Your patient journey

Booking a consultation with Dr Ben Corden is straightforward.

You can simply contact his medical secretary by phone on 01233 527 375, send an email enquiry to enquiries@bencordencardiology.co.uk or request a booking directly from this website.

Dr Corden welcomes both privately insured and self-pay patients.

For self-pay patients, fees are transparent and can be found on our website and confirmed at the time of booking.

Patients commonly book a consultation because they:

• Have new or worrying symptoms (e.g. chest discomfort, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness)
• Have a known heart condition and would like a specialist opinion or a review of treatment
• Are facing long NHS waiting times for investigations or follow-up
• Would like continuity of care with a consultant cardiologist

If Dr Corden feels your care would be better supported by another specialist (for example, a highly specific procedure or sub-specialist pathway), he will explain this clearly and help guide you to the most appropriate clinician.

Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive:

• Details of your appointment location (or video consultation information)
• Clear instructions on how to share relevant medical information (clinic letters, scan reports, blood tests)
• A short pre-appointment questionnaire to help Dr Corden focus on what matters most to you
• Contact details for Dr Corden’s medical secretary should you have any questions

If you’re able to share them in advance, Dr Corden may review:

• ECGs, echocardiograms, CT/cardiac MRI reports
• Blood test results
• GP and specialist clinic letters
• Relevant medical and family history

This preparation ensures your consultation time is focused on understanding your situation, answering your questions, and planning next steps.

During your consultation, Dr Corden will take time to understand:

• Your symptoms and how they affect your day-to-day life
• Your medical history and current medications
• Your family history of heart disease
• Previous diagnoses and investigations

Depending on your situation, he may:

• Perform a clinical examination
• Explain likely causes of your symptoms in plain language
• Share his initial assessment (what is reassuring – and what needs investigating)
• Recommend appropriate tests where needed
• Agree a treatment or management plan tailored to you

Consultations are unhurried. You should leave the appointment with a clear understanding of the next steps and an opportunity to ask any remaining questions.

If further assessment is appropriate, Dr Corden can arrange a wide range of cardiac investigations, such as:

• ECGs and ambulatory heart rhythm monitoring
• Echocardiography (including stress echocardiography)
• Exercise testing
• CT coronary angiography
• Cardiac MRI, including specialist protocols where indicated

Some tests can be arranged promptly, while others require specific preparation or scheduling. We will explain what to expect, how to prepare, and when results are typically available.

Where relevant, we can also confirm fees in advance for self-pay patients, or help you understand any insurer requirements.

Once results are back, Dr Corden will review them carefully and discuss the findings with you. This may be done via a follow-up appointment, or sometimes by phone/video where appropriate.

 At this stage he will:

• Explain the diagnosis and its significance clearly
• Outline treatment options and next steps
• Consider your lifestyle, preferences and overall health
•  Discuss prevention and risk reduction where relevant 

Your plan may include:

• Starting or optimising medication
• Lifestyle guidance and cardiovascular risk management
• Monitoring and follow-up testing
• Referral for procedures, surgery or specialist therapies where appropriate

With your consent, Dr Corden will write to your GP and other clinicians involved in your care so everyone is aligned.

Follow-up is tailored to your needs and may include:

• Early review for new or unstable symptoms
• Medium-term review to assess response to treatment
• Longer-term or annual reviews for stable conditions

 Appointments can be offered as:

• In-person consultations
• Video consultations
• Telephone follow-ups for straightforward reviews

After each appointment, you will receive a detailed clinic letter summarising the discussion and the agreed plan.

For patients who need ongoing cardiology care, Dr Corden aims to provide continuity, clarity and reassurance over time. This includes:

• Long-term monitoring and optimisation of chronic heart conditions
• Adapting treatment as circumstances change
• Practical advice for patients who travel frequently or combine NHS and private care
• Collaboration with your GP and other specialists as needed

Dr Corden’s goal is to support patients with expert, evidence-based cardiology care while building trusted, long-term clinical relationships.