Wound Care Center®
Wound Care Made Better
Every year, chronic wounds caused by diabetes, poor circulation or other conditions keep 3-5 million Americans from doing the things they love. Under the direction of Dr. Donald Nash, the Wound Care Center® team specializes in healing wounds that have resisted healing despite months, or even years, of traditional treatment, including many that might have required amputations. Many of our patients experience complete wound healing in about a month—in 2007, nearly 94 percent of all our patients healed in an average of just 28 days, with an overall 100 percent patient satisfaction rating.
If you have a wound that hasn't started to improve significantly in a month or healed entirely in two months, you should ask you doctor about the Wound Care Center® at RUSH Oak Park Hospital, or schedule an evaluation by calling 708-660-INFO (4636).
Initial Evaluation
Before your first visit:
- Call for an appointment
- List any allergies you have, and any medicines you are taking (even aspirin and vitamins)
- Bring any previous medical records you may have, as well as insurance cards and forms
- Bring snack food and medication with if you have diabetes; your initial interview will take time.
During your first visit, the Wound Care Center® doctors and nurses collaborate to provide a customized care plan including:
- Complete and thorough history and physical, including review of past testing and treatments
- Blood work and specialized testing, as needed, to determine the cause of your wound
- Evaluation, measurement and documentation of your wound
- Complete nutritional evaluation
- Extensive pain evaluation.
Individualized Treatment Plan
After determining the cause and extent of your wound, the Wound Care Center team will implement your care plan, which will include some or all of the following:
- Weekly visits to the Wound Care Center for treatment
- Infection control, including referral to an Infectious Disease specialist who works with the Wound Care Center
- Surgical removal of dead tissue in the wound to stimulate healing
- Use of compression, multilayer wraps and support stockings
- Additional therapies, including specialty dressings, skin grafts and growth factor therapy
- Revascularization of the wound
- Individualized education and one-on-one phone support as needed.
Patient Responsibilities
We encourage patients to be active participants in their treatment plans. As such, it is important that patients:
- Keep appointments
- Follow directions carefully
- Watch progress closely
- Ask the Wound Care Center staff if you have any questions.
Working with Your Doctor
The Wound Care Center specializes in treating wounds. You'll continue to consult your regular doctor for all routine medical care. We'll keep your doctor informed of your regular treatment program and progress unless otherwise instructed. Consider the Wound Care Center one of your doctor's special resources, dedicated to healing your chronic wound.
Insurance Coverage
Medicare, Medicaid and most health plans cover Wound Care Center treatment. Your coverage depends on your specific plan. Be sure to bring your insurance cards with you when you visit the Wound Care Center.
