Dr. Tombul Selcuk in Chattanooga: Interventional Cardiology with a Focus on Peripheral Vascular Disease
Tombul Selcuk is an interventional cardiologist practicing in Chattanooga who specializes in managing blocked arteries and heart rhythm conditions, with particular emphasis on peripheral vascular disease (blocked arteries in the legs and other vessels outside the heart). His practice accepts most major insurance plans and operates within the framework of established medical groups serving the Chattanooga area.
What this practice actually provides
Selcuk's scope includes diagnostic cardiac catheterization (imaging the heart's arteries using contrast dye), coronary angioplasty and stenting (reopening blocked coronary arteries), and peripheral vascular interventions (treating blockages in arteries serving the legs, arms, and other areas). He manages acute coronary syndromes (heart attacks) and stable angina, and addresses arrhythmias with appropriate referral to electrophysiology when needed. His subspecialty in peripheral vascular disease distinguishes him from general cardiologists in the market, who often refer these patients to vascular surgeons; Selcuk can often perform catheter-based treatment without surgery.
Services and what to expect for costs
Interventional cardiology services in Chattanooga typically fall into outpatient diagnostics and inpatient procedures. A diagnostic cardiac catheterization costs between $3,000 and $6,000 before insurance, depending on whether additional imaging (like intravascular ultrasound) is used. Angioplasty with stent placement ranges from $15,000 to $35,000 total facility and professional fees; most patients pay between 10 and 40 percent of that after insurance negotiation, depending on deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Peripheral vascular interventions follow similar pricing. Confirm your specific out-of-pocket responsibility with your insurance company and the billing department before a procedure, as charges vary by facility, stent type, and imaging complexity. Office-based consultations for evaluation and risk assessment typically run $150 to $300 per visit and are usually covered by insurance after a copay.
How Selcuk's practice compares to other interventional cardiologists in Chattanooga
Chattanooga's major medical centers, including Erlanger Health System and CHI Memorial (formerly Memorial Healthcare), employ or credential multiple interventional cardiologists. The key difference is Selcuk's focus on peripheral vascular disease within the interventional space. Many interventional cardiologists in Chattanooga concentrate primarily on coronary interventions; patients with blocked arteries in the legs often face a choice between vascular surgery or referral out of state for catheter-based treatment. Selcuk's training and specialization allows peripheral cases to be handled without referral, reducing travel and simplifying the care pathway for patients with combined coronary and peripheral disease. If your blockage is strictly in the legs, a dedicated vascular surgeon like those on staff at Erlanger or CHI Memorial may be equally effective; the advantage of seeing Selcuk is continuity of care if you have heart disease as well, and avoiding the need to coordinate across two specialists.
Who this practice suits and does not suit
Selcuk's practice is most appropriate for patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease (chest pain, shortness of breath with exertion) who need catheterization or stenting, and for patients with peripheral vascular disease causing leg pain with walking or tissue loss. He is also a good fit for patients whose conditions require both coronary and peripheral intervention, since one provider can manage the full picture. The practice is less necessary if your blockage is confined to the legs and you have no symptoms; in that case, a vascular surgeon or general cardiologist for monitoring may be sufficient. Patients who are candidates for surgical bypass instead of catheter intervention should discuss both options with their primary care doctor or cardiologist before choosing a provider.
What your first visit involves
When referred to Selcuk's clinic, expect an office consultation in which he reviews your medical history, takes blood pressure and heart rate, and may order or review prior imaging (ECGs, stress tests, or CT angiography of your arteries). He will discuss whether diagnostic catheterization is needed and what the risks and benefits are. Expect the appointment to last 30 to 45 minutes. If catheterization is scheduled, you will have a separate pre-procedure appointment with nursing staff who will review fasting instructions, medication timing, and allergy history. Most diagnostic catheterizations are outpatient same-day procedures; stenting often requires an overnight stay for observation.
Hours, location, and logistics
Confirm current office hours and location by calling the practice directly, as cardiology offices in Chattanooga typically operate Monday through Friday during business hours with limited after-hours availability. Procedures are performed at an accredited cardiac catheterization lab, usually at a hospital or outpatient surgery center; Selcuk's privileges will determine the facility. Parking is generally available at hospital-based facilities; outpatient centers vary. Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Plan for a driver to pick you up if you are undergoing a catheterization with sedation.
Selcuk's interventional skills in peripheral disease fill a gap in Chattanooga's cardiology landscape, offering patients with leg artery blockages a catheter-based alternative before they consider vascular surgery, and allowing seamless care for those with both heart and peripheral disease.
