Dr. Robert Cross, MD

About Dr. Robert Cross, MD

Dr. Robert Cross, MD is a Cardiology specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular care at his clinic in Cape Coral, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, adhering to the rigorous standards of The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Cross's approach is firmly rooted in evidence-based medicine, emphasizing patient education and collaborative decision-making to ensure optimal outcomes for all his patients. He provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for his patients of all ages.

Dr. Robert Cross, MD is a cardiologist in Cape Coral, FL, affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. He is not currently accepting new patients. Dr. Cross's extensive training includes a rigorous medical education, beginning with an internship at Temple University (2002), followed by a residency in Cardiology at Temple University (2004) and a fellowship, also at Temple University (2004), which further specialized his care. His commitment to providing a supportive and reassuring environment for patients, combined with his deep understanding of cardiovascular health, makes him a valuable resource for individuals seeking expert care. He strives to create a collaborative partnership with patients, emphasizing their active participation in their health journey, and is dedicated to providing detailed explanations of diagnoses and treatment plans. Dr. Cross provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Robert Cross addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Cardiomyopathy: A range of conditions causing the heart muscle to be weakened or abnormally thickened are classified under the term cardiomyopathy.
• Granulomatosis: Granulomatosis is a condition where inflammation causes the formation of small lumps of tissue in various parts of the body.
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD: Peripheral vascular disease (PAD) is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, potentially reducing blood flow to the limbs.
• Biventricular Heart Failure: Biventricular heart failure is a type of heart failure where both the lower pumping chambers of the heart are impaired.
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Hypertensive heart disease is a condition where consistently high blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart.
• Aneurysm and Dissection of Heart: Aneurysm and dissection in the heart refer to a dangerous weakening and potential rupture of the heart's muscular layers.
• Unstable Angina: Unstable angina means your heart isn't getting enough blood, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous chest pain.
• Atypical Atrial Flutter: Atypical atrial flutter is a type of heart rhythm problem where the heart's upper chambers beat too fast, but the electrical signals are different than what's usually seen in atrial flutter.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the mitral valve in your heart doesn't close completely, sometimes causing a heart murmur.
• First Degree Heart Block: First-degree heart block is a mild condition where the electrical signals traveling through your heart take a bit longer than normal to reach the lower chambers.
• Third Degree Heart Block: In third-degree heart block, the electrical signals that coordinate your heartbeat are completely blocked, leading to an irregular and often slow pulse.
• Benign Heart Tumors: While uncommon, benign heart tumors are usually slow-growing and pose minimal risk to heart health.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Robert Cross addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Cardiology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Cardiovascular Services Provided

Dr. Robert Cross offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed picture of your heart and lungs using a CT scan of your chest.
• Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a medical procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: This involves checks and procedures to repair or manage problems with the physical shape or function of the heart.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: A robotic system assists doctors in performing a cardiac catheterization, a minimally invasive procedure to examine and treat blood vessels and heart chambers.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: This online HeartAware screening helps you understand your heart health and potential needs for preventive care.
• Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid buildup around your lungs.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test assesses your heart's response to physical exertion by tracking its rhythm and blood flow.
• Cardiac Imaging: These imaging techniques help doctors assess the size, shape, and function of your heart and blood vessels.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This test uses medicine to increase your heart rate and a special dye to create images of your heart's blood flow, helping doctors assess its health.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Coronary angiography, a type of cardiac catheterization, uses dye and X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries and detect blockages.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: A peripheral artery catheter is a small tube placed in an artery in your limb to deliver medications, monitor blood pressure, or collect blood samples for testing.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): This screening assesses whether you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition affecting blood circulation in your extremities.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Robert Cross. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Cardiology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Cardiology in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Robert Cross:

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and prevent heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Robert Cross?

Your first visit with Dr. Cross will involve a detailed discussion of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam, including an electrocardiogram (EKG), will be performed. Further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be recommended depending on your individual needs.

Does Dr. Robert Cross accept my insurance?

Dr. Cross's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm your specific coverage for consultations and procedures, please call our office directly with your insurance information.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound of your heart. Sound waves create moving pictures, allowing your cardiologist to evaluate the heart's size, shape, pumping ability, and valve health.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is often managed with dietary changes and increased physical activity. When lifestyle modifications are insufficient, Dr. Cross may prescribe medications like statins to effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

What is a stent and why would I need one?

A stent is a tiny, expandable mesh tube placed inside a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to prop the artery open, restore blood flow to the heart muscle, and relieve symptoms like chest pain.

How does Dr. Robert Cross treat heart valve disease?

Dr. Cross takes a personalized approach to heart valve disease, ranging from regular monitoring for mild cases to medication management. For more severe cases, he coordinates care with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist for procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR). This ensures the best possible treatment plan for each patient's unique needs.

Why do I need to wear a Holter or event monitor?

A Holter or event monitor is a portable EKG device worn for one or more days to record your heart's rhythm during normal daily activities. This helps detect any arrhythmias that might not show up during a brief in-office EKG. It's a way to capture your heart's activity in a more comprehensive way.