Anticoagulation Clinic
Firelands Health offers an Anticoagulation Clinic in Sandusky and Bellevue to assist in the management of medications (Warfarin/Coumadin and others) used to help prevent blood clots.
Our highly specialized pharmacists work closely with patients and their providers to keep medication in a safe, therapeutic range for their medical condition(s). The program also monitors for drug interactions and side effects from therapy. At each visit we assess and educate patients regarding diet, medications (including over-the-counter, herbal, dietary or nutritional supplements) and any other conditions that may affect therapy.
Why is an anticoagulation clinic needed?
Warfarin, or Coumadin, is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. Warfarin requires regular blood testing to monitor the effectiveness and safety of your current Warfarin regimen. With a simple finger stick, the result is available within seconds, allowing your medication to be properly monitored for effectiveness and to help avoid side effects or complications. The clinic will help you adjust your anticoagulants to allow for procedures, surgery, or other conditions, such as pregnancy. The pharmacist will answer any questions and ensure all healthcare providers involved, including primary care and specialists, are updated on your progress and medication dose/plan changes.
Specialized Services
- Patients meet with our anticoagulation staff at every visit.
- A clotting time (INR) is drawn from a finger stick, eliminating the need for repeated needle sticks that can cause unnecessary pain and bruising.
- We assure timely and accurate dosage adjustments.
- The patient receives the test results immediately, which are used for the consultation regarding treatment plans. A written take-home sheet is provided to ensure patient understanding.
- Our pharmacists provide continuous education on possible side effects of anticoagulation medications as well as how diet, medications and other conditions can affect a patient's therapy.
- The patient's physician(s) will be faxed progress reports after each visit. These reports contain the INR result, dosage adjustments and other pertinent information.
- We identify strategies for patients who will undergo a procedure that requires them to be off anticoagulants to ensure appropriate protection from clots during and after the procedure.
How do I enroll in the anticoagulation clinic?
