How to Ochsner Health New Orleans Heart Failure Clinic

Ochsner Health New Orleans Heart Failure Clinic is a nationally recognized center of excellence dedicated to the comprehensive diagnosis, management, and long-term care of patients living with heart failure. Located in the heart of New Orleans, this clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and behavioral health specialists to deliver personalized, evidence-based care. Heart failure affects over 6.7 million adults in the United States, and without coordinated, specialized intervention, it can lead to frequent hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. The Ochsner Health Heart Failure Clinic stands out by integrating cutting-edge technology, patient education, remote monitoring, and longitudinal care planning to improve outcomes and empower patients to take control of their health. Whether you are newly diagnosed, managing advanced disease, or supporting a loved one through this condition, understanding how to access and engage with this clinic is a critical step toward better health outcomes.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Referral Requirements

Before scheduling an appointment at the Ochsner Health New Orleans Heart Failure Clinic, it is essential to determine whether you meet the clinical criteria for referral. Heart failure is typically diagnosed when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the bodys needs, often resulting from conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, or previous heart attacks. Patients are generally referred by their primary care physician, cardiologist, or emergency department provider after demonstrating signs such as persistent shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs or abdomen, rapid weight gain, or reduced exercise tolerance.

While self-referrals are sometimes accepted, most patients enter the clinic through a formal referral process. Your provider will submit clinical documentation, including recent echocardiograms, lab results (such as BNP or NT-proBNP levels), medication lists, and hospital discharge summaries. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact your current physician to request a referral or ask for clarification on what documentation is needed.

Step 2: Locate the Clinic and Verify Hours

The Ochsner Health New Orleans Heart Failure Clinic is located at the main Ochsner Medical Center campus in Jefferson, Louisiana, just outside the city limits of New Orleans. The physical address is:

Ochsner Medical Center Main Campus
1514 Jefferson Highway
Jefferson, LA 70121

Clinic hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some specialized services available on select Saturdays. However, appointment availability may vary depending on provider schedules and patient volume. It is recommended to verify hours and confirm your appointment time at least 48 hours in advance. You can do this by visiting the official Ochsner Health website or calling the main scheduling line. Avoid relying on third-party directories, as information may be outdated.

Step 3: Schedule Your Initial Appointment

To schedule your first visit, you have two primary options: online or by phone. The preferred method is through the Ochsner Health patient portal, MyOchsner. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one using your personal information and a valid email address. Once logged in, navigate to the Appointments section, select New Appointment, and search for Heart Failure Clinic. You will be prompted to enter your referral information, including the referring providers name and date of referral.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, call the central scheduling department at the number listed on the Ochsner Health website. Be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, insurance information, and the name of your referring provider. The scheduler will confirm your eligibility and assign you to the next available appointment slot, typically within 714 days for new patients. In urgent casessuch as recent hospital discharge for heart failure exacerbationexpedited appointments may be arranged upon provider request.

Step 4: Prepare for Your First Visit

Preparation is key to making the most of your initial consultation. Bring the following items to your appointment:

• Photo identification
• Insurance card and any required co-pay
• Complete list of current medications, including dosages and frequencies (include over-the-counter drugs and supplements)
• Recent lab results, echocardiograms, stress tests, or cardiac catheterization reports
• A symptom journal documenting daily weight, fluid intake, swelling, fatigue levels, and sleep disturbances over the past two weeks
• List of questions or concerns you want to discuss

It is also helpful to bring a family member or caregiver who can assist with note-taking and help reinforce instructions after the visit. The initial appointment typically lasts 6090 minutes and includes a thorough review of your medical history, physical examination, and discussion of your goals for care.

Step 5: Undergo Comprehensive Evaluation

During your first visit, the heart failure team will conduct a multidimensional assessment. This includes:

• Review of clinical history and progression of symptoms
• Assessment of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class
• Analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) via recent echocardiogram
• Review of renal function, electrolytes, liver enzymes, and thyroid levels
• Screening for comorbid conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or anemia
• Psychosocial evaluation to assess mental health, support systems, and barriers to adherence

Based on this evaluation, your care team will classify your heart failure typesuch as HFrEF (reduced ejection fraction), HFpEF (preserved ejection fraction), or HFmrEF (mid-range)and determine the appropriate treatment pathway. This may include initiating or adjusting guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), recommending device therapy, or planning for advanced interventions.

Step 6: Receive Personalized Treatment Plan

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific condition, comorbidities, and lifestyle. Common components include:

• Medication Optimization: Initiation or titration of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, ARNIs (like sacubitril/valsartan), beta-blockers (carvedilol, bisoprolol, metoprolol succinate), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone), SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin), and diuretics as needed.
• Dietary Counseling: A registered dietitian will guide you on sodium restriction (typically
• Exercise and Rehabilitation: Referral to a cardiac rehabilitation program with supervised, individualized exercise training to improve endurance, reduce symptoms, and enhance functional capacity.
• Remote Monitoring: Enrollment in Ochsners home-based telemonitoring program, where youll use a wireless scale and blood pressure cuff to transmit daily vitals to the care team for early detection of fluid retention or worsening symptoms.
• Device Therapy Evaluation: Assessment for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices if indicated by your ejection fraction and ECG findings.
• Advanced Therapies: For eligible patients with end-stage disease, the team will discuss heart transplant evaluation or mechanical circulatory support (such as LVADs).

Your care plan will be documented in your electronic health record and shared with your referring provider. You will receive a printed summary and a digital copy via MyOchsner.

Step 7: Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up frequency depends on disease severity and stability. Most patients are seen every 13 months during the initial stabilization phase. Once stable, visits may be spaced to every 36 months. During each visit, your care team will:

• Review your symptom journal and daily weight trends
• Assess medication tolerance and side effects
• Adjust diuretic dosages based on fluid status
• Order repeat labs and imaging as needed
• Reassess goals of care and advance care planning

Between visits, you are encouraged to use the MyOchsner portal to message your care team with questions, upload weight logs, or report new symptoms. Prompt communication can prevent hospitalizations and improve outcomes.

Step 8: Engage in Patient Education and Support Programs

Ochsner Health offers structured patient education sessions led by heart failure nurse educators. These sessions cover topics such as:

• Understanding heart failure and its progression
• Recognizing warning signs of worsening disease
• Proper medication management and adherence strategies
• Managing fluid and sodium intake
• Stress reduction and sleep hygiene

Group education classes are held monthly and are highly recommended for both patients and caregivers. Additionally, the clinic partners with local organizations to provide transportation assistance, medication affordability programs, and mental health counseling for depression and anxiety, which are common in heart failure populations.

Step 9: Utilize Remote Monitoring Technology

One of the clinics most impactful innovations is its remote patient monitoring (RPM) program. Eligible patients receive a Bluetooth-enabled scale and blood pressure monitor that automatically transmit data to a secure clinical dashboard. If your daily weight increases by more than 23 pounds in 24 hours or 5 pounds in a week, or if your blood pressure falls outside your target range, the system triggers an alert to your care team.

A nurse will contact you within 24 hours to assess symptoms, adjust medications (often increasing diuretics), and provide guidanceoften preventing an emergency visit. Patients enrolled in RPM have shown a 40% reduction in 30-day readmissions compared to those receiving standard care.

Step 10: Plan for Long-Term Management and Advance Care

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition. Long-term success requires ongoing commitment and proactive planning. Your care team will work with you to:

• Set realistic, individualized goals (e.g., walking without shortness of breath, returning to work, reducing hospitalizations)
• Discuss advance directives and living wills to ensure your wishes are respected in case of acute deterioration
• Coordinate with palliative care specialists to manage symptoms and improve quality of life
• Evaluate eligibility for clinical trials or emerging therapies

Regularly revisiting your care plan ensures it remains aligned with your evolving health status and personal priorities.

Best Practices

Adhere Strictly to Medication Regimens

Medication non-adherence is one of the leading causes of heart failure hospitalizations. Even missing a single dose of a beta-blocker or SGLT2 inhibitor can increase risk. Use pill organizers, set smartphone reminders, and link medication times to daily routines like brushing your teeth or eating meals. If side effects occursuch as dizziness, cough, or low blood pressuredo not stop medications on your own. Contact your clinic immediately for guidance.

Monitor Weight Daily

Weight gain is often the earliest sign of fluid retention. Weigh yourself every morning at the same time, after urinating and before eating or drinking, wearing similar clothing. Record your weight in a journal or app. A gain of 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in a week warrants immediate contact with your care team.

Limit Sodium and Fluid Intake

Excess sodium causes the body to retain water, worsening congestion. Avoid processed foods, canned soups, deli meats, and restaurant meals, which are often high in hidden salt. Use herbs, lemon, and vinegar for flavor instead. Similarly, stick to your prescribed fluid limitwhether its 1.5 or 2 liters per dayand include all liquids: water, coffee, tea, soup, ice cream, and even gelatin.

Engage in Regular, Moderate Exercise

Contrary to outdated beliefs, exercise is safe and beneficial for most heart failure patients. Aim for 30 minutes of walking, cycling, or seated aerobics five days a week. Start slowly and increase duration gradually. Cardiac rehabilitation programs provide monitored, safe environments to build endurance and strength. Exercise improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and enhances mood.

Manage Comorbid Conditions

Heart failure rarely exists in isolation. Effectively managing diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea is essential. Use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) if prescribed for sleep apnea, as untreated apnea worsens heart failure. Keep A1C levels under 7% if diabetic, and maintain blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.

Communicate Openly With Your Care Team

Dont downplay symptoms like fatigue, leg swelling, or nighttime coughing. These are important signals. Use the MyOchsner portal to send secure messages between visits. Ask for clarification if you dont understand a treatment plan. A collaborative relationship leads to better outcomes.

Involve Family and Caregivers

Heart failure can be emotionally and physically taxing. Involve a trusted family member in appointments, medication management, and daily monitoring. They can help notice subtle changes you may overlook and provide emotional support during difficult moments.

Avoid Triggers

Alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs can accelerate heart damage. Even moderate alcohol consumption may worsen cardiomyopathy. Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful lifestyle changes you can make. Also, avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen), which can impair kidney function and increase fluid retention. Use acetaminophen for pain instead, after consulting your provider.

Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations

Heart failure patients are at higher risk for complications from infections. Receive annual influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Stay current on the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. These simple steps can prevent hospitalizations due to respiratory infections.

Track Progress and Celebrate Small Wins

Improvement in heart failure is often gradual. Celebrate milestones like walking to the mailbox without stopping, sleeping through the night, or reducing diuretic dosage. These are victories. Keep a gratitude journal to reinforce positive behaviors and maintain motivation.

Tools and Resources

MyOchsner Patient Portal

MyOchsner is the primary digital tool for managing your care. It allows you to view test results, request prescription refills, message your care team, schedule appointments, and access educational materials. Download the MyOchsner app for iOS or Android to receive real-time alerts and notifications.

Remote Monitoring Devices

Ochsner provides patients with FDA-cleared Bluetooth-enabled devices including:

• Withings Body Cardio scale (measures weight, heart rate, and body composition)
• Omron Blood Pressure Monitor (wireless, with ECG capability)
• SpO2 pulse oximeter (for patients with concurrent lung disease)

These devices sync automatically to the Ochsner Health platform and require no manual entry.

Heart Failure Educational Apps

Recommended apps for self-management include:

• CardioSmart Heart Failure Tracker Tracks symptoms, medications, and weight with visual graphs
• MyHeart Counts Developed by Stanford University; integrates with Apple Health
• Medisafe Medication reminder and adherence tracker with alerts

Community Resources

Ochsner partners with local nonprofits to provide:

• Free transportation to appointments through the Ochsner Ride Program
• Food assistance via the Ochsner Food Pharmacy, offering low-sodium, heart-healthy meals
• Financial counseling for medication costs through the Ochsner Medication Assistance Program
• Support groups for patients and caregivers, held virtually and in-person monthly

Online Educational Platforms

Reputable sources for additional learning include:

• American Heart Association Heart Failure Section
• CardioSmart Patient Education from ACC
• UpToDate Heart Failure Management (for providers and informed patients)

Printed Materials

Upon enrollment, patients receive a comprehensive Heart Failure Management Binder including:

• Medication schedule with pictures and instructions
• Low-sodium meal planner
• Weight and symptom tracking log
• Emergency contact list and warning signs checklist
• Directory of local pharmacies with heart failure medication discounts

Real Examples

Case Study 1: Maria, 68, with HFrEF

Maria was diagnosed with heart failure after being hospitalized for shortness of breath and fluid overload. Her ejection fraction was 28%. She lived alone, struggled with medication adherence, and had limited access to healthy food. After being referred to the Ochsner Heart Failure Clinic, she was enrolled in the RPM program, received a wireless scale and BP monitor, and was connected with a dietitian who helped her access low-sodium meals through the Food Pharmacy. She attended weekly cardiac rehab sessions and joined a patient support group. Within six months, her weight stabilized, her symptoms improved, and her LVEF increased to 38%. She no longer required hospitalization and now volunteers at the clinic to mentor new patients.

Case Study 2: James, 54, with HFpEF and Obesity

James had type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. He was diagnosed with HFpEF after persistent fatigue and exercise intolerance. His care team initiated an SGLT2 inhibitor, referred him to a weight management program, and prescribed a home-based exercise regimen. He used the MyOchsner app to log daily food intake and activity. Over 18 months, he lost 65 pounds, reduced his blood pressure to normal levels, and improved his NYHA class from III to I. He now runs a weekly walking group for other heart failure patients in his neighborhood.

Case Study 3: Linda, 72, Advanced Heart Failure

Linda had end-stage heart failure with recurrent hospitalizations. Her ejection fraction was 15%, and she was not a candidate for transplant due to age and comorbidities. Her care team transitioned her to palliative care integration, focusing on symptom control and quality of life. She received home visits from a nurse practitioner, adjusted her medications for comfort, and completed an advance directive. With improved symptom management, she was able to spend her final months at home surrounded by family, free from emergency visits.

Case Study 4: Carlos, 41, Post-MI with New Diagnosis

Carlos suffered a heart attack and was found to have significant left ventricular dysfunction. He was referred to the clinic within 48 hours of discharge. His team started him on GDMT immediately, educated him on lifestyle changes, and enrolled him in cardiac rehab. He quit smoking, began a plant-based diet, and started running 3 miles three times a week. Two years later, his ejection fraction is 52%, and he has returned to work as a teacher. He credits the clinics early intervention and ongoing support for his recovery.

FAQs

What is the difference between a cardiologist and the Heart Failure Clinic?

A general cardiologist manages a broad range of heart conditions, including arrhythmias, valve disease, and hypertension. The Heart Failure Clinic specializes exclusively in heart failure, offering coordinated, multidisciplinary care focused on long-term management, advanced therapies, and prevention of hospitalizations. You may see both, but the clinic provides deeper, more focused support.

Do I need a referral to visit the Heart Failure Clinic?

Yes, most patients are referred by a physician. However, if you believe you qualify and do not have a provider, you may contact the clinic directly to discuss options for a self-referral evaluation.

How often will I need to come in for appointments?

Initially, appointments are scheduled every 13 months. Once your condition is stable, visits may be spaced to every 36 months. Remote monitoring reduces the need for frequent in-person visits.

Can I get help paying for my medications?

Yes. Ochsner has a dedicated financial counselor who helps patients access manufacturer assistance programs, state pharmacy programs, and nonprofit grants to reduce out-of-pocket costs for essential heart failure medications.

What if I live outside New Orleans?

Ochsner Health offers telehealth visits for follow-up care to patients across Louisiana and select neighboring states. In-person visits are required for initial evaluations and certain procedures, but ongoing management can often be conducted remotely.

Are there support groups for caregivers?

Yes. The clinic hosts monthly caregiver support circles, both in-person and online, where family members can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive emotional support.

How do I know if my heart failure is getting worse?

Warning signs include rapid weight gain (2+ lbs in a day), increased shortness of breath at rest, swelling in legs or abdomen, persistent cough or wheezing, confusion, or reduced urine output. If you experience any of these, contact the clinic immediately.

Can I still travel with heart failure?

Yes, with planning. Avoid high altitudes, extreme temperatures, and long car rides without breaks. Always carry your medication list and a copy of your latest echocardiogram. Inform your care team before long trips.

What happens if I miss a dose of my medication?

Do not double up. If you miss a dose of a beta-blocker or diuretic, take it as soon as you rememberif its within a few hours. If its close to your next dose, skip it. For SGLT2 inhibitors or ARNIs, contact the clinic for guidance, as timing matters.

Is heart failure curable?

Heart failure is a chronic condition, but it is highly manageable. With proper treatment, many patients live for years with good quality of life. In some cases, especially when caught early and treated aggressively, heart function can improve significantlysometimes to near-normal levels.

Conclusion

The Ochsner Health New Orleans Heart Failure Clinic represents a model of comprehensive, patient-centered care for one of the most complex and prevalent cardiovascular conditions in the United States. By combining clinical expertise with innovative technology, education, and community support, the clinic empowers patients to live longer, healthier lives despite their diagnosis. Success in managing heart failure is not determined by the severity of the disease at diagnosis, but by the consistency of care, the strength of the patient-provider relationship, and the patients active engagement in their own health journey.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, managing advanced disease, or supporting someone who is, the steps outlined in this guide provide a clear roadmap to accessing and maximizing the benefits of the Ochsner Heart Failure Clinic. From securing a referral and preparing for your first visit to leveraging remote monitoring and participating in support programs, each action contributes to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Heart failure does not have to mean a life of decline. With the right team, tools, and mindset, it can be a condition you live well withfor years to come. Take the first step today: contact your provider about a referral, download the MyOchsner app, and begin tracking your symptoms. Your heart will thank you.