For Referring Physicians

Wellness

We are committed to comprehensive wound care, with continual assessment of treatment response and frequent communication with referring physicians. New patients are seen within one week for evaluation and initiation of an individualized care plan.

To refer a patient for evaluation or to consult with a wound care specialist, call 484.227.HEAL (4325).

Wound healing

Who to refer

Refer adult patients (> 18 years) with:

  • Venous stasis ulcers
  • Diabetic neuropathic ulcers
  • Infected wounds
  • Ischemic wounds
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Arterial ulcers
  • Traumatic or burn wounds
  • Compromised skin grafts or flaps
  • Post-surgical wounds
  • Wounds of unknown etiology
  • Wounds associated with acute or chronic lymphedema

When to refer

We will evaluate any adult patient with a wound. Criteria to consider:

  • Wound is not improving with routine treatment measures or in the expected time frame
  • Underlying disease processes are impairing wound healing

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

Who to refer

Refer adult patients (> 18 years) with wounds or tissue damage potentially treatable with HBOT. The following has approved the use of HBOT as adjunctive treatment for:

  • Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities
  • Radiation-induced soft tissue necrosis (skin ulcers, proctitis, colitis, cystitis, enteritis)
  • Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
  • Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible or maxilla
  • Compromised skin grafts and flaps

All patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most appropriate plan of care, which may or may not include HBOT.

If HBOT is a consideration, further studies or clinical care steps (eg, blood glucose control) may be necessary before treatment can begin. As a comprehensive wound care center, our goal is to ensure that each patient receives the right treatment at the right time.

Beneficial effects

HBOT has been shown to enhance the rate and effectiveness of healing of a variety of wounds and injuries. Therapeutic mechanisms of HBOT include:

  • Hyperoxygenation (restoration of a favorable environment for wound healing)
  • Angiogenesis (neovascularization)
  • Decreased edema
  • Improved fibroblast and collagen synthesis
  • Increased intracellular leukocyte killing (antibacterial effects)
  • Improved penetration or function of antibiotics