If you suffer from certain heart conditions or have had a previous heart attack, your doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medications that reduce the risk of blood clots. A blood clot can decrease or completely block blood flow in a vessel, leading to serious health problems.
Other conditions that may require anticoagulation medications include:
- Atrial fibrillation
- DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- Pulmonary embolism
Anticoagulants are medications such as warfarin (Coumadin®) that are used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. To be safe and effective,
anticoagulants require careful monitoring by your doctor or another clinician.
While on warfarin, your blood clotting time (INR) must be checked every four to six weeks, and more often when you begin taking the medication. Monitoring and appropriate dosing adjustments can reduce your risk for bleeding or the likelihood that you’ll develop blood clots.
Helping You Manage Treatment
The SSM Heart Institute Anticoagulation Management Service has specially trained pharmacists who assist patients in the management of anticoagulation therapy, including warfarin therapy.
This service provides patients:
- Blood testing by finger stick
- Immediate INR test results
- Dosage adjustment based on your physician’s INR goal
- Ongoing education
- Consultation with a specially trained pharmacist
- Monitored anticoagulation management, including evaluation for side effects and drug and food interactions
- Communication with your physician as needed
- Easy access and a simplified registration process
A visit to the Anticoagulation Management Service generally lasts about 15 minutes. All results are documented in SSM Health Care’s electronic health record that is available to your physician. A physician referral is required for participation in this service. Upon receiving referral authorization, patients are scheduled for an initial visit.
Locations
SSM DePaul Health Center
12303 DePaul Drive, Bridgeton
The Anticoagulation Management Service is located in the Radiation Oncology Department, accessible from the lobby of the East Medical Office Building. Patients
should park in Parking Lot 1.
Monday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314-344-6821.
SSM St. Clare Health Center
1015 Bowles Avenue, Fenton
The Anticoagulation Management Service is located in Specialty Services, accessible
from the outpatient Procedure Center on the main floor.
Monday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday: 1 - 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 636-496-3332.
SSM St. Joseph Health Center
300 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles
The Anticoagulation Management Service is located on the main level near the parking garage entrance.
Monday-Friday: 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 636-947-5013.
SSM St. Joseph Hospital West
100 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis
The Anticoagulation Management Service is located on the main level near the patient registration area.
Monday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 636-625-7724.
SSM St. Mary’s Health Center
6420 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights
The Anticoagulation Management Service is located on the first floor, near Senior Services.
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314-768-8365.