We monitor and manage the medication(s) that you take to prevent blood clots. Physically, it is a specified location within a hospital or a medical office that is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioner and occasionally by pharmacists. The provider will check your blood test and adjust your dose of warfarin (Coumadin®) as well as other medicines that may be needed (such as heparin shots or Vitamin K, the antidote to Coumadin). He will also do recommendations on other medications if there is an interaction with warfarin.
WHY DO I NEED TO BE MONITORED?
Warfarin can be a dangerous medicine if not closely monitored. While on warfarin, your blood clotting time or INR must be checked at least once a month, but more often when first starting this medicine, when changes are made to your other medications, or if your INR results are not within the therapeutic range.
PROCEDURE
At your appointments, the provider will check your INR by using a finger-stick blood test (the result will be available immediately). The provider will ask some questions about your health and medications, determine if your warfarin dose should be adjusted, and schedule your next appointment. At your first visit, you will be given some additional education regarding warfarin. If there is a need to check the INR before the scheduled appointment with a provider, you may be sent to a laboratory to have your INR checked.
REFERRALS AND APPOINTMENTS
We welcome physician inquiries, consultations and referrals. For general information or to schedule an appointment, please Contact Us