To our physician partners,
As we initiate some changes involving our facility-based PICC team, we would like to highlight the coverage provided by the team. Please note that the placement of PICC lines will be within a limited time frame, 7 days per week.
1. The facility-based PICC team provides coverage 10 hours per day, Monday through Friday, from 0800-1800.
The last request for PICC placement is taken no later than 1630 in consideration of the time it takes to consent, prepare and place the line.
Later requests will be evaluated by the PICC and could include the placement of a peripheral IV with insertion of a PICC line the next morning.
2. Weekend coverage is provided at Medical Center from 0800-1230 and at Westover Hills from 1330-1800.
3. After the PICC nurse has left the facility, patients requiring emergent central line access for resuscitation or vasoactive agents should have those needs addressed by placement of central line or external jugular (EJ) by the ED or ICU physician.
We appreciate your understanding and appreciation of the fact that PICC lines are not an emergent procedure and need to be planned for. We feel that our provision of 7 day/week coverage meets the needs of our patient population and is an efficient and cost effective way of providing this service.
Sincerely,
James C. Martin, MD
Chief Medical Officer