Dr. Carole Anne Warnes

Seven years ago, I was a patient of Dr. Carole Warnes in Mayo Clinic’s pediatric cardiology department. I had persistent, concerning symptoms that I reported to her multiple times, but she repeatedly told me it was anxiety and lack of exercise. I specifically requested a groin catheterization to see what was going on in my heart. Dr. Warnes did not want me to have the procedure and, even after she eventually signed off on it, she told me, “You don’t need it.” A different physician performed the catheterization. While I was under anesthesia, they discovered a severely narrowed artery and placed a stent as an emergency intervention. I was originally supposed to be discharged the same day, but due to the unexpected stent placement, I had to stay in the hospital overnight. Despite the seriousness of what was found, the procedure was billed as an “elective surgery,” and I had to fight with my insurance company afterward to get it covered. The next day, Dr. Warnes briefly visited me, put… her hand on my shoulder, and said, “Aren’t you glad we did the stent?” I was too upset to respond. She showed me my stent on an echo machine — information the surgeon had already explained — and then left. That was the last time I saw her. It’s been 7 years, but the experience of being dismissed, having to fight for the procedure, and then learning it was urgently needed has stayed with me. I’m grateful to the surgeon who acted quickly, but I left feeling unheard and deeply disappointed. I share this so others know to trust their instincts and advocate for their health.

Amazing dr!

I have been a patient of Dr. Warnes since 1992, and I can honestly say that she is a caring and an excellent cardiologist.

Dr. Warnes is an incredible, caring doctor. I had surgery 17 months and she was by my side the entire way. She is an outstanding diagnostician who is committed to her patients 100 percent. I will return yearly from CT to Minnesota because of the confidence I have in her. She is a role model beyond compare.