As part of MemorialCare Medical Group’s commitment to the overall health and well-being of our patients, we have established anticoagulation clinics in four of our locations to monitor and assist our patients who take blood-thinning medications.
What is a Coumadin® Clinic?
A Coumadin® or anticoagulation clinic is a simple, convenient way to monitor and assist patients taking Coumadin® or any other brand of anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication. At MemorialCare Medical Group, the Clinic is a special time and place set aside for patients on these medications. Our clinics are staffed by licensed nurse practitioners and clinical pharmacists, under the supervision of our internal medicine physicians.
Why a Coumadin® Clinic?
As a patient taking anticoagulants, you should be aware of the potential for very serious side effects that can occur if the medication is not properly monitored. Some of these side effects can be life-threatening. Research shows that participating in an anticoagulation clinic may decrease serious complications and deaths from blood-thinning medications.
What are the benefits of participating?
- Decreased risk of potentially life threatening complications
- Immediate results, while you’re there. No more phone tag trying to get your results
- One co-payment per month to see the nurse practitioner, regardless of the number of visits within that month to regulate medication*
- One-on-one contact with a healthcare professional - Better anticoagulant monitoring/management - Increased access to education and support
*Office visits for other medical concerns within the same month will be subject to the usual co-payment.
How Does it Work?
When you are a patient of the Clinic, once a month you will be asked to attend a private appointment with a nurse practitioner (NP) at any of our clinic locations, whichever is most convenient. During your appointment and in a process that takes about two minutes, the NP will take a drop of your blood by finger stick to analyze your PT/INR (Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ration) level. Results will be reviewed with you and any appropriate adjustments to your medication will be prescribed. Additionally, you will learn about the complications, diet, and drug interactions related to taking Coumadin®.
How Do I Get More Information or Particpate?
Ask your physician or provider.