Dr. Thomas Backer, MD

Cardiology*•Male•Age 70

Cardiology*

Dr. Thomas Backer, MD is a cardiologist in Alpharetta, GA. He specializes in Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, and more.

Dr. Thomas Backer, MD

Practice

3400 Old Milton Pkwy Ste C395 Alpharetta, GA 30005
Telehealth availableTelehealth services available
(770) 751-9131
TAVR takes about 1 hour.
Most patients go home the next day.
Get more TAVR info
Telehealth availableTelehealth services available
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Accepting new patients

(770) 751-9131
Severe aortic stenosis
(heart valve failure) can be deadly
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TAVR takes about 1 hour.
Most patients go home the next day.
Get more TAVR info

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Backer is affiliated with Northside Hospital Cherokee Canton, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Backer specializes in the areas of Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine & Interventional Cardiology. • See board certifications
  • Easy Scheduling
    Patients said scheduling was easy. • See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ • See hospitals

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Dr. Backer's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Backer

3.2
21 ratings, 13 with a written review
5 star
52%
52%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
5%
5%
2 star
5%
5%
1 star
38%
38%

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Consider Other Options for Cardiac Care
If you're looking for a cardiac care provider who is thorough, communicative, and supported by a reliable administrative team, I would not recommend Dr. Backer’s office based on my experience.During my short time with them, I encountered significant issues with their administrative staff. On one occasion, they canceled my appointment due to their own lack of follow-up, but the blame was shifted to the insurance company. On another occasion, they failed to coordinate a records transfer, again placing the blame elsewhere—this time on another doctor on my healthcare team. After personally investigating my records and contacting the insurance company, it was clear that the real issue stemmed from Dr. Backer’s office failing to follow through. They offered no apology for these oversights, which was disappointing.Communication issues extended beyond administration. My expectation for a cardiologist is clear, thorough explanations for diagnostic tests and results, especially in critical s
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
Helpful
Apr 11, 2025
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Stress test that has now stressed me out for weeks
Dr Backer may be a decent cardiologist but after repeated warnings I expressed weeks and minutes leading up to my stress test, he and his assistant appeared to have little regard for my foot and back issues. The speed and the incline on the treadmill was too much for me to handle. It's as if they didn't even care that I was struggling to keep up with the machine. I was voicing my reluctance to continue at that speed and incline but I feel they just wanted to complete the test and move on. No consideration for the elderly or for someone with foot and back aliments. Showing compassion or recognizing that someone may be harmed by operating a stress test at such a fast speed was completely ignored. My back hasn't recovered and my PTTD condition on my left foot and ankle has worsened. Showing patience and slowing the treadmill down, I feel I would have been able to get my heart rate up enough to accurately record my readings. If you are older and have foot or back issues, stay away!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Explained conditions well
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Chuck K – Aug 18, 2022
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Dr. Backer and Katie Steffen, PA are my favorite Dr. visits. They both are not only friendly but: thorough; patient; take a lot of time with their patients; compassionate, and more.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Reba A Nyen – Jun 10, 2021
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Very rude staff, particularly the office manager. His care is mediocre and i would not recommend this doctor.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Apr 05, 2021
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I have been a cardiology patient for over 20 years and have had only positive experiences in the past. I started seeing Dr. Backer a couple of years ago because the location suited me, which I admit was not the best choice. I find Dr. Backer very dismissive and does not show concern or spend time listening to his patient(s). I am used to being able to discuss the newest methods and practices with my physicians. I ended up in the hospital at one point because of his incompetent warfarin/coumadin (blood thinner) management. On the occasions I have asked to have him call and speak to me, I do not hear back from him. After COVID hit and I wasn't working, I was given a bill. I told the nurse my situation, as I never intended to not pay it and have not had any issues in the past... but this time I needed to split the payments and was refused, as the front desk employee said she would only take the entire payment. I explained more than once the situation and asked to speak to the dr. or an of
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Halley G. – Aug 24, 2020
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I had an appointment scheduled, they rescheduled it for the same day at a later time which would have been fine. They called that morning telling me not only did they need to reschedule again but that I could not get in for weeks. They offered to do a virtual appointment instead. How does a cardiologist exam your heart virtually? When you feel you are drowning this practice throws you a bolder to hold onto rather then a life vest. Don’t even bother trying to get in. Absolutely awful practice.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 13, 2020
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I have significant family history & run 270-309 cholesterol despite a healthy lifestyle. I had odd events including chest tightening. I decided it was time to address this and booked a stress test/consult. I was dismissed that the test was fine. I then asked about family history and my numbers. He had not looked at my info and challenged me. I presented my recent blood work via the PCP app and only then he prescribed 40mg of Lipitor. I began taking those and had troubling side effects that I did not relate. I am now off and feel fine. It has been 6 mos, I have heard nothing from their office. Obviously I could have called & made an appointment but the lack of investment he made in my on our first visit has me looking elsewhere and starting over. He is qualified and maybe a great doctor however, I felt dismissed and underwhelmed. This was my first visit to a cardiologist and I was scared. He should have made an effort to review my records and understand I had cause for being there.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 07, 2020
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Excellent have been going for 15 years el estado staff and doctor!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jack kaplan – Aug 06, 2020
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He finally found a statin med that my system could tolerate. He & his staff are very Professional.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sarah L. Tilman – Apr 17, 2020
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Can't truly recommend. He lacks bedside manner. On last visit, scooted out of examining room past ME while I assisted my 90 year old dad, who normally uses a walker, to step down from the raised examining table. Just didn't seem to care.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Feb 12, 2020
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I've been seeing Dr. Backer for a few years and feel that he is one of the best physicians I've ever had. He is thorough, compassionate and has helped me immensely with controlling my blood pressure. I've been seeing his PA, Katie, and have full confidence in her as well.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 26, 2019
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Not good: horrible office staff; no bedside manner
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 19, 2019
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I left another Cardiologist to see Dr. Backer and so glad I did. He listens. He asks all the questions that you think he should ask, answers yours He summarizes beautifully tells you the likelihood of what is going on and what is not and all the treatment options available. Spent a lot of time with me and my wife. The staff Fallon, Christin are old school friendly no network to get through. Quick appt. The NP helped me get a lower BP despite my White Coat Syndrome. Great doctor and crew!
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Anders in Johns Creek – Feb 09, 2018
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Know Before You Go

About Me

biography

Dr. Thomas Backer, MD is a cardiologist in Alpharetta, GA. He specializes in Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, and more.

  • Cardiology

  • Interventional Cardiology

  • Internal Medicine

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Saint Louis University / Health Sciences Center

    Medical School
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Internal Medicine®
- 
Cardiovascular Disease
- 
Internal Medicine
- 
Interventional Cardiology
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

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Locations

Practice

Office3400 Old Milton Pkwy Ste C395 Alpharetta, GA 30005
1

Practice

Alpharetta Womens Specialists LLC1505 Northside Blvd Ste 4700 Cumming, GA 30041
2

Practice

Fusion Autism Centers1260 Upper Hembree Rd Ste D Roswell, GA 30076
3

Practice

Northside Hospital-Forsyth1200 Northside Forsyth Dr Cumming, GA 30041
4

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Northside Hospital Cherokee

    450 Northside Cherokee Blvd
    Canton, GA 30115
    Recipient of 13
    hospital awards

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    89%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    5% higher than the national average

    84%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    19% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Northside Hospital Forsyth

    1200 Northside Forsyth Dr
    Cumming, GA 30041
    Recipient of 12
    hospital awards

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2023)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    12% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital

    5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd
    Atlanta, GA 30342
    Recipient of 43
    hospital awards

    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 1% in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year over year

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 1% in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year over year

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    85%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% higher than the national average

    80%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    4% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality