Visiting the Wound Care Center
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® physicians and nurses collaborate to provide a customized care plan that includes:
- 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 for treatment
- Infection control, including referral to an Infectious Disease specialist
- 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
The Wound Care Center encourages you to be an active participant in your treatment plan. As such, it is important that you:
- Keep appointments
- Follow directions carefully
- Watch progress closely
- Ask the Wound Care Center staff if you have any questions
Working with Your Doctor
Since the Wound Care Center specializes in treating wounds, you'll continue to consult your regular doctor for all routine medical care. The Wound Care Center will 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.
For more information, call 708-660-INFO (4636).
