New Wound Care Center^® Patients (What to Expect)

Wounds that don’t respond to normal medical care can be caused by a variety of conditions: poor circulation, pressure ulcers, diabetes, burns and more. Because every wound is unique, each patient must start with a diagnostic exam to identify the type of wound and underlying causes. Here’s what to expect as a new patient:

All Patients Welcome

While most patients are referred by a primary care or other physician, referrals are not required. You can contact the center at any time (912.277.2077 in Vidalia or 478.410.3500 for Downtown Dublin) to schedule an initial appointment. Patients are free to drive themselves to therapy appointments and should budget up to two hours for the initial visit. Subsequent visits typically take about 30 minutes each.

What Happens at the First Appointment

The initial appointment consists of a comprehensive exam to determine the cause of the wound, assess overall health and customize a treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and lifestyle. Diagnostic methods vary from patient to patient depending on the type of wound, and may include laboratory evaluations, ultrasound, radiology (including MRIs), oxygen testing, vascular studies or other methods.

What Happens at Follow Up Visits

Once you’ve started a treatment plan, you’ll visit the center on a regular basis for specialized treatments and monitoring of your progress. Remember: Keeping appointments and following directions are critical to attaining a positive healing outcome.  Our staff is here to help at every visit by discussing your plan, answering questions and ensuring you fully understand what steps you can take to help promote healing and protect yourself from further injury.

How You Can Help

You play a vital role in your own recovery. You can help the healing process by following some basic guidelines:

• Avoid tobacco: You should refrain from smoking or the use of any tobacco products during the entire course of therapy. Tobacco use will prolong or even prevent healing of a wound site due to its effect on the blood vessels in your body.
• Let us know if you’re sick: If you have a cold, cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, inform the staff at the center before your treatments begin.
• Keep your medical record up to date: It’s important that you inform staff of any medications you’re taking, as well as any changes in medication during the course of your treatment. If you are diabetic, be sure to eat properly and continue with prescribed drugs to control your blood sugar level.