Quality and Outcomes Reports - Herma Heart Center

Electrocardiogram (EKG)- Volume

Why we measure it - EKG's are simple, quick and painless tests, however reading pediatric results needs a high degree of specialization. Research shows that physicians and hospitals that treat a large number of patients gain experience and therefore tend to provide better care and have improved outcomes for treatments and procedures. 

What this means - An electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and detects heart muscle damage.

About the data - This graph reflects EKG procedures captured in our billing system in years 2007-2010.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

  • We expanded our clinic space to care for more patients.
  • We have new systems in place to report results more quickly, such as MUSE where the results are automatically delivered to the referring physician.
  • We established a results turnaround goal of 24 to 48 hours.
  • We developed innovative programs including 24-hour holter monitoring where every heart beat is recorded for a 24-hour period through a mobile EKG machine and trans telethonic event recorder that sends heart signals over the phone.
  • We are involved in research studies such as family history of sudden deaths and the use of EKGs as a screening tool for medication side effects.

Patients and families:

  • If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, please call Central Scheduling at (877) 607-5280 or (414) 607-5280 as soon as possible to reschedule so another child can be seen.
  • Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so we can gather needed information from you before you see the doctor.
  • Bring the name, address, phone and fax numbers of your primary care and/or referring doctor so we can update them appropriately on your care.
  • Bring a full list of the medications your child is taking including over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins and supplements.

Referring physicians:

  • Fill out and fax a referral form prior to sending the patient to Children's Hospital for outpatient ancillary services or a specialty clinic visit. 
  • Forward any pertinent patient documentation, including test results, to the specialty physician's office prior to the patient's visit.
  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.  
  • Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based
    e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
    e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
  • Care guidelines for medical professionals
  • Educational materials
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about this information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.