Lake Country Cardiology

In Orillia, a heart patient may have to wait several weeks for a much-needed echocardiogram, a critical diagnostic test that can help determine the size and shape of the heart, its pumping capacity and the location and extent of tissue damage.

"At one time, I knew there was an eight-week delay…and there is no need for that," said Sharon Chapple, who has more than 18 years experience in cardiology,  working with heart patients – including more than three years in Orillia as an ultrasound sonographer specializing in cardiology.

One day, she encountered a patient who was critically ill, a patient whose life hung in the balance while waiting trying to get a hold of the doctor who was supposed to read the test she had just performed.  It was a heart-breaking epiphany that propelled Chapple into action. It was the day she decided to go out on a limb in an effort to help save future patients from a lengthy wait that could seal their fate.

After much soul searching, Chapple decided to open Lake Country Cardiology last year. The diagnostic lab on Memorial Avenue offers on-site patient evaluations with echocardiograms, ECG and Holter monitoring as well as consultations and follow-ups.

"We do not have a cardiologist in Orillia. We have internists who are very busy and who multi-task, so I decided to partner with a cardiologist and open this clinic because I could see a gap that needed filling – a real need in the community," Chapple said. "My goal is to complement the existing services and help reduce wait times." 

While Chapple owns the private clinic, its services are covered by OHIP. Patients can only access the services through a referral from their doctor or a specialist.

Chapple administers the tests for patients. The results are then analyzed by Dr. Bruce McClelland, a Barrie cardiologist who works in the clinic one day a month and is on-call at all times. A pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Roland Beaulieu, is also affiliated with the clinic.

The big plus for patients is there is not a lengthy lag time between the test and the results. Chapple said thanks to the clinic’s state-of-the-art, secure Picture, Archiving and Communications system (PACS), results are quick and accurate.

"Images acquired on the ultrasound machine are digitally transferred to PACS so that the cardiologist can read them from his office or if he is at another site, remotely, at any given time of day or night.  It improves accessibility that reduces the wait time for patients and referring physicians to receive reports."

In fact, having the best technology is critical, Chapple said. That's why she purchased a cardiac-dedicated ultrasound machine that can perform specific heart measurements that are not available on a general ultrasound machine.  

"This gives the cardiologist more information to send back to the referring doctor," said Chapple. "Any time you can provide more detailed information there is a better opportunity for the proper diagnosis."

Lake Country Cardiology also has multiple digital Holter Monitoring systems that patients can use to record heart rhythm data over a period of up to 14 days continuously.  Data is stored digitally on a memory card and downloaded to the Holter program and reviewed by the cardiologist. These reports, echocardiograms and ECG's are then electronically archived in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

"The EMR allows us to electronically store test results and patient records and transfer patient results through a secure portal to the referring physician," Chapple explained. "In some clinics, patient information is couriered to the doctor and sent back via courier to be typed and sent out. The possibility of a breach of confidentiality is high if those records are lost or stolen."

In light of the impressive array of high-tech equipment, it should come as no surprise the clinic won the Technology Advancement Award at the recent Orillia District Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards.

"There is a lot to be said for having the correct equipment," Chapple said. "It costs more up front, but it alleviates so many headaches in the long run and it allows us to offer the best possible service to patients."Winning the award was simply a bonus, she said. "I was really touched to be recognized by the Chamber. It's great to be publicly honoured that way."However, purchasing the equipment and setting up the clinic has proven costly, Chapple conceded.

"I've managed a business before but never opened a business.  Being responsible for everything has been a challenge," Chapple said. "But I love it. It's really been heart-warming to see the support from the community."And it’s the community that convinced her to open the clinic in the Sunshine City.

"I could have moved back out west to do this. But I decided to open in Orillia because it's just such a compassionate community," Chapple said. "I also felt the need was here. If I left, patients might not be able to get this service here as experienced dedicated cardiac sonographers are difficult to find; there is a shortage of them across Canada.  It is a highly specialized field."

She vows to keep up her efforts to offer local patients an alternative to ballooning wait times. It's a passion that comes from knowing what it’s like to be on the other side of the ultrasound.

"I have had open heart surgery and a defibrillator implant. That experience allows me to really empathize with the patients," Chapple said. "I know exactly what they're going through."

For now, Chapple is busy promoting the clinic to area physicians, alerting them to the services she provides.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons policy indicates it is the patient's choice which outpatient facility they choose to go to.

"The doctors who have referred patients to the clinic have filled out surveys about our service and there hasn't been a single negative comment," Chapple said. "The feedback has all been positive."

Buoyed by that feedback, Chapple has high hopes for a time when Dr. McClelland will be at the clinic more and more.  In the meantime, patients can be seen in Barrie if needed between visits.  And, she envisions her clinic becoming a teaching tool.

"I hope to utilize this clinic for students to train them. We have a university and a college here and this could be a perfect place, with the latest technology, to help others learn," Chapple said. "It's important to provide the opportunity to learn technical skills in a small community and we definitely would like to do that here some day."

The clinic is located at 210 Memorial Ave. (Unit 119) and is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.lakecountrycardiology.com or call 705-259-1494.  

CUTLINE:
Sharon Chapple looks at the screen of the high-tech cardiac-dedicated ultrasound machine she purchased for Lake Country Cardiology. The diagnostic lab on Memorial Avenue is dedicated to patients, referred to the clinic by doctors and specialists, who have heart-related medical issues.