What to Know Before Your First Appointment
When you fill out the form, or call the Amputation Prevention Center, you should be as thorough as possible. You will be asked many of the same questions during your first visit. In order not to forget anything important, you should:
- Write down the names and phone numbers of all doctors you currently see or who have treated your non-healing wound
- Write down all of the medications you are currently taking, and especially those you have taken to help heal your wound
- List the treatments that you or your doctors have tried to help heal the wound
- Let the staff know if you have a home health nurse, and give the name of the home health agency
- Write down all health information such as other health problems you might have, or surgeries you have had
- Bring your current insurance card and photo identification
What Can Our Amputation Prevention Center Patients Expect
An Amputation Prevention Center is led by a specialized team with advanced training in procedures to save patients from major amputations. During your first visit, our specialists will perform a full physical exam but concentrate specifically on your wound problem. They will also assess your condition by reviewing your medical history. You may also need special tests or x-rays that give us information about circulation and infection. This will help to determine what course of treatment you will need.
Once a treatment plan has been prescribed, you will be scheduled for weekly appointments at the Amputation Prevention Center. Keeping appointments and following directions are critical to healing. Some things you can do to assist with your healing:
- Follow all instructions as directed by the Amputation Prevention Center team
- Take medications as directed
- Return for your follow-up appointments
- Keep appointments with your regular doctor while you are receiving treatment at the Amputation Prevention Center
- Maintain a healthy blood sugar level by following a healthy diet. If you need advice, ask your Amputation Prevention Center team, or your regular doctor, to refer you to a dietician or nutritionist
- Report any changes in your condition immediately
Contact us today to learn more about Amputation Prevention Centers of America.
