Vascular Interventional Radiology Rapid Access Clinic (VIRAC)

The VIRAC is designed for patients to receive a thorough pre-procedure assessment to determine their sedation or anesthesia needs, a comprehensive review of imaging, and a COVID screening to assess if the procedure can safely be performed.  This service is designed to provide the same benefits and quality of care that is currently in place for inpatients.  All patients will receive detailed education about their procedure including all safety measures in place to minimize COVID exposure risks.  Patients will also be evaluated and educated about potential complications and side effects of the procedure. Patients in need of vascular access or biopsies are ideal candidates for this clinic. The Vascular & Interventional Radiology Rapid Access Clinic is located in the University Hospital Extension (former Children’s hospital) on the 5^th floor (F elevators).

Patients being seen at VIRAC prior their procedure have seen numerous advantages over same day add-on procedures.  Patients experience decreased wait times on the day of their procedure as a result of having labs, consent, and pre-procedure evaluation completed in advance.  This results in appropriate sedation selection and decreased same day cancellations. It also eliminates the unnecessary holding of anticoagulants and other pertinent medications.  Patients have also reported a decrease in pre-procedure anxiety due to the pre-procedure education and the opportunity to ask questions during their evaluation.

VIRAC aims to provide the best possible care for patients while decreasing delays in diagnosis and treatment. This clinic can be utilized in person as a same day service or virtually through MUSC Telehealth, providing a “one-stop shop” concept with their Oncology and VIR providers. Our vision is to have patients that have completed a VIRAC visit arrive for their scheduled procedure, change into a gown, receive an IV and be taken directly to the Angiography or CT suite.

For MUSC Providers:

Providers within MUSC should place an order for AMB REFERRAL TO INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY (Px code: REF41) and have your checkout desk or staff schedule a consult with any of our VIR APP's or Physicians. 

For Outside Providers:

Providers outside the MUSC system, please print the VIR Electronic Referral, then fax to (843)792-9068 or scan and email to virac@musc.edu.