ER WAIT
iWythe Wound & Hyperbaric Medicine Center, managed by Healogics, Inc., 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.
It is estimated that 6.7 million people currently live with chronic wounds and that number is expected to grow at more than two percent for the next decade. The rising incidence is fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. Untreated chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. Chronic wounds represent a cost of more than $50 billion to the healthcare system. More than 29 million people (9.5% of the population) have diabetes in the United States (US) and almost two million of those people annually will develop a diabetic foot ulcer or other non-healing wounds. Advanced wound care aims to prevent amputations and heal patients in a faster and more cost-effective way.
At Wythe Wound & Hyperbaric Medicine Center, we follow treatment protocols specifically established for each type of wound. We utilize the latest approaches to wound healing and remain current in new scientific advances in wound care.
That's where our Wound Care Center® can help. With treatments available including debridement, dressing selection, special shoes, and patient education, people with non-healing and chronic wounds now have a place to turn. The Center uses an interdisciplinary model of care, including infectious-disease management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, laboratory evaluation, nutritional management, pain management, diabetes education, and other areas to address total patient health.
The Wound Care Center is the only center in our primary service area of Wythe and Bland counties. The staff includes the program director, nurse manager, technician, and nurse practitioner.
Through a partnership with Healogics, Wythe County Community Hospital is able to offer a comprehensive center offering specialized wound care. Healogics is the world's largest wound care management company with nearly 800 hospital partners delivering excellent evidence-based care to patients with chronic wounds. Healogics has been the leader in wound care for nearly 20 years, offering the most advanced modalities such as adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Of special importance to our hospital, Healogics Centers traditionally achieve excellent clinical outcomes, including high limb salvage rates, a 91% healing rate within 30 median days-to-heal, and extremely high patient satisfaction.
Wythe Wound & Hyperbaric Medicine Center is the recipient of the Center of Distinction awarded by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent.
Wythe Wound & Hyperbaric Medicine Center is designed to complement your physicians' services and is committed to the treatment of chronic or non-healing wounds. The Center is made up of a team of professionals, including:
Patients are mostly referred by their primary care physician, and the program operates by appointment. Upon referral to a Healogics Wound Care Center, patients undergo a thorough diagnostic examination to identify the type of wound you have and the underlying problems causing the wound. The initial appointment consists of a full assessment to determine the etiology of the wound, the appropriate classification and size of the wound, the overall health status of the patient and the patient's ability to comply with needed therapies.
Based on the evaluation, a customized treatment plan is developed to optimize the therapies best suited to address the patient's needs. Wound size and depth are documented at the initial visit, and again at each subsequent visit. Some of the diagnostic modalities which may be used include:
After this determination, a program specifically tailored to your needs will be initiated based on the most effective treatment options. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to provide the maximum healing possible.
Specialized wound care is usually administered on an outpatient basis. Patients are free to drive themselves to the Center for therapy, and you should plan two-and-a-half to three hours for each visit.
Learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments (HBOC)
Once a treatment plan has been initiated, you will visit the Center on a regular basis for specialized treatments and documentation of the progress of your healing. You will also be fully instructed on how to do your own wound care at home between visits, as well as how to protect your wound from further injury. It is very important to remember that you are the most important part of your healing process. Keeping appointments and following directions are critical to attaining a positive healing outcome. The Center employs the most technologically advanced wound care therapy, including debridement, topical wound therapy, growth-factor therapy, tissue therapy, dressing selection, special shoes, and patient education. When wounds persist, a specialized and comprehensive approach is required for healing.
After an initial consultation and examination at the center, you will receive complete instructions regarding your treatment.
Note: 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.
If you have a cold or cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, inform the staff at the Center before your treatments begin. Also, alert the staff to any medications you are taking, or changes in medication during the course of your treatment. If you are diabetic, please eat properly and continue to take your prescribed medication to control your blood sugar level. (Note: your blood sugar level will also be checked during each visit to the Center.)
We look forward to serving you. Please contact a member of our staff with any other questions you may have regarding your therapy.
590 West Ridge Road, Suite M
276-625-8870
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Healogics worked with PBS to do a 10-minute segment on the Innovations in Medicine on PBS special. Viewed by an audience of over 100 million, Innovations in Medicine is a television health series that explores the latest in research and treatments.
In Healogics’ segment on wound healing, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ennis spoke about the growing population of people living with chronic wounds and why advanced wound care is so important. This segment also touched on Healogics’ Wound Science Initiative and how we are working to raise the level of knowledge on wound care.
To view the segment CLICK HERE