What to Expect
The Wound Healing Center at Gadsden Regional's program operates by appointment only. Patients can self-refer for wound care, however most patients are referred by their primary care physician. Upon referral, patients undergo a thorough diagnostic examination to identify the type of wound you have and the underlying problems causing the wound. The initial appointment consists of an assessment to determine the cause of the wound, the appropriate classification and size of the wound, the overall health status of the patient and the patient's ability to comply with needed therapies.
Based on the evaluation, a customized treatment plan is developed to optimize the therapies best suited to address the patient's needs. Wound size and depth are documented at the initial visit, and again at each subsequent visit. Some of the diagnostic modalities which may be used include:
- Laboratory evaluation
- Radiology (including MRI)
- Transcutaneous oxygen testing
- Vascular studies, electrocardiogram
- Ultrasound
After evaluation, a program specifically tailored to your needs will be initiated based on the most effective treatment options. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to provide the maximum healing possible.
Specialized wound care is usually administered on an outpatient basis. Patients are free to drive themselves to the Center for therapy, and you should plan two-and-a-half to three hours for each visit.
Once a treatment plan has been initiated, you will visit the Wound Healing Center on a regular basis for specialized treatments and documentation of the progress of your healing. You will also be fully instructed on how to do your own wound care at home between visits, as well as how to protect your wound from further injury. It is very important to remember that you are the most important part of your healing process. Keeping appointments and following directions are critical to attaining a positive healing outcome.
The Wound Healing Center offers wound care therapy options, including debridement, topical wound therapy, growth-factor therapy, tissue therapy, dressing selection, special shoes, patient education and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
You should refrain from smoking or the use of any tobacco products during the entire course of therapy. Tobacco use will prolong or even prevent healing of a wound site due to its effect on the blood vessels in your body.
If you have a cold or cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, inform the staff at the center before your treatments begin. Also, alert the staff to any medications you are taking, or changes in medication during the course of your treatment. If you are diabetic, please eat properly and continue to take your prescribed medication to control your blood sugar level. Your blood sugar level will also be checked during each visit to the Wound Healing Center.
For more information, please call (256) 413-6480.
For general information about The Wound Healing Center at Gadsden Regional, click here.