-fib and a-flutter. I personally researched and met with several doctors across the country, and decided on Penn.

[lizliz40]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm not originally from this area and don't know anyone else with arrythmia issues (besides family members in other states).  Makes it tough knowing where to start in finding a specialist.  I had no idea such a well respected EP lab was so close.  I'm just up the road from U Penn. so I'll definitely keep that in mind.  Thanks again!

[smconorm]

One of the top four EP labs in the United States is located in Philadelphia  next to U. Penn at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine.   This was recommended to me by my daughter, a 3rd year resident  MD in Internal Medicine.  

Check:  The Cardiac Electrophysiology Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. .

[itdood]

I think it's good you're working with someone that your cardiologist is familiar with.  I feel it's important that the EP and cardiologist have an open line of communication and have experience working together.  This is very important.

For a second opinion I can recommend John Harding, MD [phone] if you are close to Doylestown hospital.    He did his residency and fellowship at HUP.  I've gone to him for my stuff, though I never went past a consult.   I was comfortable with his knowledge and bed-side manner.