Opening: November 21st, 2011
The Wound Healing Center of Heart of Lancaster provides specialized treatment for
chronic or non-healing wounds, which are defined as sores or wounds that have
not significantly improved from conventional treatments. Associated with inadequate circulation,
poorly functioning veins, and immobility, non-healing wounds lead to lower
quality of life and may lead to amputations. When wounds persist, a specialized
approach is required for healing. Typically, a wound that does not respond to
normal medical care within 30 days is considered a problem or chronic wound.
That's where the Wound Healing Center of Heart of Lancaster can
help. With the state-of-the-art treatments available including debridement,
hyperbaric oxygen therapy, dressing selection, special shoes, and patient
education, people with non-healing and chronic wounds now have a place to turn.
How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is used as an adjunctive treatment
for problematic, non-healing wounds that meet specific criteria; it is expected
that 10 to 20% of the wound care cases will do so. Throughout HBOT treatments,
the patients are monitored to see if the concentration of oxygen has increased
in the blood near the wound. If the oxygen level is higher, the therapy is most
likely beneficial to the patient.
During the treatments, the patient
breathes 100 percent oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, quickly increasing
the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream, where it is delivered to a
patient's wound site for faster healing.
Essentially, HBOT therapy helps heal the wound from the inside out. This therapy can help reduce swelling, fight
infection, and build new blood vessels, ultimately producing healthy tissue. It
is also effective in fighting certain types of infections, improving
circulation, in stimulating growth of new blood vessels, and in treating crush
injuries, osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts and flaps, brown recluse
spider bites, and diabetic wounds of the lower extremities.
Are you a candidate for specialized wound
care?
If you suffer from a chronic or non-healing
wound, speak ask your physician about a referral to our Wound Care Center, or
contact us directly for an assessment. If you are a candidate for this
outpatient program, the Wound Care Center will immediately work with you and
your doctor to deliver the following:
-
Advanced therapies, such as hyperbaric
oxygen therapy
- Proven clinical protocols
- An individualized, comprehensive plan
of care that brings you the most appropriate and effective treatments for your specific
needs
- Assessment and ongoing care by our
highly skilled team of wound care specialists, including a case manager who
will oversee every aspect of your treatment
- Education for you and your family to
help healing happen at home, including materials and resources related to prevention,
nutrition, hygiene, and more
- Ongoing communication and collaboration
with you and your doctor so that you each remain informed about your progress
Wound Care Center Partnership with Diversified
Clinical Services
Through a partnership with Diversified Clinical
Services (DCS), Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center is able to offer a new and comprehensive
center offering specialized wound care and hyperbaric medicine. DCS is the
world’s largest wound care management company with over 300 hospital partners
delivering excellent evidence-based care to patients with chronic wounds. DCS
has been the leader in wound care for over 20 years, offering the most advanced
modalities such as adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Of special
importance to our hospital, DCS Centers traditionally achieve excellent
clinical outcomes, including high limb salvage rates, an 88% healing rate
within 31 median days-to-heal, and extremely high patient satisfaction.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How get a consultation from the Wound Care Center?
A: You may call the Wound Care Center
directly or be referred by your doctor.
To make an appointment directly, call:
(717)299-3020.
Q: What Causes Non-Healing Wounds?
A: Chronic and non-healing wounds can result
from a number of factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, trauma,
vascular disease, and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly
known as "bed sores"). An
estimated eight million Americans suffer from chronic wounds. Wounds come from
a variety of different medical conditions, and they don't heal for many
different reasons.
Q: Will
I have to change my primary care doctor or specialist?
A: No.
In fact, the Wound Care Center prefers to work with your physician or medical
specialist during the treatments. We even
keep your doctor informed with frequent progress reports. While you’ll be receiving treatment for your
wound from the Wound Care Center, you’ll continue to receive all of your
routine care from your primary physician.
Q: Does insurance cover specialized wound care treatments?
Many health plans cover Wound Care Center
treatments.
A: Call us to determine what
your specific plan covers.
Q: What
can I expect at the first appointment?
A: The first appointment consists of an
assessment by our skilled wound care team, a review of your medical history,
blood tests, and recommendations for your treatment plan. Please be sure to bring to this appointment
your medical records, insurance information, a list of current medications, and
a list of your allergies. You should expect to spend several hours at the
Center.
Q: Is
hyperbaric medicine safe?
A: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and
evidence-based treatment proven to speed the healing process in certain types
of wounds. In fact, many patients find it relaxing! The clear chambers are
equipped with televisions and comfortable bedding, so patients are free watch
their favorite television shows or a movie,
or even sleep. A typical course
of treatment involves the patient spending about 90 minutes a day in the
chamber five days per week over a four-to-six-week period.
90 Good Drive, Suite 101
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: (717)299-3020
Fax: (717)299-4655