Cardiologists in Durham, NC
Compare 185 cardiologists in Durham, NC. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
185
Cardiologists
100%
Accepting patients
69%
Most common: MD
Top-Rated Cardiologists in Durham, NC
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Specialty: cardiologistState: NCCity: Durham
About cardiologists in Durham, NC
Durham is a Duke town when it comes to healthcare. Duke University Hospital is a top-10 nationally ranked medical center, and the Duke Health system is by far the dominant provider in the city. For residents who need something beyond what Duke offers locally, UNC Chapel Hill is only 15 minutes west. The concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Research Triangle Park means the area attracts physicians who want to be near research.
Durham has 185 cardiologists. The most common credential is MD (69%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown Durham, Brightleaf District, Ninth Street, and Trinity Park.
Durham is compact compared to Raleigh and Charlotte. Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital are both within a few miles of downtown. Most medical offices cluster along Erwin Road near the Duke campus or along NC-147 (Durham Freeway). Getting to UNC Chapel Hill is a straight shot west on I-40. The area is small enough that most drives to medical appointments are under 15 minutes.
Nearby hospitals include Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Durham VA Health Care System. Local training programs run through Duke University School of Medicine and North Carolina Central University. Duke University Hospital is consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the nation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is the dominant carrier, with strong Duke Health network coverage. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are common through large employers and the biotech sector. NC Medicaid through WellCare and AmeriHealth Caritas covers Duke Regional and community health centers. Duke's employee health plan is one of the largest in the Triangle. 69% accept Medicare.
What to expect at your first cardiologist visit in Durham, NC
A first cardiology visit involves a detailed medical history, physical exam (including listening to your heart and checking your blood pressure in both arms), and an electrocardiogram (EKG). Depending on your symptoms, the cardiologist may order an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), stress test, or blood work. They will explain their findings and outline a treatment plan.
Tips for Durham, NC patients
Duke Health dominates the local market. If your insurance covers Duke, it simplifies referrals and records. If not, Duke Regional Hospital and community health centers offer broader insurance acceptance.
When to see a cardiologist
See a cardiologist if you have chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath with exertion, heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, a family history of early heart disease, high blood pressure that is hard to control, high cholesterol not responding to lifestyle changes, dizziness or fainting episodes, or if your PCP detects a heart murmur or abnormal EKG.
Typical costs
Office visit copay: $30-75 · EKG: $200-500 · Echocardiogram: $1,000-3,000 · Stress test: $500-2,000
Common reasons to see a cardiologist in Durham, NC
The Research Triangle's pharmaceutical and biotech concentration means Durham residents sometimes have access to clinical trials not available elsewhere. Ask your Duke provider about trial eligibility for chronic conditions.
Chest pain evaluation
Chest pain has many causes, from muscle strain to heart disease. A cardiologist performs the testing needed to determine whether your heart is the source and develops a treatment plan if it is.
Heart arrhythmia
A heart that beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly may need treatment. Cardiologists use EKGs, Holter monitors, and other tools to diagnose the rhythm problem and determine the best approach.
Heart failure management
Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped. It means it is not pumping as efficiently as it should. Cardiologists manage this condition with medications, lifestyle changes, and monitoring to keep you stable.
High blood pressure management
When blood pressure is resistant to standard treatment or is causing organ damage, a cardiologist provides advanced evaluation and treatment strategies beyond what primary care typically offers.
After a heart attack or heart surgery
Recovering from a cardiac event requires close monitoring, medication optimization, and cardiac rehabilitation. Your cardiologist guides the recovery process and works to prevent future events.
Browse cardiologists by neighborhood in Durham
Frequently asked questions about cardiologists in Durham, NC
Durham, NC has 185 licensed cardiologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of cardiologists in Durham, NC are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has the broadest network and covers most Duke providers. Some Duke specialists may require prior authorization. NC Medicaid is accepted at Duke Regional and Lincoln CHC.
Office visit copays range from $30 to $75. An EKG costs $200 to $500. Echocardiograms run $1,000 to $3,000. Stress tests range from $500 to $2,000. Actual costs in Durham, NC depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Cardiology tests often require prior authorization from your insurer. Cardiac rehabilitation is covered by most plans after qualifying events like a heart attack or heart surgery.
Duke Health is the primary system in Durham. Duke University Hospital handles complex and specialty care, while Duke Regional Hospital provides community-level services. For non-Duke options, Lincoln Community Health Center and UNC Health (in nearby Chapel Hill) are alternatives.
69% of cardiologists in Durham, NC accept Medicare. Medicare covers cardiology visits, diagnostic tests, and cardiac rehabilitation. Most cardiovascular procedures are covered under Part B or Part A (inpatient). Prior authorization may be needed for some tests. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some cardiologists in Durham, NC accept NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities), the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers cardiology services in all states. Coverage for specific tests, procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation varies. Prior authorization is common for advanced imaging. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities) participation before scheduling.
No. Duke provides primary care, routine specialist visits, and urgent care alongside its nationally ranked specialty programs. Duke Primary Care has offices throughout Durham for everyday medical needs.
Durham's Lincoln Community Health Center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and offers sliding-scale fees. UNC Health facilities in Chapel Hill (a 15-minute drive) may also be in your network. Duke Regional Hospital accepts a broader range of plans than the main Duke campus.
Nearby Cities
Other specialties in Durham
Insurance & Cardiologist coverage
Top accepted carriers in Durham, NC include unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-11512, cigna, and centene.
Cardiology visits are covered under medical insurance as specialist visits. You may need a referral from your PCP depending on your plan type (HMO vs. PPO). Tests like echocardiograms and stress tests are generally covered when ordered for medical reasons but may require prior authorization. Cardiac rehabilitation after a heart event is covered by most plans.
