I am the 'new' Pediatric PICC RN at OU Medical Center in OKC. I have done neonatal PICCs in the past, so this particular subject has never come up!
We have had an increasing need for outpatient PICCs. We do not currently have a system in use to accomplish this. Within the past couple of weeks, several patients have been referred to the ER (by their Dr.) just to get a PICC. ER is not excited about this, and it is inappropriate. I have also had some clinics call and request an outpatient PICC. The only way we have been able to accomplish this is to have the patient admitted to the hospital as observation. We have had to do this in order to get the patient into our system to be able to make supply charges, take XRAY's, and document.
Do any of you have a organized system in use for outpatient PICCs, and if so please describe! Also, do you set aside a day a week to do outpatient PICCs or so many hours each day???
Any information is greatly appreciated!
Gretchen
Kelly Smith
PICC Nurse
Boone Hospital Center
Columbia, Missouri
My patients are adults, and unfortunately I don't do many PICCs anymore because of the interventional radiologist (no one will list to my information regarding costs), but I do have a doctor who will call me and ask to place a PICC. They are admitted through outpatient infusion center. This way there is not exactly a bed charge, but I am able to provide the placement, x-ray, and care in an appropriate manner.
Tina