Franklin Selmon T MD PC in Chattanooga: A Cardiology Practice for Preventive and Interventional Care
Franklin Selmon T MD PC is a solo cardiology practice in Chattanooga offering diagnostic and preventive cardiovascular services alongside interventional procedures. The practice operates as an independent medical corporation and accepts most major insurance plans, placing it squarely in Chattanooga's cardiology landscape alongside larger hospital-affiliated groups and multispecialty medical centers.
What the practice actually is
A board-certified cardiology practice focused on evaluating and treating heart disease. Dr. Selmon manages patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension. The practice handles both initial consultations (often by referral from primary care physicians) and ongoing management of established cardiac conditions. As a solo practice rather than a large multi-doctor group, appointment availability and continuity depend on one provider's schedule.
Services and typical appointment structure
The practice provides office-based cardiology consultations, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and stress testing. Many cardiology practices in Chattanooga bill EKGs and stress tests as separate facility charges; confirm with the office whether these are included in your consultation fee or billed separately. Cardiac catheterization and interventional procedures (such as stent placement) typically require referral to a hospital facility; Dr. Selmon maintains privileges at local hospitals to coordinate this care.
Insurance billing varies by plan. Most major plans (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare) are accepted, but coverage for specific services depends on deductible status and whether your plan requires a cardiologist referral. Call ahead to verify your coverage before scheduling.
How this practice compares to other Chattanooga cardiologists
Chattanooga's cardiology options break into three categories: solo practices like Franklin Selmon T MD PC, cardiology groups affiliated with hospital systems (such as those within Erlanger Health System or CHI Memorial), and private multispecialty practices with integrated cardiology divisions.
A solo practice offers greater continuity; you see the same physician for every visit, which matters for patients managing complex arrhythmias or heart failure over years. Hospital-affiliated cardiologists often have easier access to advanced imaging (like cardiac MRI) and catheterization labs on-site, reducing referral steps. If your care requires frequent imaging, advanced heart failure management, or interventional procedures, a hospital-affiliated group may offer more convenience.
Solo practices like this one typically have longer appointment lead times but often spend more time per patient than large groups do. Choose a solo practice if you prefer working with one provider long-term and your condition is stable. Choose a hospital group if you need rapid access to advanced procedures or imaging.
Who this practice suits and who it doesn't
This practice works well for patients with established cardiac diagnoses who need ongoing monitoring and medication management, and for those referred by their primary care doctor for an initial cardiology evaluation. Patients with straightforward hypertension, prior myocardial infarction, or stable angina fit the scope of office-based care.
It is less suited for patients requiring immediate interventional procedures (catheterization or stent placement), since these would be coordinated at a hospital rather than performed in the office. Patients needing complex electrophysiology mapping or advanced heart failure therapies (like LVAD placement or transplant evaluation) would be better served by larger hospital cardiology programs with those specific capabilities.
What the first visit involves
Expect to provide a complete medical and family history, a list of current medications, and any recent test results (EKG, echocardiogram, stress test, or lab work from your primary care doctor). Dr. Selmon will perform a physical exam and listen to your heart and lungs. An EKG is commonly done at the first visit. Depending on your symptoms and history, a stress test or referral for imaging may be ordered for a follow-up appointment.
The consultation typically allows 30 to 45 minutes for a new patient. Bring your insurance card and photo ID.
Hours, location, and parking
Contact the practice directly to confirm current hours and exact office location in Chattanooga; cardiology practices occasionally change office addresses. Parking is typically available in the office building. If you use public transportation, verify wheelchair accessibility and lot layout when you call to schedule.
Why this practice belongs in a Chattanooga city guide
A solo cardiology practice represents a distinct model of cardiovascular care in Chattanooga and serves patients who prioritize continuity and one-on-one attention over rapid access to hospital infrastructure.
