Anticoagulation Clinic
Patients at risk for blood clots and prescribed anticoagulation (blood thinning) therapy by their physician can benefit from services provided by the Anticoagulation Clinics at Beacon Health System. Our clinics are staffed by experienced pharmacists who work with patients and physicians to ensure safe and successful management of anticoagulation therapy through education, comprehensive patient counseling, medication monitoring, and coordination of patient care plans. Providers may refer patients at any stage of anticoagulation therapy to the clinic.
Common indications for anticoagulant medication include:
- Following a heart attack
- Stroke
- Coagulation disorders
- Artificial heart valves
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat)
- Treatment or prevention of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a large vein, most commonly in the leg) or pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lungs)
A full spectrum of services includes:
- Comprehensive Individualized patient management program
- Rapid INR results via finger stick testing
- Adjustment of anticoagulant dosage
- Screening and counseling about food-drug and drug-drug interactions
- Management of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
- Bridge therapy with LMWH for patients requiring surgical procedures
- Close monitoring for effectiveness of treatment and potential side effects
- Patient education
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 heartbeat, 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 significantly.
All patients receiving treatment from the clinic must have a physician’s referral. Please contact one of our clinics for more information or to schedule an appointment.
