Anticoagulation Services
Ridgeview provides anticoagulation dosing and monitoring at all of its hospitals and clinics for patients who have been prescribed an anticoagulant medication. Through this service, patients receive counseling and education to ensure appropriate use of anticoagulant medication. Care recommendations are supported by the best available evidence and include rigorous monitoring and follow-up care from Ridgeview staff.
Appointments and Follow-Up Care
Patients must schedule an initial evaluation with a provider to receive anticoagulation services. Follow-up care and monitoring is available by phone to provide convenient, successful and safe therapy.
Home monitoring is available for patients who qualify.
What is Anticoagulation Therapy
Anticoagulation therapy uses medication to decrease the blood’s ability to clot. These medications are commonly referred to as “blood thinners,” but they do not actually thin the blood. Anticoagulants work by disrupting or undoing the normal clotting process, helping to prevent life-threatening conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.
Services are accessed through provider’s orders, using standardized collaborative agreements and guidelines, along with consultation from pharmacists, as needed.
To ensure safe and appropriate use of anticoagulants, Ridgeview’s anticoagulation provides drug information and education to patients, medical staff, nurses and other health care team members.
Medications Managed
- Warfarin (Coumadin®)
- Enoxaparin (Lovenox®)
- Apixaban (Eliquis®)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)
Services Include
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Evaluation of health history, current medications and diet
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Patient education about anticoagulation and individual treatment plans
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Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations
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Lab monitoring and adjustment of medication as appropriate
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Ongoing evaluation of changes in diet, medications or other changes that could affect therapy
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Review of patient adherence and interventions
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24/7 clinical support to answer patient questions