Heather Hansen
About
Based in Bend, Oregon, this cardiology practice. Board certified in rheumatology, Dr. Hansen attended medical school at Wake Forest University and the University of New Mexico. She completed her residency at the University of New Mexico and her rheumatology fellowship at the University of Arizona.In addition to general rheumatology, Dr Hansen’s interests include rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus. Dr. Hansen and her active family love to ski, cycle, play soccer and paddle board with their dog, Summit. She is also fluent in Spanish.
EDS Healthcare in Oregon
OHSU in Portland has an EDS referral process and cardiac programs that serve connective tissue disorder patients. Yellow Brick Clinic near Seattle, Washington is the nearest EDS Society Center of Excellence. Oregon has expanded EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) coverage for genetic services, which benefits younger patients on Medicaid.
Portland-area patients have reasonable access to OHSU and can reach Seattle programs within 3 hours. Rural eastern Oregon is extremely isolated, with very limited specialist access. The Cascade Range effectively divides the state, leaving eastern communities far from major medical centers.
Finding Cardiology for EDS
Ask whether the cardiologist monitors aortic root diameter on echocardiogram and has experience managing POTS with treatments beyond just "drink more water."