New Phone Line for Requesting Inpatient EKGs
Children’s has implemented a 24-hour phone line to request an electrocardiogram (EKG). The goals are to reduce the wait time between placing an order and getting results and to eliminate variations in the inpatient EKG process.
Providers, nursing staff or unit coordinators need to call (206) 987-7EKG after entering the order in the Clinical Information System (CIS). Testing will proceed as soon as the staff member verifies the order in CIS.
Contacting the EKG staff by phone is required to ensure they receive the order and can perform the EKG promptly. This phone call will help avoid delays because the staff who perform EKGs are often away from their computers and do not receive orders in the CIS in a timely manner.
The exception to this process is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where practitioners will need to contact the ICU respiratory therapist directly to coordinate an EKG for their patients.
If you have questions, contact Megan Wirsching, RN, at (206) 987-3563.