Pharmacy-run clinics move within DGMC

  • Published
  • By Capt. Lucas Gasco
  • 60th Diagnostic and Therapeutics Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  In an effort to improve the continuity of care provided to patients, David Grant USAF Medical Center has relocated the coumadin and metabolic clinics to the Heart, Lung and Vascular Center on the third floor. The center is just one floor above the medical center south entrance.

Although these clinics have moved, the pharmacy still operates them, and highly trained clinical pharmacists are still available to see patients for anticoagulation and metabolic disorders.

"As clinical pharmacists, our staff is especially focused on drug therapy," stated Dr. Tony Eid, , a contracted pharmacotherapist assigned to the 60th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron at DGMC. "Our team can initiate and adjust therapy to suit our patient's lifestyles, is cognizant of side effects and drug interactions, and has developed solutions to side effects that everyone fears."

According to Dr. Eid, the clinic ensures that each patient receives a follow-up appt..

"Every patient is always seen and a clinical pharmacist is always available to help with their medications," he said. "It is critical for patients on blood thinning medications, particularly Warfarin (Coumadin) to have blood levels checked regularly."

To make the process as quick and convenient as possible, DGMC's pharmacy department operates the anticoagulation clinic. This clinic is run by clinical pharmacists who have expertise in managing blood-thinning medications. Unlike traditional labs that can take a day or more to provide blood test results, the anticoagulation clinic can complete tests and adjust medication, if necessary, in one quick visit.

Patients must make an appointment and have a referral form from the provider managing their blood-thinning medications. The first visit, takes about 30 minutes, the clinical pharmacist will provide one-on-one education about blood thinning drugs and a packet of educational materials.

At each visit, patients will have a finger stick to obtain blood for the test, which is run on the spot. The pharmacist will discusses the results with the patient, and, if needed, adjusts the medication at that time. The patient's doctor is also notified of any adjustments that were made.

According to Amy Seaver, 60th MDTS civilian phlebotomist, it is essential for patients to receive treatment for high blood pressure and high cholesterol and fat levels to reduce cardiac probelms. "In order for a patient to get their blood pressure and lipid levels to goal, DGMC's metabolic clinic offers detailed visits focused on lifestyle and medication changes," said Ms. Seaver. "The clinic is run by a group of talented and experienced pharmacists who are trained and supervised by DGMC's cardiology department.

If a family health provider feels a patient's blood pressure or lipids need additional attention, the Metabolic clinic is a great option to consider.

"Patients must have a doctors referral form and an appointment is required," said Ms. Seaver. "During the first visit, which takes about one hour, the pharmacist provides one-on-one education about monitoring blood pressure and adhering to medication and lifestyle therapy."

Patients with high-blood pressure will begin monitoring blood-pressure at home; records should be brought to each visit. Follow up visits take about 20 minutes.

Prior to each visit, patients will have their labs drawn to assess the safety and effectiveness of their medication. Blood pressure is checked in clinic and home blood pressure recordings are reviewed. Next, the pharmacist discusses the results with the patient, and, if needed, initiates and or adjusts the medication at that time. The patient's doctor is also notified of any adjustments that were made.

Metabolic Clinic hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon while coumadin clinic hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call the Coumadin and Metabolic Clinics at 423-7384.