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Solution to treat DVT & PE with better outcomes and reduced costs
Posted on January 31st, 2012
The reduction of DVTs and PEs is a core area of focus for CMS cost reductions, and a standard set of guidelines must be developed and adhered to. There must be a team approach to dealing with and treating patients with DVT. This hospital-based team should include multiple physicians and allied health professionals across a variety of specialties, including but not limited to:
• Vascular Surgeons/Vascular Medicine
• Interventional Radiologists
• Cardiologists
• Hematologists
• Internal Medicine
• Oncologists
Additionally, these patients need to be followed across the continuum of care, beyond just the in-hospital encounter.
It is critical for these specialists to come together as key opinion leaders to help shape the government guidelines for treating these patients. Specialists who deal with these patients every day are in the best position to share their knowledge and experience, to determine the best standards of care to treat patients suffering from venous thromboemboli, and to define preventive measures.
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What are DVT and PE, and why should patients care?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most prevalent medical problems today. DVT, while in some cases life-threatening, can lead to an even more serious condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). In fact, death occurs in about 6% of DVT cases and 12% of PE cases within one month of diagnosis.1 DVT and PE are caused by blood clots in the veins. A pulmonary embolism occurs when one of these clots travels to the lungs where it may obstruct air flow. Annually, it is estimated that 600,000 patients will be diagnosed with venous thromboembolism, and anywhere from 50,000-200,000 will die from PE. PE is stated to be the leading cause of preventable death in hospital patients, responsible for approximately 10% of all hospital deaths.
Who is at risk?
People with varicose veins are more prone to thrombosis and embolism; other factors that contribute to increased risk are advanced age, obesity, and cardiac problems, among other conditions. If you are at risk of DVT, there are preventive measures you can take, such as wearing compression stockings during air travel or for prolonged periods of standing or sitting. Be sure you discuss this with your physician. You should consider asking for a referral to a Venous Specialist if you have any symptoms of varicose veins, leg spider veins, restless leg syndrome, heavy or aching legs, venous ulcers, or if you have a family history of DVT or PE.
1 http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/107/23_suppl_1/I-4.full
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