IHTC NEWS:
09.11.2010 - Sickle Cell-abration 2010
The IHTC is sponsoring a free concert to raise awareness of sickle cell disease! Come and enjoy a diverse blend of music at the Madame Walker Theater. The free concert is from 5 to 9 pm; doors open at 4:30 pm. You may also choose to share the gift of life with those who have sickle cell disease by...
08.28.2010 - Hemophilia of Indiana 2010 Annual Meeting
HII’s 2010 Annual Meeting will be held on August 28-29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Indianapolis-Airport, 2501 South High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46241. Click here for more information....
04.20.2010 - IHTC voted one of Indiana's best workplaces!
As reported in the IndyStar, over 600 companies in central Indiana were invited by Workplace Dynamics of Exton, PA, to participate in a workplace survey in January 2010. Nearly 20,000 employees from 101 large, middle, and small companies voted on their workplace management,...
Clotting Disorders
Clotting Disorder Clinics
Anticoagulation Clinic
As published in Chest: The Cardiopulmonary and Critical Care Journal in January 2001, (volume 119, issue 1; supplement), evidence suggests that patients regularly seen in an anticoagulation clinic have better outcomes than patients managed by their primary care physicians. These patients have fewer episodes of major bleeding and recurrent thromboembolism (blood clots). It is believed these results stem from a multidisciplinary approach, frequent follow–up with the care providers and more frequent monitoring of therapy via blood tests.
The IHTC’s Anticoagulation Clinic is a multidisciplinary comprehensive approach to treating patients who are on anticoagulation therapy (e.g., Coumadin® or low molecular weight heparin). Patients are seen at least every six months by the Anticoagulation Clinic staff. The clinic is led by a nurse practitioner experienced in the treatment of thrombotic (clotting) disorders. A board certified hematologist is available during clinic should additional consultation be required. Following each patient’s visit to the Anticoagulation Clinic, the nurse practitioner reviews the patient’s medical issues with the hematologist. These healthcare providers are supported, on an as–needed basis, by the IHTC’s physical therapist (for strengthening exercise therapy, especially involving the legs related to thrombotic pain and swelling), nutritionist, genetic counselor and social worker (largely involving insurance coverage counseling).
In the clinic, patients receive education about anticoagulation therapy. They are monitored for dietary and drug interactions with their particular anticoagulant. If relevant, information is presented on their specific genetic or acquired defect. And, if necessary, counseling on the management of symptoms is provided. Periodically, additional laboratory tests may be required to monitor either the effectiveness of the therapy or to provide additional information as to why a blood clot may have occurred. Other laboratory studies ordered during a visit may serve as an early warning and help prevent an adverse event.
The IHTC’s Anticoagulation Clinic is held weekly. For more information about the clinic, contact the center at 317.871.0000.
