What Can I Expect at My Coumadin Clinic Visits?

Coumadin is a blood-thinning medication that’s used both to treat blood clots and to prevent new blood clots from forming. By preventing new blood clots from forming, it lowers your risk of a stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis. 

Conditions that increase the chance of developing life-threatening blood clots include heart valve replacement or having irregular heartbeats such as atrial fibrillation. In addition, if you’ve recently had a heart attack or hip or knee replacement surgery, the risk of developing blood clots is high. 

Because Coumadin affects your blood’s ability to clot and can cause serious bleeding, it’s important to regularly see our highly trained Coumadin nurse for evaluation and lab testing. These results let your provider know if the dosage you’re taking is correct or needs to be altered.

Catalyst Medical Group is a full-service multi-specialty clinic that has a Coumadin clinic available for you. Here’s what you can expect when you come see our Coumadin team.

What happens during a Coumadin clinic visit

Typically, you start Coumadin after you’ve undergone certain surgeries or you’ve had a diagnosis that requires this medication. After being referred to our clinic, our team contacts you to set up your first visit.

During your initial appointment, you’re given thorough instructions and education on your medication. Our team also takes a sample of your blood from a fingerstick.

We then evaluate your lab testing and determine if you are on the right dose of Coumadin. 

Frequency of your visits

Medications that thin your blood can potentially be dangerous, and you should be monitored closely while you take them – especially in the beginning. About every week, your blood clotting time needs to be checked and your dosage altered accordingly. 

Once your correct dosage has been determined, your visits can slow down to about once a month.

The bottom line

If you’re taking Coumadin to prevent life-threatening blood clots from forming, it’s important that you’re monitored closely in order to watch for potential health risks. The team at Catalyst Medical Group offers a Coumadin clinic where we make sure you’re taking the medication properly and safely.

If you’re using Coumadin, call our office in Lewiston, Idaho, today to schedule an appointment with us at 208-746-1383.