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|  | Anticoagulation Clinic
The Anticoagulation Clinic is a service which was established by North Valley Hospital with the purpose of assisting patients taking warfarin. Warfarin is a medication that helps prevent blood clots and requires extensive medical management and monitoring. The clinic is located within the hospital pharmacy and is staffed by clinical pharmacists. The pharmacists, working in conjunction with your physician, will check your blood test and adjust your dose of warfarin (Jantoven®/Coumadin®) accordingly. The pharmacists also complete medication reviews and provide education to patients regarding warfarin interactions with other medications and specific food items.
Our mission is to thoroughly educate patients; keep physicians well-informed about the patient’s care; and provide efficient, high-quality care utilizing knowledgeable, well trained providers and an accurate testing method. North Valley Hospital’s Anticoagulation Clinic was created to assist the physician in optimizing the safety and efficiency of antithrombotic therapy.
Warfarin can be a dangerous medicine if not closely monitored. While on warfarin, your blood clotting time (INR) must be checked every four to six weeks, and more often when first beginning the therapy. The pharmacy staff obtain immediate INR results and will make any adjustments to your dosing regimen based on these results and/or if recent changes have been made to your normal medications.
After your physician completes and sends the referral form, you will be contacted by the Anticoagulation Clinic to discuss your therapy and arrange your first appointment. During your first visit, the pharmacist will ask some questions about your health and medications; determine if your warfarin dose should be adjusted; and schedule your next appointment. You also will be given additional education regarding warfarin. During your appointments, the pharmacist will check your INR by using a finger stick blood tests. Your lab results are available immediately and are faxed to your physician upon completion of your appointment. |  |
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| North Valley Hospital Pharmacy |
| 406-863-3510 |
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