Tampa Cardiac Specialists 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz, FL 33558

"I have been a patient of both Dr. Pastore & Dr. Makati for more than 10+ years. I saw Dr. Pastore in the ER one evening when I had mild/severe chest pain, it just so happened that he was on staff that day and the tests performed by the other hospital ER doctors apparently lead them to the conclusion that I could be released and follow up later with cardiologists. Dr. Pastore was just coming on duty and stopped by while making his rounds as I was being discharged and still having some discomfort. He saw my level of discomfort and read my history and was uncomfortable with me leaving and made the call to do an electrophysiology. Thank god he did or I am 1000% convinced I would not be here today. The study showed that I had 90% blockage in my left main. He rushed me into surgery, stented the artery and gave me more time here in earth with my loved ones. Both doctors not only medically treat you they educate you and they actually CARE!!! Don’t get me confused, I put my faith in God and not man, but I strongly believe it was God who sent him to my hospital bed side that day, and I trust that God guides his hands anytime he interacts with his patients. So If your looking for a referral for an Exceptional Cardiac Plumber & Electrician when it comes keeping your ticker in the best possible working condition, this is where you want to be seen!!"

"I was being referred to Tampa Cardiac Specialists by my doctor and when I called, they told me that I had to pay $100 up front, separate from my appointment and visit, for them to set up my chart. I originally thought they were asking for a $100 down payment towards my visit or a hold for a no-show, and I explained that I met my out of pocket max and should not have to pay anything. She clarified that it was just for them to set up my chart in their system before I could even be scheduled for an appointment. I refused and hung up. Upon reviewing their website and their financial policies handout they provide, NOTHING states that they require $100 to start with them. I have since done online research and spoken with many people I know who have seen many different specialists and nobody has heard of pre-paying $100 for a chart setup fee with any other doctor. I have no idea if she was making things up or if that’s their actual practice, but that is suspicious and odd that they would charge for anything that isn’t being billed through to insurance. Needless to say I will not be going there as it feels like they are racketeering."

"Dr Makati performed an cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation last year for me. Dr Makati is an excellent provider and has impeccable bedside manners. His staff - Tara and Megan on the other hand are The Staff from Hell. After my ablation my heart rhythm developed into atrial flutter in the 140’s without letting up putting me in great distress and wondering if I will have a stroke or heart attack. When I tried to reach Dr Makati for help, which after this procedure you might assume you would get support from his office, I was denied any help or contact with Dr Makati as these two prevented him from knowing about my dilemma. They wanted to make an appointment with me to talk to him a week later. No sense of urgency or compassion. After several tries and one week later, I got one of them to schedule a phone appointment the next day with him. He was surprised that my condition was kept from him. He then ordered Eliquis, a anticoagulant and an anti arrhythmia med for the dangerous heart rhythm though I ended up in the emergency room a week after which then I was admitted and shocked to convert my rhythm to normal sinus rhythm. Tara and Megan, who both are medical assistants, are the only reasons I am not continuing a patient relationship with Dr. Makati."

"Very disappointing experience. The Dr. (Makati) was great to meet with after my hospital visit and discuss plan and determine procedure, he seemed very knowledgeable but when it came to the office staff they made mistakes and then lied about it which resulted in a delay of the procedure. The office staff we dealt with in particular seemed to not care, not have much knowledge of what was going on and seemed to have too much control. Felt like my ultimate fate of the procedure was in the hands of the office staff and not so much the Dr. This delay has prompted me to get a second opinion and to realize that this is not the doctor for me as I cannot trust his office. Disappointed because I liked the doctor and was ready to get the procedure done, looking forward to improved quality of life, but things happen for a reason. Don’t want others to experience what I experienced and thought it best for others to know."

"My husband had open heart surgery at St. Joseph's. After being discharged from hospital, my husband's surgeon called Tampa Cardiac Specialist 4 days in a row concerning blood thinners for my husband. The surgeons calls were never returned. The surgeons office called me and asked if I had heard from either cardiologist and I said no I have not. I called for three days and my calls were never turned. When we were able to see Dr. Pastore, I was explaining to him that myself and the surgeons office had been calling his office. Dr. Pastore gave me a "time out signal" three times while in his office. Needless to say he did not want to hear anything I was telling him. I cannot recommend a specialist that has so little concern for their patients."