A patient with a repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) presents for routine dental care. What is the most appropriate initial step in managing this patient?

Patients with repaired congenital heart defects, including Tetralogy of Fallot, may still require antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis depending on the type of repair, residual defects, and presence of prosthetic material. According to AHA guidelines, patients with repaired TOF using prosthetic material during the first 6 months after the procedure, or those with residual defects near prosthetic patches, require antibiotic prophylaxis. Consulting the patient's cardiologist establishes the current cardiac status, any residual defects, need for prophylaxis, and anesthetic considerations before dental treatment.