The Heart & Vascular Center

The Heart & Vascualar Center


NEW COUMADIN CLINICS OFFER SAFER, MORE

EFFECTIVE THERAPY

By: Suzanne Allen, R.N.

     The Heart & Vascular Center patients currently taking Coumadin and who live near Doctors Hospital in Sarasota or live in Venice, Englewood, or Port Charlotte are encouraged to participate in the newly opened Coumadin Clinics.  The clinics utilize the latest technology to deliver Protime results immediately and offer patient education opportunities that can make Coumadin Therapy both safer and more effective. 

     Most patients on Coumadin will visit various medical laboratories to have their blood drawn via venipuncture.  The lab processes the test and reports the results to the physicians' offices.  The results are then interpreted by either the physician or his/her staff, and the patient's dosage may be adjusted accordingly.  Finally, the staff contacts the patient to communicate the results and any dosage changes.

Easy, On-Site Protime Tests

     The Heart & Vascular Center Coumadin Clinics streamline this process and offer many benefits to the Coumadin therapy patient.  Initially, the patient is pleased to learn that the procedure involves only a finger stick method that utilizes a few drops of blood.  More importantly, the results are available immediately and dosage changes can be made on the spot, eliminating waiting and increasing the safety for the patient. Dosage changes are accompanied by written instructions, which decreases the possibility of misunderstandings that can occur when such changes are communicated by telephone.  In addition, Heart Center Coumadin Clinics are staffed by Registered Nurses specially trained in oral anticoagulation.  Patients receive education tailored to their needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

     Patients who have had the opportunity to participate in the clinics have reported great satisfaction with the clinic's  efficiency and professionalism.  Patients enjoy increased interactions with concerned and informed nursing professionals who custom-tailor their Coumadin regimen.

NEW COUMADIN CLINICS OFFER SAFER THERAPY: 

     The Heart & vascular Center patients currently taking Coumadin who are interested in learning more about the clinics and how they could be beneficial to them are encouraged to ask their physician or call one of the clinics directly.

Coumadin Clinic Locations:

Doctors Hospital Coumadin Clinic
5741 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 450, Sarasota  * 379-0000

Venice Coumadin Clinic
1287 US 41 Bypass S., Venice  * 497-5511

Englewood Coumadin Clinic
900 East Pine Street, Englewood  * 475-5621

Port Charlotte Coumadin Clinic
2625 Tamiami Tr., Pt. Charlotte  * 625-6223