Dr. Steve Pu and Twin Rivers Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center Patient Information
Your First Visit
When you come in, our staff will evaluate your wound and general health. They'll review your medical, wound and medication history. You may also need special tests that give us information about blood flow and oxygen flow in the wound area.
Office Visits
Our staff will set up regular appointments for your visits to the Wound Care Center and give you all of the information you need to take care of your wound at home between visits. Keeping your appointments and following wound care instructions are essential to healing your wound, so let us know whenever you have questions about your treatment plan.
Your Healing Program
When your test results are in, we'll put together a treatment program based on your special needs. This program will include regular visits to the Twin Rivers Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center to provide treatment, evaluate progress and make any changes that might be needed. You (or your caregiver) will be given detailed instructions in home care, nutrition, dressing (bandage) changes and protecting the wound from further injury.
You're a Vital Part of the Program
Much of the success of your treatment depends on you. You must keep your appointments, follow directions carefully and watch your progress closely between visits. At any time you or your family members have questions, our staff is available. In fact, we encourage you to ask questions.
How We Work With Your Doctor
Twin Rivers Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center works with your personal doctor, just like any other medical specialist. We'll discuss your treatment program with your doctor and keep him or her updated on your progress, unless instructed otherwise. Remember, you'll need to keep seeing your doctor for routine medical care.
The Team Approach Treatment of Non-healing Wounds
A variety of treatment options are available depending on type and severity of a wound. Treatment may include the following:
- Infectious disease management
- Vascular evaluation
- Laboratory evaluation
- Nutritional management
- Pain management
- Diabetic education
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiology
- Debridement
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Chambers that are a part of our Wound Care healing tools. These non- invasive clear acrylic chambers provide 100% oxygen to promote the optimum healing opportunity. While breathing pure oxygen, the patient's blood plasma becomes saturated, carrying 20 to 30 times the normal amount of oxygen to the body's tissue. The ultimate result is the body's natural wound healing mechanisms (which are oxygen dependent) are able to function more efficiently. Continued use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment increases the body's immune and healing response. Our Hyperbaric Technician will educate you with the knowledge to complete this treatment with the best results.
Conditions That May Benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
- Diabetic wounds of the lower extremity
- Wounds that have not healed in several weeks
- Post-radiation tissue injury
- Crush injuries
- Wounds caused by poor circulation or trauma
- Compromised grafts and flaps
- Gangrene
- Pressure ulcers
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
- Compromised skin grafts and flaps
- Osteomyelitis
- Actinomycosis
EDUCATION
Preventing Ulcers
Ulcers are wounds that develop on the skin, which are seen most frequently in diabetics or others who have low potential to heal from injury. For anyone who has developed an ulcer, medical attention should be sought immediately so that a course of care and treatment may be initiated.
Ulcer Prevention Tips
The following measures may help avoid ulcers in those who may be susceptible:
- Check the skin daily for dryness, cracks, sores, bruises, reddened areas and blisters.
- Relieve pressure on sensitive areas of the body by changing position or clothing.
- Treat skin gently.
- Cleanse skin with a mild, pH-balanced product.
- Remove all cleanser residues from the skin.
- Dry all skin folds and creases.
- Pay special attention to the area between, under and around toes.
- Moisturize skin. Lubricate dry skin with a heavier barrier type product after moisturizing.
- Do not apply lotions or creams between the toes, only to the tops and bottoms of feet.
- Wear soft clothing.
- Drink adequate amounts of water.
- If using tape to secure a dressing, place tape on the dressing only.
- Maintain proper nutrition.
Insurance Coverage
Most often Medicare and Medicaid reimburse for approved procedures.
Many health plans cover the Wound Care Center treatment. Your coverage depends on your specific plan. Be sure to bring your insurance cards with you when you visit the center.
Twin Rivers Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center is owned and operated by Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in cooperation with Diversified Clinical Services. When receiving services from Twin Rivers Wound Care you will receive two bills; a bill from Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center and one from the Physician for his/her services.