It mainly depends on the capability of your compiler. For instance, if you are using the Picbasic Pro (as also some others, I'm sure), you can select the 'inverted' mode of serial comms, in which case you DO NOT need any extra hardware to connect the pic with the PC (besides a resistor). Also, you can use any port pin for the communications, not necessarily the UART pins.
Second, you would also be able to define the comm parameters in your program (baud rate, stop bits, parity); just set the same parameters on the terminal program you use (eg.: Terraterm, Hyperterminal etc) and you're all set.
Thirdly, treat each digitized sensor reading as a separate byte; NOT 16 bits. Thus, you'll be sending 2 characters, one for the temperature, and the second for the pulse.
Regards,
Anand Dhuru