Keith Friedman, MD, FACC in Baltimore: Interventional Cardiology and Complex Heart Disease

Keith Friedman, MD, FACC is an interventional cardiologist in Baltimore who specializes in catheter-based treatment of coronary artery disease, structural heart conditions, and complex cases that may not be suited to surgery alone. His practice sits within Baltimore's broader cardiology landscape as a procedural specialist, distinct from general cardiologists who focus on medical management and diagnostics.

What this practice actually is

Dr. Friedman holds board certification in interventional cardiology (the FACC credential indicates fellowship in the American College of Cardiology). Interventional cardiologists perform coronary angiography, angioplasty, stent placement, and other catheter-based procedures in a controlled laboratory setting, rather than managing heart disease primarily through medication. This is narrower than general cardiology but broader than surgery; it allows treatment of acute coronary syndromes, chronic stable angina, and peripheral vascular disease without requiring open-heart procedures.

Services and typical procedure costs

Common procedures in interventional cardiology include diagnostic coronary angiography (around $3,000 to $6,000 before insurance), percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI with stent placement ($15,000 to $30,000 depending on complexity and stent type), and peripheral vascular interventions. Out-of-pocket costs depend entirely on insurance coverage, deductible status, and whether the procedure is emergency or elective. Many insurance plans cover interventional procedures at a higher rate than cosmetic cardiology services. Verify current pricing and coverage with your insurer and Dr. Friedman's office, as facility fees and cardiologist fees are billed separately.

How Dr. Friedman compares to other Baltimore interventional cardiologists

Baltimore has multiple interventional cardiologists affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, and Sinai Hospital. Dr. Friedman's specific affiliations, procedural volume, and subspecialties (for example, structural heart disease such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR) should be confirmed directly, as these determine whether he is the right fit for a particular case. Patients with uncomplicated stable angina may be managed adequately by a general cardiologist; those with complex anatomy, prior stent restenosis, or structural heart disease often benefit from an interventional specialist. Asking about the interventionist's annual procedure volume and specific experience with your condition is reasonable and expected.

Who this suits and who it does not

This practice is appropriate for patients with diagnosed coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, or structural heart problems who require catheter-based intervention. It is also suitable for those seeking a second opinion on whether they truly need surgery. It is not the right entry point for someone with chest discomfort but no cardiac diagnosis; those patients should start with a primary care doctor or general cardiologist for initial testing. It is also not appropriate for purely preventive or medication-management visits; general cardiologists or internists handle those more cost-effectively.

What the first visit involves

Initial consultation typically includes review of prior cardiac testing (EKG, echocardiogram, stress tests, or previous catheterization reports), physical examination, and discussion of symptoms and risk factors. If intervention is being considered, Dr. Friedman will explain the specific procedure, expected outcomes, risks (including contrast allergy, bleeding, arrhythmia, and restenosis), and alternatives. Some patients are scheduled for procedures on the same day or within days if the condition is urgent; others may require additional imaging or optimization of medications first. Bring a list of current medications, prior surgical reports, and any allergies.

Hours, location, and logistics

Confirm current office hours and procedure-schedule availability directly with Dr. Friedman's office. Catheterization procedures are typically performed at a hospital-affiliated laboratory, not an office setting, so parking and access depend on the specific facility (Johns Hopkins Bayview, Harbor Hospital, or another Baltimore-area center). If undergoing catheterization, plan for a same-day arrival; you will be unable to drive afterward and will need a companion for the ride home. Ask whether the lab is in-patient or out-patient and which parking garage serves catheterization patients.

Why this fits Baltimore's cardiac care landscape

Baltimore's cardiac care is anchored by academic medical centers and specialized procedural facilities. Dr. Friedman's interventional expertise serves patients who have moved beyond medical optimization and require catheter-based treatment, filling a necessary gap between general cardiology and cardiac surgery. His availability in the city reduces the need for some patients to travel to other regions for complex procedures.