Name of the Procedure:

Antithrombotic Therapy Prescribed at Discharge (G8696)

Summary

Antithrombotic therapy involves prescribing medications that prevent blood clot formation. Typically administered when a patient is discharged from a hospital after certain medical conditions, this therapy helps reduce the risk of potentially dangerous clots that could lead to conditions like stroke or heart attack.

Purpose

Antithrombotic therapy aims to:

• Prevent blood clot formation.
• Treat conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
• Ensure patients are safely managed upon discharge from the hospital.

Indications

This therapy is appropriate for patients who:

• Have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke.
• Have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias.
• Are recovering from certain types of surgeries, particularly orthopedic or cardiac.
• Have a history of blood clots or are at high risk due to factors like immobility.

Preparation

Patients may need to:

• Discuss their full medical history and current medications with their doctor.
• Undergo blood tests to monitor clotting times and platelet levels.
• Follow any specific dietary restrictions their healthcare provider advises.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider evaluates the patient's medical history, current condition, and risk factors.
2. Based on this evaluation, the appropriate antithrombotic medication is selected. Common options include anticoagulants (like warfarin or newer agents like apixaban) or antiplatelet agents (such as aspirin or clopidogrel).
3. The provider explains the dosage instructions, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to the treatment plan.
4. The patient is educated on signs of bleeding or clotting to watch for and when to seek medical help.

Tools and equipment involved can include prescription pads, information brochures, and sometimes electronic prescription systems. No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The prescribing process typically takes 15-30 minutes. The therapy duration can vary from weeks to lifelong, depending on the patient's condition.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting just before discharge, but it can also take place in outpatient clinics during follow-up appointments.

Personnel

The prescribing process involves:

• Physicians (often cardiologists, internists, or surgeons)
• Nurses who provide education and support
• Pharmacists who may review the medication plan

Risks and Complications

• Common risks include bleeding complications such as bruising, nosebleeds, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Rare but severe complications can involve intracranial hemorrhage or severe allergic reactions.

The healthcare provider will discuss these risks and outline what to do if complications arise.

Benefits

• Reduces the risk of dangerous blood clots.
• Helps prevent subsequent strokes or heart attacks.
• Improves overall patient outcomes and quality of life.

Benefits are often realized soon after starting the therapy and can be life-saving.

Recovery

Post-procedure care may include:

• Regular blood tests to monitor clotting times (INR tests for warfarin, for example).
• Adherence to prescribed medication schedules.
• Follow-up appointments to adjust dosages and monitor health status.

Alternatives

• Mechanical prevention methods such as compression stockings.
• Surgical options like inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to trap clots.

These alternatives may be less effective or only suitable for certain patients, depending on individual risk factors and medical conditions.

Patient Experience

Patients might experience:

• Initial education and medication planning sessions.
• Periodic blood tests to ensure medication efficacy and safety.
• Awareness of and potentially dealing with side effects like minor bleeding.

Overall, with proper management, antithrombotic therapy improves patient outcomes and provides protection against serious complications.