Charles A. Crump Jr., MD in Chattanooga: Cardiology for Routine and Complex Heart Care

Charles A. Crump Jr., MD is a board-certified cardiologist in private practice who manages everything from high blood pressure and chest pain to post-surgery follow-up and complex arrhythmias for adult patients in Chattanooga. He practices in an outpatient setting, meaning appointments are scheduled rather than walk-in, and he operates within the established referral network that funnels patients from primary care doctors across the city.

What Crump's practice actually is

Crump is an internal medicine-trained physician with added certification in cardiovascular disease. He works as a consultant cardiologist—patients arrive either self-referred or (more commonly) sent by a primary care doctor who identified a concern like an irregular heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, or abnormal stress test results. His practice does not perform invasive procedures like angioplasty or stent placement; those cases are referred to interventional cardiologists at the region's hospitals. His focus is diagnostic evaluation, medication management, risk assessment, and long-term coordination of complex heart patients.

Services and what to expect for costs

Crump's office handles office visits for new and established patients, electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart), and exercise stress tests. A typical new-patient visit runs 45 to 60 minutes and includes history, physical exam, and EKG; costs vary by insurance but uninsured patients should expect to contact the office for a quote, as cardiology consultations without imaging run between $150 and $300 out-of-pocket at most local practices. Follow-up visits for medication adjustment or monitoring of a known condition are shorter and less expensive. Echocardiograms and stress tests are billed separately, typically in the $300 to $1,200 range depending on complexity and insurance; verify the exact amount with the office before scheduling. Insurance is accepted and billed directly; patients should confirm coverage before the first visit.

How Crump compares to other Chattanooga cardiologists

Chattanooga's cardiology landscape divides between private-practice consultants like Crump (who manage stable and diagnostic cases) and hospital-based cardiologists affiliated with larger systems like Erlanger Health System and Parkridge Medical Center (who handle acute cases, ICU patients, and procedures). Private practices typically offer longer appointment windows and less-rushed consultations; hospital-affiliated cardiologists often have faster access to diagnostic equipment and specialists on site. Patients with uncomplicated high blood pressure or follow-up after a distant heart event generally do well in private practice; patients with recent chest pain, suspected acute coronary syndrome, or need for intervention should see someone in a hospital setting. Crump's focus is the stable, consultative middle ground. Other private cardiologists in Chattanooga include practitioners at Tennessee Cardiovascular and Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care; patients often choose based on insurance network, location, and referral history rather than substantial differences in credentials or scope.

Who Crump suits and who it does not

Crump is appropriate for adults with established or suspected heart disease who need outpatient diagnosis and management, including those referred by a primary care doctor for a second opinion. He is well-suited for patients who have had a heart event months or years ago and need ongoing medication and lifestyle oversight, those with palpitations or arrhythmias requiring EKG and monitoring, and those whose primary care doctor ordered cardiac testing that needs specialist interpretation. He does not suit patients in acute distress (chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting) who should go to an ER; patients requiring procedures like stent placement or pacemaker insertion; or pediatric patients (Crump's practice is adult cardiology). Patients without a referral from a primary care doctor can self-refer, though many insurance plans still require one for payment.

What the first visit involves

New patients should allow 60 to 90 minutes and bring insurance cards, a list of current medications, and any prior cardiac test results (EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, or catheterization reports from other providers). Crump will take a detailed history, perform a physical exam including blood pressure and heart sounds, and typically order or review an EKG on the same day. If imaging is needed, it is often scheduled for a separate appointment rather than done the same day. He will discuss findings, create a treatment plan (usually starting with medications like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or statins depending on diagnosis), and establish follow-up intervals. Patients can expect straightforward explanation of results and clear take-home instructions.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Crump's office operates weekday business hours; contact the office to confirm current hours and whether late appointments or same-week openings are available, as availability varies. Parking is accessible at the office location. Telehealth visits may be available for follow-up appointments depending on insurance and clinical situation; ask at booking. Referrals from primary care doctors should reach Crump's office within a few days and accelerate scheduling; self-referred patients may wait 2 to 4 weeks depending on urgency.

For a Chattanooga resident needing stable cardiology care without procedural intervention, Crump offers the depth of specialist evaluation and continuity that primary care alone cannot provide, paired with the flexibility and attention of a smaller private practice.