Coumadin Clinic

Many people need to take anticoagulation medications to help prevent excess blood clotting. Coumadin (Warfarin) is commonly prescribed for these patients and requires close monitoring. Illnesses, many medications and some foods influence Coumadin’s effect on blood clotting. Regular blood testing and dose adjustments are necessary to avoid bleeding while still preventing undesired clotting. Some patients need frequent medication adjustments. That’s where the expertise of the Coumadin Clinic at Georgetown Community Hospital comes in! 

A Typical Anticoagulation Appointment

Our service is staffed by nurse clinicians with advanced clinical training in anticoagulation management. During your visit, you can expect the following:

• A visit taking approximately 10-15 minutes 
• Point of Care Testing with finger stick blood draw (your INR) for immediate results
• Discussion with the nurse during which you receive your blood test result, go over any issues related to taking Coumadin, and receive dosing directions. 
• Additional education (if needed) along with a print-out summary of the INR result and planned dosing 
• Your next appointment date and time

Hours of Service
Mon., Wed., and Fri. 8:30a.m.-3:30p.m.

 If you are new to the anticoagulation service, extra time will be spent with you as coordination of your specific needs for Coumadin/Warfarin therapy warrant. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Anticoagulation Treatment

• Why can’t I just go to my primary care provider for this service?

  Studies have shown that Coumadin/Warfarin can be regulated more effectively and safely by specifically-trained nurses and pharmacists than by individual physicians and their staff. Going to a laboratory for blood testing and then waiting to hear from a physician’s office for the result and instructions is time consuming and inconvenient. An anticoagulation service will accomplish all of this in one short, convenient visit. 

• How much will this cost, and will my insurance cover it?

  The charges for this service will be based on the services provided; however, most insurance policies will cover the cost. Check with your insurance company about your specific benefits.

• Will my primary care provider by aware of what is going on with my blood testing?

  Yes! Information will be available to your doctor at all times, and he/she will be consulted when necessary. 

• What are the qualifications of the people working for this service?

  Our anticoagulation service staff includes licensed nurses and pharmacists as needed. This staff has been specially trained in anticoagulation therapies. The protocols used by the staff to manage Coumadin/Warfarin and other anticoagulation medicines were developed and approved by an expert team of physicians, nurses and pharmacists at Georgetown Community Hospital, using nationally accepted published guidelines. The expert team continuously reviews published guidelines and updates the service’s protocols to ensure they are consistent with current best practices. 

• Do I need a referral from my doctor?

  Yes! If your physician believes this service is right for you, he/she will refer you to the Coumadin Clinic. Your doctor must refer you to our service in order for you to participate. After receiving the referral, you will be called to schedule your first visit. 

• Do I need an appointment?

  You will be expected to have appointments, which will be scheduled by our staff. If you come without an appointment, you will be accommodated when possible.

To learn more about our Coumadin Clinic, talk to your primary care provider or give us a call at 502.868.5633.