EKG reads in OB/GYN

[ThaJewelofPR]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

In my residency program, we take down any EKGs we order to be read by an ED attending. In other words, we do not read our own EKGs. Is this the case at other OB/GYN programs? Will I be expected to read my own EKGs when I head off into private practice, and will thus suffer because I was not trained to do so in residency? Thanks for your input!

 

[Global Disrobal]

Not reading the EKG is a common practice. Often time, it is the OB anesthesiology folks that help with the interpretation. Personally speaking, its not a matter of "competence," but more so a matter of routine practice. Since the ED and anesthesiology folks routinely interpret them, it is more logical to let them look it over rather than an obstetrician who may need to read one every so often.

Hope this helps.

 

[rsgillmd]

I'll second the above comment. The OB residents will usually look at it, but unless it is totally normal, they'll usually call me (the anesthesiologist) also.

I don't mind looking at them. I tend to be very involved with what the OB team is doing, mainly because we get so many high risk patients and I'm going to have to deal with them anyway from the anesthesia side.

The machine readings at my current hospital are pretty good -- I've rarely disagreed with them.

Once recently I didn't think there was any cause for concern although the resident did, probably because he believed the machine. But usually they are pretty good about picking up trouble.

 

[Diane L. Evans]

I read all my own ECG in residency first then got the sign off by anes etc...

I think it is a good skill to have.

I read all my own ECG in practice and do consult if needed