Coumadin Clinic

What is the Coumadin Clinic?

The clinic is a service established to monitor and manage the medications that you take to prevent blood clots. Nurses in conjunction with your provider will work together to ensure these medications are used safely. For patients taking Warfarin (Coumadin), we will routinely check bloodwork and adjust your dose of Warfarin (Coumadin) as well as other medicines that may be needed.

Why is a special clinic needed to manage my medicine?

Medications used to thin the blood can be dangerous if not closely monitored. Specifically with coumadin, your blood clotting time (INR) must be checked. When Coumadin therapy is initiated your labs will need to be checked frequently while we work to get your levels in the proper range. Once your levels are stabilized, we will likely check your blood work every four weeks. However, you may be checked more often when changes are made to other medications or if your INR results are not within the designated therapeutic range.

What is the procedure for follow-up in the Coumadin Clinic?

Patients generally begin treatment after surgery or diagnosis. After your provider sends in the referral form, you will be contacted by a nurse from the Coumadin Clinic to discuss your therapy and arrange your first appointment. At your initial visit you will be given thorough education about your medication. For patients starting coumadin therapy, a nurse will check your INR by using a fingerstick blood test (the result will be available immediately). You will be asked some questions about your health and medications, determine if your warfarin dose should be adjusted and schedule your next appointment. Patients are assessed by the nurses in the Coumadin Clinic at least once a month after the initiation of Coumadin therapy. Future frequency of visits is determined by stability of the INR. All patients on any anticoagulant therapy will be evaluated in the office every six months.

The AMH Coumadin Clinic's patient education includes:

Purpose of the patient's therapy
Duration of therapy dosing and administration of prescriptions(s)
What to do if you miss a dose
Compliance
Monitoring
Signs and symptoms to watch for (bleeding and clotting)
Drug interactions
Preferred nutritional diet
Alcohol intake
Informing the patient's other healthcare providers
Follow-up appointment information
Medical alert bracelet or card.

Location:

AMH Cardiac Rehab Center

Hours:

M, W, F: 7 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: 402.887.6270

Supervisor: Shannon Tegeler, RN

Do you want this also for both participation & insurance coverage?

Participation is dependent on provider referral. The patient's physician receives INR results and dosage change reports with each visit. Providers are also informed any time a change in condition is noted.

Insurance Coverage

Most major insurance companies, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover all or part of the cost for participants who qualify. Because all policies vary, patients are encouraged to check with their insurance company for specific coverage.