St. Mary Medical Center Opens Clinic for those Taking Blood-Thinning Medication

chs-stockPatients at risk for blood clots and prescribed anticoagulation (blood thinning) therapy by their physician can benefit from services provided through St. Mary Medical Center’s Anticoagulation Clinic. Located on the hospital’s main floor, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave., West Entrance, the clinical pharmacy staff of the St. Mary Medical Center Anticoagulation Clinic will assist physicians in managing their patients’ anticoagulation therapy through education, consultation, medication monitoring and other services.

Patients who have had blood clots in the legs (called deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (called pulmonary embolus) require blood-thinning medications as a preventative measure. Anticoagulants may also be prescribed by a physician if their patient has heart problems or artificial heart valves, or an irregular heart beat, called atrial fibrillation. Studies have shown that those with the heart condition called atrial fibrillation are at risk for stroke. Anticoagulation therapy can reduce this risk by about 60 percent in men and 84 percent in women.

The Anticoagulation Clinic at St. Mary Medical Center will offer immediate prothrombin time/INR test results; adjustment of anticoagulant dosage, if necessary; ongoing patient and family education; and consultation with an experienced pharmacist specializing in anticoagulation therapy. This team of pharmacists will work in collaboration with the patient’s referring physician.

All patients receiving treatment from the clinic must have a physician’s referral. To schedule an appointment and for more information, call 219-947-6740.