Wound care

When you call for an initial appointment, you will be asked a few questions about your wound(s) and general health.

You will also be asked to provide insurance information so we can preregister you for the appointment. Please have your health insurance card(s) available.

Some health insurance providers require the patient to have a referral from their primary care physician and/or preauthorization for wound care visits. This will be discussed with you during the preregistration process. Our office staff will be able to assist with any authorizations required for the initial and subsequent visits.

Please prepare and bring the following with you to your first appointment:

• Bring copies of any medical records.
• Bring your health insurance card(s) and photo identification with you.
• Make a list of all medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications like aspirin and vitamins).
• Make a list of any allergies you have.
• If you have diabetes, you may bring snack food and medication with you.

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your medical history prior to being seen by the physician. Your initial visit will take longer to allow for a full assessment. Please schedule transportation and other appointments to allow for this.

Your initial assessment includes identification of the barriers to wound healing. These barriers may include but are not limited to:

• Decreased blood flow
• Infection
• Nutritional issues
• Presence of necrotic (dead) tissue
• Repeated trauma
• Other medical problems

We may request information from your primary care provider, such as a patient history, most recent physical, relevant office visit notes and results of previous laboratory and diagnostic tests. Based on your assessment, your physician may order further testing to diagnose and treat your wound(s).

We have three primary goals that will be explained at your first visit, including:

• Educating you about obstacles to healing
• Preventing future nonhealing wounds
• Teaching correct wound dressing and protection

Additionally, pain is assessed during each visit, whether it is related to the wound(s) or not. Topical or injectable anesthetics are used before procedures that may cause pain. Your physician may recommend a prescription for wound-related pain depending on your needs.

Most of our patients are referred by their primary care physician. Although, patients are able to self-refer themselves for treatment. We maintain strong communication with your primary care doctor during your treatment to maintain the continuity of care.

If you would like more information about referrals, please call the Advanced Wound Center at (772) 398-3609.

Your insurance copayments will be collected at the time of each visit. Arrangements will need to be made with our registration staff for any other payment options.