Anticoagulation (Coumadin®) Clinics Merge

Asheville Cardiology Associates’ (ACA) Coumadin® Clinic is merging with the Mission Hospital Anticoagulation Clinic in a transition expected to be completed by January 1, 2012. Effectively immediately, patients discharged from Mission Hospital who need anticoagulation management are referred to the Mission Hospital Anticoagulation Clinic at 501 Biltmore Ave. For more information, please call ACA at 828-274-6000 or the Mission Hospital Anticoagulation Clinic at 828-213-5353.

Following are just a few of the ways this change will benefit patients:

Patients can have their Coumadin (warfarin sodium) levels checked by fingerstick testing (no more blood draws).
The Mission Hospital Anticoagulation Clinic will provide patients and their cardiologists with access to a clinical pharmacist specializing in anticoagulation care.
Patients will have access to a broader range of blood thinner services.
There will be shorter testing turn-around time.
The clinic staff will maintain communications with the patient’s cardiologist through ACA’s electronic medical record system so that the physician will have real-time visibility into a patient’s progress.
Patients will experience a more spacious waiting room and clinic when they arrive for their treatment.

Guidance for Patients

Here’s what you can expect when you go to the Mission Hospital Anticoagulation Clinic:

You’ll check in at the registration desk. On your first visit, this process will take a little time. After your first visit, it will be much faster. Please bring your insurance information with you.
While you wait to be called back to the clinic, you’ll be asked to complete a short questionnaire about changes in your medicines or diet.
A pharmacy technician will escort you to the location where you will receive your fingerstick.
You will meet with a nurse or pharmacist to discuss your results at every visit.
If needed, your medication will be changed at the visit, and your next visit will be scheduled.
Your insurance will be billed for your visit. Co-pays will vary according to the type of insurance. Please be aware that some co-pays may be higher than what you may have traditionally paid during visits to the ACA Coumadin Clinic. This is because of billing differences between hospital-based services and doctors’ office services.

If you would prefer not to go to the Mission Hospital Anticoagulation Clinic, please let us know, and ACA will be glad to assist in the transfer of your anticoagulation records to your primary care physician. If you have a routine scheduled appointment at ACA and are due to have your warfarin levels checked, you can request that we perform the test at your visit and forward your results to the clinic.

For assistance, call ACA at 828-274-6000 or the Mission Hospital Anticoagulation Clinic at 828-213-5353..