Dr. Zachariah Poozhikala Zachariah, MD

My experience with Dr. Zachariah was deeply disappointing. I came to him for pre-operative cardiac clearance, and despite having no symptoms, excellent exercise tolerance, and a high level of physical activity — including cycling more than 60 miles a week and routinely reaching over 90% of my max heart rate — he refused to clear me unless I underwent an additional, costly stress test that did not appear clinically necessary based on my presentation. He even acknowledged during the visit that I “look like I work out,” yet still insisted on the test. His refusal to provide clearance without it delayed my surgery for months and caused significant hardship. When you need surgery, you should not have to deal with the added stress of unnecessary testing. I have spent weeks trying to resolve this issue and have had to make multiple appointments with other clinics and physicians just to overcome this hurdle — one that felt financially driven and rooted in some bizarre idiosyncrasy rather than… any clear medical rationale. The entire situation left me feeling that my time, my health needs, and my documented cardiovascular fitness were dismissed without explanation.

Well regarded cardiovascular doctor.

Superb Hospital and Doctor

Unnecessary dangerous tests prescribed. He is unethical

great doctor

Dr. ZPZ, and the other Dr's. Z are the best cardiologist group. I arrived via the ER on a Sunday evening and they were available for consultation. They took time to discuss diagnostic options and then worked hard for insurance company approval before preforming a cath the very same day. Dr. ZPZ performed the cath, reviewed the results and made his diagnosis while I was prepped on the cath table. He was clearly disappointed that a stent was not appropriate and immediately transferred me to [who turned out to be] the best thoracic surgeon in the area. Dr. ZPZ's calm demeanor throughout the harrowing experience of open heart surgery is immeasurably appreciated. That being said, getting followup care from office staff is a challenge...

I disagree that this doctor should be practicing medicine : My mom died because when we saw him for a second opinion he said to my mother that she did not need the surgery that she needed . He said my maybe in the future but now . So my mom was happy , she came from a doctor that told her that she needed the operation . After a few visits of this terrible doctor he only gave her medication . We should have never went to this man for a diagnosis . My mom died because of this so called doctor . I would never recommend this doctor to anyone . He let her go home with a 212 blood pressure and this doctor is located in Holy Cross Hospital . He did not do anything for 2 years and this doctor should louse his license . So If you want a cardiologist for your loved one , do not go to this doctor .

I have been a patient of Dr. ZPZ for the past 27 years. Dr. ZPZ has performed a number of procedures including over a dozen stent placements. I had a situation on a Sunday and was rushed to Holy Cross emergency where Dr. ZPZ staff was on hand to perform a balloon on a closed artery. I have the upmost confidence in him and his staff.

Still waiting to get a comprehensive explanation on what is wrong with my elderly father's heart function. He agreed to surgery but is far worse off after going thru the mini by-pass procedure than he was before. I felt simply brushed aside when I asked for an explanation from the doctor to discuss my father's health status. I don't understand how he has the excellent reputation he has as his bedside manner and lack of true concern are so apparent. Very disappointing experience to say the least.

Though I am not sure how accurate Zachariah's diagnosis and treatment are since he is my first cardiologist, I will say that he and his staff are severely lacking in the bedside manner. I still do not have a clear understanding about my diagnosis and/or treatment after multiple attempts for clarity. There are minimal pre or post procedure communications. The only kind persons I encountered in the whole ordeal was one of the nurses and a patient assistant. Everyone else was rude and seemed to have little to no care for the patient.