Ascension Texas Cardiovascular recently opened an expanded, dedicated cardiology clinic in Burnet, giving patients across the Highland Lakes more access to heart specialists and diagnostic testing close to home. The clinic offers comprehensive heart care so patients no longer need to make the drive to Austin for most cardiovascular appointments and testing.
The new space expands the clinic from three exam rooms to eight, helping meet growing demand for cardiovascular care in the area. The number of Burnet residents 65 and older—an age group at significantly higher risk for heart disease—has grown 12% since 2019.¹ High blood pressure, the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affects nearly one in three Texas adults, according to the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.
"Our patients no longer have to manage their heart care across different locations," said Dr. Michael Lenis, an interventional cardiologist at the Burnet clinic. "Patients can consult with their cardiologist, complete diagnostic testing, and receive timely results under one roof in Burnet, simplifying their care."
Patients can now complete echocardiograms, vascular testing and nuclear stress testing at the clinic. Nuclear stress tests previously required a separate trip to the hospital. The clinic treats the full range of heart conditions, including heart failure, arrhythmias, chest pain and palpitations.
The clinic's providers include general and interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists who treat heart rhythm disorders and manage pacemakers, advanced heart failure specialists, and a vascular surgeon:
- Dr. Tannon Carroll, cardiologist
- Dr. Michael Lenis, cardiologist
- Dr. Robert Schutt, cardiologist
- Dr. Mark Pirwitz, cardiologist
- Dr. Saamir Hassan, cardiologist
- Dr. Kunal Shah, electrophysiologist
- Dr. Thomas Kurian, electrophysiologist
- Dr. John Schmittner, advanced heart failure specialist
- Dr. Samuel Leonard, vascular surgeon
- Charlotte Fox, acute care nurse practitioner
Through this expansion, Ascension is advancing its faith-based Mission by providing compassionate, individually tailored care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
"Ascension has cared for Highland Lakes families for more than 50 years, and this clinic is the next step in that commitment," said Karen Litterer, Administrator and Chief Nursing Officer of Ascension Seton Highland Lakes. "As our community grows, we're growing with it. This expanded team and on-site testing allows our neighbors to get answers sooner and stay connected to the care team they know and trust."
The clinic is located at 200 John W. Hoover Parkway, Building 6, behind Ascension Seton Highland Lakes Hospital in Burnet. The clinic can be reached at 512-715-3032. To learn your risk for heart disease, take Ascension's 3-minute heart risk assessment.
