Raleigh Cardiology Associates (RCA) and WakeMed Health & Hospitals, based in Raleigh, N.C., have signed an agreement that brings in RCA as part of WakeMed’s hospital-based physician practice, known as WakeMed Faculty Physicians. This agreement, which becomes effective Oct. 1, aligns RCA more closely with WakeMed’s Heart & Vascular program.

As one of Wake County’s first cardiology practices formed in 1979, RCA, also based in Raleigh, N.C., has played a role in the development and expansion of WakeMed’s Heart & Vascular program over the past 31 years. In fact, one of RCA’s interventionalists, Amarendra B. Reddy, MD, performed the first cardiac catheterization in Wake County at WakeMed’s Heart Center in 1976.

“Under this agreement, RCA will continue to offer its patients a full range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services,” said Susan Weaver, senior vice president of WakeMed Physician Practices.

RCA, which boasts more than 12 cardiology specialists, will continue to operate from its existing office on WakeMed's Raleigh campus, and all existing phone numbers, contact information and scheduling procedures will remain unchanged for patients and referring physicians.