Vaani Panse Garg, MD| Cardiology | MedStar Health
About me
Vaani Panse Garg, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, and adult comprehensive echocardiography.
Dr. Garg diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, from hypertension to heart failure. She is passionate about prevention and works with patients for the entire duration of their disease process.
She is particularly interested in structural echocardiography, which enhances her diagnosis of, and treatment decisions for, a variety of pathology. She is highly skilled at interpreting–and teaching other providers how to read–transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), and 3-D echocardiography.
Her current research interests involve novel techniques and teaching approaches in echocardiography, as well as new initiatives to enhance provider wellness and medical education.
Dr. Garg earned her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. She then completed an internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Hospital. Following her residency, she remained at Mount Sinai Hospital for a clinical cardiovascular disease fellowship, during which she served as chief cardiology fellow for two years.
Participating in several international projects throughout her training years introduced Dr. Garg to a global health perspective. This interest brought her to Soweto, South Africa, where she was a volunteer at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Cardiology Department, as well as Pune, India, where she was a public health service corps fellow with the William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service Program. She brings this broad, global health awareness to her practice today.
Prior to joining MedStar Health, Dr. Garg practiced at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where she also served as site director for the cardiology fellowship program (Veterans Affairs track) and the associate program director of the cardiology fellowship program. She was also a clinical assistant professor of medicine (cardiology) at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Philosophy of Care
I always aim to understand each patient’s life and daily practices. This gives me a deep understanding of how to coach them on medications, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes. I also emphasize hands-on health education. I draw diagrams, share images, and ensure all questions are answered. I fully explain the “why” of decision making, and in doing so, empower them to better manage their health.
In my partnerships with referring providers, I emphasize open communication and make myself readily available to discuss patient cases.
Clinical areas of focus
- Atrial Flutter
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Cardiac Ultrasound
- Cholesterol Screening
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiogram
- Heart Murmur
- Holter Monitoring
- Hypertension
- Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
- Lymphedema
- Stress Echocardiography
- Tachycardia
- Transthoracic Echocardiography
Conditions and procedures
Conditions I treat
- Abnormal Body Structure Imaging
- Abnormal Breathing
- Abnormal Function Study Results
- Abnormal Heart Rhythm
- Acute Bacterial Endocarditis
- Acute Endocarditis
- Acute Ischemic Heart Diseases
- Acute Myocardial Infarction
- Advanced Heart Failure
- Advanced Heart Failure (ADHF)
- Advanced Heart Failure (AHF)
- Advanced Heart Failure Care
- Amphetamine Addiction
- Amyloidosis
- Angina
- Angina Pectoris
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Aortic Regurgitation
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Regurgitation
- Arterial Embolism
- Artery Disorders
- Atherosclerosis
- Atherosclerosis Of Aorta
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
- Atrioventricular Block
- Benign Neoplasm Of Intrathoracic Organs
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Bleeding Disorders
- Bradycardia
- Bundle Branch Block
- Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Cardiac Chamber Disorders
- Cardiac Murmurs
- Cardiometabolic Disorders
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiovascular Disorders Of Newborn
- Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
- Cellulitis
- Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
- Circulatory System Complications
- Clotting Disorders
- Cocaine Related Disorders
- Complications Of Cardiac And Vascular Prosthetic Devices
- Complications Of The Puerperium
- Complications Of Transplanted Organs And Tissue
- Congenital Malformation Syndromes Affecting Multiple Systems
- Congenital Malformations Of Cardiac Chambers And Connections
- Congenital Malformations Of Great Arteries
- Congenital Malformations Of Great Veins
- Congenital Malformations Of Heart
- Congenital Malformations Of Musculoskeletal System
- Congenital Malformations Of Peripheral Vascular System
- Congenital Malformations Of Pulmonary And Tricuspid Valves
- Congenital Malformations Of Trachea And Bronchus
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Cough
- Disorders Of Lipoprotein Metabolism And Lipidemias
- Duodenitis
- Eisenmenger Syndrome
- Electrical Conduction Disorders
- Family History Of Disabilities And Chronic Diseases
- Family History Of Malignant Neoplasm
- Fibromuscular Dysplasia
- Gout
- Heart Block
- Heart Disease
- Heart Failure
- Heart Murmur
- High Cholesterol
- Hodgkin Disease
- Hypertension
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Hypotension
- Immunodeficiencies
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Intracranial Aneurysm
- Intrathoracic Organ Injury
- Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Kawasaki Disease
- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
- Liver Enzyme Abnormalities
- Liver Injury
- Long Term Drug Therapy
- Lymphangitis
- Lymphedema
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Mitral Valve Stenosis
- Myocardial Infarction
- Myocarditis
- Nonrheumatic Mitral Valve Disease
- Obesity
- Pain In Throat And Chest
- Palpitations
- Paroxysmal Ventricular Tachycardia
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- Patent Foramen Ovale
- Pericardium Diseases
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Peripheral Vascular Diseases
- Poisoning
- Postprocedural States
- Precerebral Artery Occlusion
- Premature Atrial Contraction
- Premature Atrial Contractions
- Premature Atrial Contractions (PACS)
- Premature Ventricular Contractions
- Presence Of Cardiac And Vascular Implants
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
- Problems Related To Employment And Unemployment
- Problems Related To Lifestyle
- Pulmonary Contusion
- Pulmonary Edema
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Heart Disease
- Pulmonary Valve Disorders
- Pulmonary Vessel Disease
- Respiratory Disorders
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
- Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Rheumatic Heart Diseases
- Rheumatic Tricuspid Valve Disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Shock
- Sick Sinus Syndrome
- Single Ventricle Heart Defects
- Sleep Disorders
- Subcortical Infarction
- Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Swelling In Legs
- Syncope
- Systemic Connective Tissue Involvement
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Tachycardia
- Thyrotoxic Crisis
- Transient Cerebral Ischemic Attacks
- Transplanted Organ And Tissue Status
- Tricuspid Stenosis
- Venous Embolism
- Venous Thromboembolism
- Ventricular Aneurysm
- Ventricular Arrhythmia
- Ventricular Fibrillation
- Ventricular Tachycardia
- Viral Diseases
- Vision Disturbances
Procedures I perform
- Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Atrial Septal Defect Repair
- Automated External Defibrillator
- Balloon Angioplasty
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac Catheterization Interpretation
- Cardiac Loop Recorder Placement
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Cardiac Output Assistance
- Cardiac Pacemaker Measurement
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy With Pacemaker
- Cardiac Sampling And Pressure Measurement
- Cardiac Ultrasound
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Cardiovascular Stress Testing
- Cardioversion
- Carotid Artery Aneurysm Repair
- Cholesterol Screening
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
- Coronary Artery Stenting
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiogram
- Electrophysiologic Study
- Fluoroscopy Bilateral Common Carotid Arteries
- Heart Pacemaker Implantation
- Heart Transplant
- Heart Ultrasonography
- Holter Monitoring
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
- Kinesiology Analysis
- Leadless Pacemaker Insertion
- Lymphedema
- Mesenteric Angiography
- MRA With Contrast
- Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
- Pacemaker Lead Replacement
- Pacemaker Pulse Generator Insertion
- Permanent Pacemaker Insertion
- Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome Treatment
- Prostate Injury Treatment
- Pulmonary Artery Stenosis Repair
- Stress Echocardiography
- Thoracic Aorta Fluoroscopy
- Tilt Table Test
- Transesophageal Echocardiography
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram With Strain Imaging
- Transthoracic Echocardiography
- Unlisted Gastroenterology Procedure
- Ventricular Assist Device
- Ventricular Restoration
- Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.
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List of insurance plans we accept
- Cigna Achieve Medicare (HMO C-SNP)
- Choice POS II Open Access
- Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA
- CareFirst MedStar Select PPO
- UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare Complete Plans
- Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
- Humana Medicare Advantage - PPO
- Health Services for Children with Special Needs
- Choice Fund PPO
- United HealthCare Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program
- Aetna Advantage 5750
- Aetna Open Choice (PPO)
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers (POS & POS OA)
- HumanaChoice PPO
- Cigna True Choice Plus Medicare (PPO)
- Maryland Physicians Care MCO
- United Healthcare Select HMO - EPO/NPP
- Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)
- CIGNA SureFit (HMO)
- Tricare Reserve Select
- IH-Indemnity
- Anthem Federal Employee Program Standard
- CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO)
- United Healthcare Community Plan - VA Medicaid MCO
- IH-EPO Plus
- CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP
- TRICARE East Select
- Aetna HMO
- Medicare Direct
- Aetna Classic 3500
- Uniformed Services Family Health Plan
- Kaiser Permanente Signature - Added Choice
- Fee-for-Service (FFS) District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Medicaid
- Navigate
- HUMANA/Choice Care Medicare Plans (Choice, Gold Choice)
- UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange Plans
- United Healthcare Choice
- CIGNA PPO Plus
- Choice POS II
- CIGNA EPO
- Geisinger Medicare Advantage
- Erickson Advantage Plans
- Advantra Platinum (PPO)
- Magellan Complete Care of VA - VA Medicaid MCO
- United Healthcare Choice Plus
- POS OA
- Aetna Managed Choice (POS)
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC Healthy Families
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue SNP
- UHC Group Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO, POS, PPO)
- Kaiser Permanente Signature
- Great-West Healthcare POS/CIGNA
- HighMark
- Coventry Health Care National Network PPO
- Aetna Medicare Advantage PFFS Plan
- IH-Open EPO Plus
- NYC Medicare Advantage Plus
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Plans
- OCI Direct (HMO)
- Medicare Advantage - Advantra Value (PPO)
- United Healthcare Select Plus (POS)
- Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)
- Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global
- IH-POS
- Choice Care Network/HUMANA (PPO)
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers Plus
- United Healthcare Navigate Cardiac Global
- Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice
- Aetna Advantage 6350
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Signature and Select
- OA Plus
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage DSNP District of Columbia
- United Healthcare Select HMO-EPO/NPP Cardiac Global
- MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global
- Kaiser Maryland Medicaid MCO
- HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO
- Kaiser Permanente Select Cardiac Global
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance
- United Student Resources
- UHC Passport
- TriWest Healthcare Alliance
- IH-Open HMO
- CareFirst MedStar PPO
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue Plus
- First Health PPO
- Kaiser Permaenete Signature - Added Choice Cardiac Global
- Medicare FFS
- IH-Open HMO Option
- CareFirst Blue Choice Opt Out Open Access
- Aetna Worker's Compensation Network
- CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plus
- Options PPO Cardiac Global
- AMERIVANTAGE/Amerigroup Community Care
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
- Kaiser Permanente Select
- MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global
- Anthem Federal Employee Program Basic
- DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans
- Network OA
- CareFirst Blue Card Program
- M.D. IPA (HMO)
- CIGNA POS/Network POS
- Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO
- Optimum Choice Preferred (POS)
- Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
- Aetna Basic
- IH-Network Only Plus
- First Health PPO
- Police and Fire Clinic
- United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans
- Amerigroup DC Healthy Families
- CIGNA Indemnity
- Blue Choice Advantage
- Aetna Better Health of MD
- HealthyBlue PPO
- Employee Health Plan
- CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice 3-tier POS
- IH-Open POS II
- Cigna Alliance Medicare (HMO)
- IH-Open POS Plus
- Coventry Health Care of Virginia
- Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice
- TRICARE for Life East
- IH-POS Plus
- Humana Medicare Advantage - HMO Open Access
- Coventry of Delaware HMO/PPO
- Kaiser Permanente Select - Added Choice
- BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage)
- Aetna Classic 5000PD
- CIGNA HMO & Network (HMO)
- WellPoint Maryland - Maryland Health Choice
- Anthem BCBS of VA Key Care POS/PPO/Indemnity
- Aetna Premier 200PD
- IH-PPO
- Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO)
- Amerigroup DC Alliance
- CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage prescription drug benefit (PPO)
- Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account
- Beech Street PPO
- CareFirst BlueChoice HMO
- Humana Gold Plus HMO
- United Healthcare Options (PPO)
- CareFirst EPO
- Optimum Choice
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO) Cardiac Global
- United Healthcare Choice Plus Cardiac Global
- Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue Dual Adv
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers (HMO)
- Private Health Care Systems (PPO)
- Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network
- MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
- CareFirst Administrators
- MultiPlan, Inc
- Aetna Better Health of VA
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO
- Sentara Health
- CIGNA HMO Open Access
- Aetna Advantage 6350PD
- Kaiser Permanente HMO Plus and DHMO Plus Member
- IH-Open Network Only Plus
- M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)
- CareFirst Blue Choice Opt Out Plus Open Access (POS)
- Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)
- BCBS of Michigan (BCN Advantage,Security Blue, Freedom, Medicare PLUS Blue Group PPO)
- BlueChoice Open Access
- CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO)
- CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity
- CareFirst NASCO
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Adv. Special Needs Plans
- Cigna True Choice Medicare (PPO)
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families
- IH-HMO
- Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced
- CIGNA Connect EPO
- Core Essential (HMO)
- TRICARE East Prime
- Choice POS
- CIGNA PPO
- Aetna Student Health Insurance
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC Healthcare Alliance
- United Healthcare Choice Cardiac Global
- Cigna TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)
- CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan
- Optima Family Care MCO - VA Medicaid MCO
- Aetna Classic 5000
- Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)
- Aetna VA Exchange
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice POS Cardiac Global
- CareFirst Community Health Plan of MD
- CareFirst FEP Blue Focus
Education
Fellowship: Mount Sinai Hospital (2016)
Residency: Mount Sinai Hospital (2012)
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine (2009)
Hospital affiliations
News and publications
- American College of Cardiology Program Directors and Graduate Medical Educations Section and Leadership Council, Virtual Education Webinar panelist
Online recording: Sept. 19, 2020
- American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Management Section Podcast Practice Made Perfect Storytellers, Guest Speaker
Airdate: Aug. 14, 2020
- American College of Cardiology Academic Leadership Council Academic Profiles, Interviewee Feature date: July 17, 2020
- Tufts Medicine “The Long Goodbye”
Article featured from personal work and travel blog: July 2008