We have several new questions featured this month; one comes all the way from a doctor in India! In his question, he writes that his hospital would like to begin an EP program there, so they are looking for reader suggestions. In another question, an RN asks about the updated CMS registry for ICDs. Readers, please also refer to our other ongoing discussion group questions.

Readers, if you would like to respond to these questions, please email us at eplabdigest@hotmail.com or go to www.eplabdigest.com and click on the email discussion group link. Our website is constantly being updated, so please check back often!


New Questions Under Discussion:

Establishing an EP Lab
Our hospital is a tertiary cardiac care center located in the southern part of Delhi, India. We are looking for established EP centers to help us in starting an EP lab and arrhythmia services at our center. Can you help?
— V. Sharma, MD
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “Delhi EP Lab” in your subject line.)

CMS Registry
The immediate implementation of the ICD registry has overwhelmed management and staff. What methods are other places using to get these forms completed and accurate? Also, there has been some resistance from the physicians; how are you handling them with this new requirement?
— J. Doster, RN
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “CMS Registry” in your subject line.)

Tilt Table
We need to replace our present Tilt Table. Do you know who makes them with a quick down function?
— M. Sayre, RCIS/EP
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “Tilt Table” in your subject line.)

How to use the Email Disussion Group:

- • Go to “www.eplabdigest.com” and click on the Email Discussion Group link. Here you can read past questions, reply with your answers, and even ask your own questions. • Email your EP-related questions and respones to “eplabdigest@hotmail.com”

Other Questions Under Discussion:

Allied Professional Organization
Does anyone know of a professional organization for Allied Professionals in EP? Does one exist? If so, who, where?
— C. Fontenot
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “Allied Professional” in your subject line.)

EP Guidelines
Our lab is looking for evidence-based guidelines to support our policies and procedures for electrophysiology studies. Can you help?
— D. VanLiew
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “EP Guidelines” in your subject line.)

EP Surgical Masks
Is there any information on using cotton surgical masks for invasive EP and device implant procedures?
— name withheld
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “EP Surgical Masks” in your subject line.)