An actively practicing specialist's perspective
Dr. Brandy is a Professor of Pediatric Cardiology and an actively practicing physician, dual board-certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Cardiology, with more than 20 years of clinical, academic and leadership experience. Her background includes pediatric and fetal cardiac imaging, complex congenital heart disease, medical education and contributions to professional standards.
Heart Experts Consulting provides independent physician peer review and clinical quality assessment within the pediatric cardiology scope. Hospital medical staff services, quality and patient safety teams, physician leaders and counsel can begin with a discussion of the review question, the relevant clinical setting and the requested deliverable.
- External pediatric cardiology peer review
- Diagnostic and clinical decision review
- Pediatric and fetal echocardiography review
- Clinical quality, patient safety and continuity of care
- Medical professionalism and professional practice assessment
Focus the review on the clinical questions
A useful review starts with clearly defined questions. The assignment may concern the evaluation of cardiac symptoms, interpretation of imaging or testing, diagnostic accuracy, management decisions, referral, follow-up or communication across the course of care. The scope should identify the care period and the clinical decisions to be assessed.
An independent review considers what information was available when decisions were made. Findings are developed from the supplied record, the clinical context and relevant professional standards. Where materials are incomplete or a question falls outside the agreed scope, those limits can be identified rather than filled with assumptions.
- Congenital and acquired heart disease in infants, children and adolescents
- Fetal cardiac assessment and prenatal imaging
- Echocardiographic imaging and diagnostic interpretation
- Symptoms, EKG / ECG findings and rhythm evaluation
- Clinical management, follow-up and coordination of care
A defined process for hospital teams
Begin with a non-identifying overview of the clinical issue, the specialty expertise needed, the intended use of the review and the anticipated timeline. Dr. Brandy can discuss qualifications, availability and potential conflicts before an engagement is established.
The organization and reviewer then agree on the questions, record set, format and scope of the work. Materials may include relevant clinical documentation, cardiac testing, original imaging and applicable organizational policies. Any requirements for handling peer review materials should be addressed with the organization before transfer; sensitive records should not be uploaded through the initial website inquiry.
Clear findings for a meaningful review
The aim is a clear medical assessment that explains the record reviewed, the questions considered, the clinical reasoning and any material limitations. Reports and consultation can be tailored to the agreed review scope, including clinical quality, patient safety and medical professionalism.
An external review is a clinical consulting service. The hospital retains responsibility for its own medical staff processes and organizational decisions. Initial contact can establish whether the assignment matches Dr. Brandy's pediatric cardiology expertise and what additional information is needed to define the engagement.
Questions before you begin
Who can request a hospital peer review?
Medical staff services, quality and patient safety teams, physician leaders, healthcare organizations and counsel may inquire about a pediatric cardiology review.
Does the review cover pediatric and fetal echocardiography?
Yes. Pediatric and fetal cardiac imaging are central areas of Dr. Brandy's expertise. The questions and imaging materials needed are agreed for each assignment.
What should we send first?
Start with a non-identifying overview, the review questions and timeline. Qualifications, conflicts, scope and secure record transfer can then be discussed.