Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has taken a significant step forward in expanding specialty care by bringing more cardiology services in-house. Thanks to a continued partnership with Asheville Cardiology Associates, patients have improved access to essential heart health screenings and evaluations—right here at home.
In summer 2023, CIHA launched an on-site cardiology clinic with the addition of Dr. Sarah Ciccotto, a board-certified cardiologist from Asheville Cardiology Associates. Since then, Dr. Ciccotto has been seeing patients regularly in the hospital’s specialty clinic, helping meet a growing need for local cardiovascular care.
As of March 2025, the clinic expanded its capabilities again with the addition of stress echocardiograms—an important diagnostic tool that evaluates how the heart functions under physical exertion. Before this service was offered at CIHA, patients were required to travel to Waynesville or Asheville for this type of testing. For many, especially those facing transportation barriers, that travel created delays in both diagnosis and follow-up care.
“Offering this service in-house means that patients have access to one more key test to screen for coronary artery disease right here at CIHA,” said Lisa Hoyle, Manager of Respiratory Therapy at CIHA. “By offering this service close to home—and often on the same day as a cardiology appointment—we’re removing an obstacle that has historically impeded timely care. It also means quicker results, which can play a critical role in shaping treatment plans and improving outcomes.”
The successful launch of stress echos was the result of months of planning and collaboration between CIHA’s Radiology and Respiratory Therapy teams. Together, the departments worked to define workflows, develop protocols, and train staff to ensure a smooth rollout of the service.
Now, when Dr. Ciccotto is in clinic, patients can often complete their evaluation and testing in a single visit—saving time and streamlining the care experience. In addition to stress echos, the cardiology clinic also provides echocardiograms and Holter monitoring, giving patients quicker access to vital diagnostics.
These investments reflect CIHA’s broader commitment to improving specialty care access for patients. By building services around the needs of the community, CIHA continues to remove barriers, close gaps, and deliver quality care close to home.