Sarasota Memorial expands important outpatient specialty clinic
to help people taking blood thinners
SARASOTA (June 3, 2009) –Sarasota Memorial has expanded an important outpatient specialty clinic to help patients safely manage their anticoagulation medications, including Coumadin, Jantoven, warfarin and low molecular weight heparin.
Sarasota Memorial’s Anticoagulation Clinic recently opened a second location at the Institute for Advanced Medicine to make services more convenient for patients living in the area.
Doctors typically prescribe anticoagulation medication to reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots in people who have had heart attacks, strokes or other blood clotting conditions. But it can be a delicate balancing act: taking too much increases bleeding, while taking too little increases the risk of blood clots.
The Anticoagulation Clinic, staffed with a cardiologist, nurse practitioner and specially trained nurses, work with patients and their physicians to monitor and adjust their medication dosage. The anticoagulation team also provides education and support to help manage changes in diet, medicines and other factors that can interact with the medication. Studies show that patients managed by Anticoagulation Clinics experience fewer adverse events, including bleeding and blood clots, as well as fewer hospital visits resulting from these complications.
A physician’s referral is required. Patients without a physician may call the clinics for assistance.
For information, contact the Anticoagulation Clinic locations at:
Sarasota Memorial Heart & Vascular Institute
1540 S. Tamiami Trail: (941) 917-8889
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine
5880 Rand Blvd. (off Clark Road near I-75): (941) 917-8230
Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Founded in 1925, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of inpatient, outpatient and extended care services. It is the only health care provider in the region ranked among U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals,” recognized among “America’s Safest Hospitals” by Forbes.com and awarded Magnet designation – the nation’s highest honor for excellence in nursing.
About Pinnacle Medical Group
Formed in 1998, Pinnacle Medical Group is a multi-specialty group practice, providing urgent care, family and internal medicine, neurology, neuropsychology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, rheumatology, diagnostic and wellness services in locations throughout Manatee County.
Date Published: June 3, 2009
Media Contact: Kim Savage
Phone: (941) 917-6271
Pager: (941) 252-8101 |
