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Anticoagulation Clinic
Anticoagulation Therapy Services at MDH
1. What is Anticoagulation Therapy?
Simply put, anticoagulation therapy is the use of medications to prevent blood clots. Inpatient
education and the outpatient Anticoagulation Clinic (ACC) focus on the use of the oral medication
Coumadin (also known as warfarin), which helps prevent harmful blood clots from forming and
lengthens the time it normally takes for your blood to clot. Due to certain conditions, such as atrial
fibrillation, mechanical heart valves, stroke, previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary
embolism, many patients require the use of an anticoagulant.
2. What services are provided at MDH?
Inpatient Anticoagulation Therapy Education-
The purpose of inpatient education is to introduce patients to Coumadin therapy by providing
information on the medication’s mechanism of action, monitoring, side effects, and drug/food
interactions.
Outpatient Anticoagulation Clinic -
In December 2003, the Anticoagulation Clinic at MDH was opened to help patients monitor their use
of the drug Coumadin. The purpose of the ACC is to provide safe, convenient and effective
management of Coumadin on an outpatient basis.
3. How can I utilize the anticoagulation services at MDH?
Inpatient Anticoagulation Therapy Education-
A pharmacist or a registered nurse from the ACC visits inpatients that are receiving Coumadin
therapy. A referral by a physician may be made, but is not required.
Outpatient Anticoagulation Clinic -
Patients are referred to the clinic by a physician and are seen by a registered nurse with specific
knowledge and certification in anticoagulation therapy.
The ACC is located on the first floor of MDH, adjacent to the outpatient waiting area (the previous
location of the blood bank). For more information, the ACC can be reached at (309) 836-1659 or
(309) 833- 4101, ext. 13267.
4. What can I expect when I visit the Anticoagulation Clinic?
At each visit, the MDH Laboratory draws a blood sample for a Protime/INR test. Results are available
within 15 minutes, and then, if necessary, dosage changes are made. One to one clinic visits allow
the nurse to provide education on diet, alcohol consumption, drug interactions, bleeding and clotting
events. Written instructions and printed materials are provided. Through continuous education,
compliance is improved significantly, which aids in achieving and maintaining the patient’s
therapeutic INR range.
5. Who provides anticoagulation education at MDH?
Kristi Green, Pharm.D.; Donna Twomey RN; and Amy Moon RN. Both Registered Nurses are certified
in Anticoagulation Therapy Management through the University of Southern Indiana. In addition, Dr.
Curt Farr serves as Medical Director.
| The ACC makes it as easy as 1-2-3 |
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Your Anticoagulation Therapy team: Donna Twomey, RN; Dr. Curt Farr, Medical Director; Kristi
Green, Pharm D; and Amy Moon, RN. |
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Step# 1:
Shannon Heath, Laboratory, draws blood from ACC patient, Mary Warnock. Mary was the first
patient seen at the Anticoagulation Clinic in December of 2003. She is still coming on a regular basis
and is very complimentary of the services provided by the staff at the clinic. |
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Step#2:
While waiting for blood test results, Donna Twomey checks Mary’s blood pressure and inquires
about any health concerns or questions she might have since her last appointment. |
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Step#3:
Mary receives an explanation of her test results and instructions about any changes in her
medication dosages. |
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