Fast Track Cardiac Catheterization

Massachusetts General Hospital's Fast Track Cardiac Catheterization Program allows appropriate patients to undergo clinical assessment and cardiac catheterization in the same day, eliminating lag time between the initial consultation and the appointment for the procedure.

Once you refer your patient to the program, an access nurse will schedule and confirm the cardiac catheterization procedure with you and your patient. The program is available Monday through Friday.

Procedure Schedule

A typical procedure schedule is as follows:

• At approximately 7:15 am patients arrive at Mass General for precatheterization lab work
• At approximately 8:00 am patients are seen by a cardiologist for a review of the information provided by the referring physician and to ensure that appropriate care is delivered during the process
• At approximately 9:00 am patients check into the cath lab, where they are given a pager that will alert them when it is time for their catheterization. During this time, patients are free to walk around the hospital or spend time with family members, but must remain NPO
• Between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm patients undergo cardiac catheterization

A Mass General Corrigan Minehan Heart Center cardiologist will follow up with you promptly after your patient’s procedure.

Refer a Patient

To refer a patient to the Fast Track Cardiac Catheterization Program, please call 866-644-8910. Learn about referring to the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center.