New high-tech cardiology center opens on Long Island

Northwell Health has opened a larger and better-equipped $12.6 million outpatient cardiology center in New Hyde Park, saying the site will offer an improved experience for patients.

The center, at 1111 Marcus Ave. was originally housed on the second floor of Northwell’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center before relocating to its new 10,233-square-foot space across the street. The new space, across the street from LIJ’s main campus, is 50% larger and more easily accessible to patients, hospital officials said.

"It’s much more appropriate for patients," said Dr. Jeffrey Kuvin, executive director and senior vice president of cardiology for Northwell Health and co-executive director of the Northwell Cardiovascular Institute.

The new center, which held a ceremonial opening this week but opened in April, features 15 fully equipped exam rooms and five testing rooms for echocardiography, stress testing and vascular imaging.

Kuvin said the previous location on the hospital’s second floor had drawbacks, including limited space, a layout difficult for patients to navigate and imaging equipment shared with the hospital.

The new space, on the first floor, has more convenient parking and its own high-level technology. The Marcus Avenue building also houses outpatient services in oncology, pediatrics and fetal care.

"It really allows us to be much more full-service," Kuvin said. "We’re also in a mega complex ... that expands our ability to use other equipment."

Hospital experts said cardiological care, especially preventative care, has become a major focus for regional health systems given Long Island's aging population. 

"We have a number of institutions that have invested heavily in cardiovascular services because that’s what our community needs," said Wendy Darwell, president and CEO of the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State.

"Cardiovascular disease risk increases with age and when you look at the demographics of Long Island ... you can expect that demand for those services is going to increase."