The reduction of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs) and Pulmonary Embolism (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.