For the almost four million Americans who take anticoagulant medications, it is especially important to regularly monitor blood clotting and prescription doses. Centegra Anticoagulation Management Services (CAMS) helps people monitor their health and teaches safe, healthy choices for people on the blood thinner Warfarin, also known as the brand name Coumadin.
“This outpatient clinic provides patients immediate test results,” said Scott Padjen, director of pharmacy at Centegra. “The clinic replaces frequent lab visits for blood draws. During the appointment a specially trained pharmacist uses a quick finger stick to obtain a single drop of blood and assess the person’s response to Warfarin. The pharmacist then uses the immediate results to adjust the medication dose if it’s necessary.”
During the same appointment, the pharmacist reviews the patient’s other medications and diet and checks for possible side effects. There is a special focus on any bruising or bleeding, as these could be serious problems for those on anticoagulant medication. A complete report is forwarded to the patient’s physician.
CAMS may be beneficial for people with:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Deep Venous Thromboembolism (DVT)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Heart attack
- Mechanical heart valve replacement
- Hip or knee replacement
Sessions with the CAMS team are by appointment only and conveniently available at four locations in McHenry County including Centegra Hospital-McHenry, Centegra Hospital-Woodstock, Centegra Health Center-Huntley and a recently added site at Crystal Lake Medical Arts. Medicare/Medicaid or private insurance will pay for all, or part, of the charges in most cases. For patient convenience, Centegra Health System provides direct billing to Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance plans.
CAMS helps patients become better informed and can improve a person’s quality of life. For more information, talk to a physician or call 815-759-4744.
Centegra Health System is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of greater McHenry County and to making services available in multiple and convenient locations, including hospitals in McHenry and Woodstock, Immediate and Physician Care Centers, Centegra Sage Cancer Center, Health Bridge Fitness Centers and more. As the region’s leading healthcare provider, Centegra Health System continues to bring the latest treatments and technology, along with the skills of nearly 4,000 medical professionals, to meet the needs of the growing McHenry County community. For more information on Centegra Health System visit Facebook and Twitter or call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).
