Our Services

Sedation Services

Description of Services

Because it is very important that a patient stay completely still during a procedure or test Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC's Division of Emergency Medicine offers sedation services for infants and children, for example, children may often require sedation for an MRI. When medical personnel determine that sedation prior to the performance of a test or procedure is necessary, they assess the patient to determine the most appropriate sedation medication to administer. The child’s age, weight, development level, health history, the type and expected duration of a test or procedure are considered, as well as the results of a physical exam. A physician/physician assistant/nurse practioner and a sedation nurse then administers the sedation medication. Doctors/physician assitants/nurse practioners and nursing staff provide constant monitoring during the sedation and test or procedure.

Included in this section

Referral Requirements

Referrals are required from primary care physicians or other Children’s Hospital specialty services for tests or procedures. Referrals for patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans also may require authorization from the insurance provider and primary care physician. All necessary referral and authorization forms must be received before the patient’s visit.