Anyone on a Coumadin Maintenance Program?
 

Looking for a knowledgeable practitioner to manage my Coumadin/warfarin as my PCM isn't "comfortable" with doing so. Recommendations?

Switch to another drug. Several alternatives now available that do not require diet monitoring or frequent blood tests. Less bruising and less risk of severe bleeding.

Coumadin alternatives
 

Yes, there are a few new alternatives to Coumadin that you may consider.
If you don't want to switch there may be a "Coumadin Clinic" where you just go in for the test and any quick adjustment to your dose. Usually Cardiac Dr's. offices do this. Good luck with your search.

some ideas
 

I am up north and work as a nurse at a large Cardiology office. Here is what I know...

For Coumadin....your Cardiologists office will often dose you and tell you where you can get drawn. Check around; some places are mega expensive just to have the blood draw.

Many family doctors will manage dosing you also and tell you where you can have your blood draws.

Also many hospitals up north have an ATU clinic inside.

Yes there are alternative meds that do not require blood draws and they may be a good choice for you. However, most new meds are so new that they are very expensive. It would be worth it to check it out if you are interested in that approach or at least talk to your doctor about it..

I do weekly blood checks at home and report results via internet. If values are out of range Dr. Georg Coutouriere's office in Spanish Springs is notified and the office advises me re dosing.

Citrus cardiology has an excellent coumadin clinic with the new equipment that gives the results during your visit.
It is by appointment and they are on time 98% of the time.
352-751-3356 (in Sumter Landing on Old Camp Road....across from Too Jays ).

If you are considering one of the alternatives that do not require monitoring BE SURE TO NOTE THE DIFFERENCES in the medication.........they MAY NOT accomplish what your physician intended with the coumadin/warfarin regimine.

btk

Be careful with other drugs as suggested by Challenger. I, too, am on Coumadin and an RN. Coumadin can be reversed if you have an internal bleed but many if not all of the new drugs cannot at the present time. A real problem! I learned this from a pharmacist. I also use Heart of the Villages at Spanish Springs and extremely pleased! Very reasonable charge for testing; lab work only where my previous cardiologist charged for an office visit and lab work!