Finding a cardiologist who actually listens is a nightmare sometimes. You've probably been there—sitting in a cold waiting room for forty minutes, only to have a doctor rush in, look at a chart, and leave within ninety seconds. Honestly, it's exhausting. If you live in Queens, specifically near the 11414 zip code, you’ve likely heard the name Dr Norman Riegel Howard Beach mentioned by neighbors or family members.
He’s something of a fixture in the neighborhood.
But is he the right fit for your heart health? Most people looking for a specialist want more than just a guy with a diploma; they want someone who knows the community. Dr. Riegel has been practicing in Howard Beach since 1985. That's over four decades of history in the same town. Interestingly, he actually founded his practice in the very house his grandparents used to own. You don't see that kind of deep-rooted local history in medicine much anymore.
Who is Dr. Norman Riegel?
Basically, Dr. Riegel is a board-certified cardiologist and internal medicine specialist. He graduated cum laude from SUNY Downstate Medical Center back in 1978. That’s a lot of years under the belt. After that, he did his residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in the Bronx and finished a fellowship at Mount Sinai in Manhattan.
He’s a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). That sounds fancy, and it is—it means he’s met some pretty rigorous standards set by his peers.
The Family Connection
What’s kinda unique about the Howard Beach Cardiovascular Center is that it’s become a bit of a family affair. His son, Dr. Daniel Riegel, joined the practice around 2018. While Norman has the decades of old-school diagnostic experience, Daniel brings in some of the newer certifications in things like Nuclear Cardiology and Vascular Ultrasonography.
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It’s a "father and son" dynamic that many elderly patients in Howard Beach seem to appreciate. There’s a sense of continuity there. If the older Dr. Riegel ever decides to fully hang up the stethoscope, the practice doesn't just vanish or get bought out by a faceless conglomerate.
What Patients Actually Say (The Good and the Bad)
Let's get real for a second. No doctor has a perfect 5.0 rating across the board without some "help" from a marketing team. Dr. Riegel’s reviews are generally strong, but they highlight some very specific quirks of the practice.
- The Thoroughness: Patients often mention that he takes his time. He’s been known to call people at odd hours just to check in or explain a test result. That’s rare.
- The Wait Times: This is the trade-off. Because he spends time with people, the waiting room can get backed up. If you're a first-time patient, don't expect to be in and out in twenty minutes.
- The Staff: This is where the reviews get mixed. Some people love the office vibe; others have complained that the front desk can be a bit short or "typical New York" blunt.
One patient on Healthgrades mentioned that Dr. Riegel once came out in the rain to visit her dying husband at home. That's the kind of anecdotal evidence that explains why he has such a loyal following in Howard Beach despite the occasionally long wait times.
Conditions Treated at the Howard Beach Office
If you're heading to the office on 80th Street or the 153rd Avenue location, you’re likely dealing with one of several common cardiovascular issues.
He deals with the "big ones" like hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol. But he also specializes in more acute issues. We're talking about unstable angina, heart palpitations, and heart valve disorders.
Common procedures performed include:
- Echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart)
- Stress tests (to see how your heart handles exercise)
- Holter monitoring (wearing a device to track heart rhythm)
- Cholesterol screenings and management
They also offer telehealth now. This was a big shift during the pandemic, but they’ve kept it around for follow-ups. It’s a lot easier than finding parking in Howard Beach, honestly.
Insurance and Affiliations
Dr. Riegel is affiliated with some heavy hitters. He works with Northwell Health (specifically North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center) and NYU Langone. If you end up needing a procedure that can’t be done in the office—like a stent or a bypass—these are the hospitals where he has admitting privileges.
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Regarding insurance, he takes most of the majors. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare are all usually on the list. But—and this is a big "but"—always call the office first. Insurance plans change their "in-network" status more often than people change their oil.
Why People Choose Dr Norman Riegel Howard Beach
It’s the vibe. Howard Beach is a specific kind of neighborhood. It’s tight-knit. People talk. They want a doctor who remembers their name and maybe even remembers their parents.
Dr. Riegel fits that mold. He speaks Hebrew and Spanish, which is helpful given the demographics of Queens. He isn't just a technician; he's a diagnostician. In a world of "assembly line" medicine, he still practices like it's 1985, for better or worse.
Some Practical Next Steps
If you're thinking about making an appointment, here is the "insider" advice:
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- Call, don't just click: While you can book through Zocdoc, calling the office directly (718-845-4844) often gives you a better idea of the actual schedule.
- Bring your meds: Don't just try to remember the names. Bring the actual bottles or a very clear list.
- Clear your afternoon: Especially for a first visit. If he gets a call from the hospital or a patient with an emergency, things move slowly. Bring a book.
- Check the location: They have two main spots (80th St and 153rd Ave). Make sure you know which one you're going to.
Getting your heart checked out is stressful. It’s scary. Finding a doctor like Dr Norman Riegel Howard Beach who has seen it all over the last forty years can take some of that edge off. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait, and maybe a bit of that classic Queens directness from the staff.