Variations in care following PTCA may greatly affect the cost per hospitalization. To assess for common practices that might lead to increased costs, 76 institutions participating in the IMPACT II clinical trial were surveyed. The survey revealed common institutional practices that may lead to increased care costs for routine angioplasty patients. Practice patterns identified (n=70) were:Key FactorsN=70Transfuse at HCT of ≤27% (ACP guideline ≤22%)75%Nurse/Patient Ratio of 2:145%Patients Admitted to ICU Post PTCA36%Always Use Arterial and Venous Sheaths27%leave Sheaths In Place for 12–18 Hours27%Leave Sheaths in Place for Greater than 18 Hours15%lab Work Required Within 24 Hours Prior to Procedure22%Use of ST Segment Monitors12%In the current era of limited health care resources and health care reform, it is critical to reassess traditional practices that may not be sensitive to cost containment. Health care professionals need to collaborate to identify a standard of care for these patients that promotes safety and favorable outcomes, yet are also cost-effective.