Anticoagulation Clinic

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are medications that decrease the body’s ability to form blood clots. Blood thinners help prevent serious conditions caused by blood clots, including heart attack and stroke, but they also increase the risk of heavy bleeding. Anticoagulant therapy with medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) requires close monitoring to make sure the medication is working safely and effectively.

At Baystate Health, we have three conveniently located anticoagulation clinics at Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Wing Hospital, and Baystate Noble Hospital. Our specially trained pharmacists and registered nurses partner with you, your cardiologist, and your primary care doctor to prevent complications and protect your health.

Why Choose Baystate Health for Anticoagulation Care

When you come to us for care, you have an expert team closely following your anticoagulation therapy. At our clinics, we provide:

• Expert medication management: As part of western Massachusetts’ most advanced heart and vascular program, our pharmacists are well-equipped to manage your blood thinners and protect your long-term heart health.
• Reduced side effects and enhanced safety: We follow the latest national warfarin and DOAC medication protocols to minimize your risk of complications and maximize the benefits of your medication.
• Personalized treatment: We offer longer and more frequent appointments than you can find with a primary care doctor. Our team takes the time to understand your unique health needs and provide tailored treatment.
• One-on-one education: We make sure you understand how to take your medication and any dosage changes. You’ll receive face-to-face instruction as well as guides on any needed lifestyle changes.
• Convenient appointments: We support you with frequent check-ups, lab tests, and communication. We’re available for questions and follow-up care by phone or visit — whichever you prefer.

Conditions Treated at Our Anticoagulation Clinics

We help manage blood thinner medications so you can get the most benefit with the least amount of risk. Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners after a serious heart problem or to prevent a heart condition, including:

• Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism (PE)

Anticoagulant Medications Offered at Our Anticoagulation Clinics

We offer two types of anticoagulants:

• Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner that works by blocking vitamin K, which the body needs to make certain clotting proteins. Warfarin use requires regular INR (international normalized ratio) blood tests to make sure the dose is safe and working well.
• DOACs (dabigatran, apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban) are newer blood thinners used to prevent stroke in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and treat blood clots in the legs or lungs. DOACs are easier to take than warfarin because they have fixed doses, don’t typically require routine lab tests, and have fewer drug and food interactions.

Treatments and Services Offered at Our Anticoagulation Clinics

Our anticoagulation clinics take care of all your medication management needs. We offer:

• INR tests: This finger stick blood test measures how long it takes your blood to clot. Your results tell us how well the anticoagulant is working.
• Lab monitoring: An advanced practitioner or registered nurse will review your INR test results to make sure you are in a safe, therapeutic range.
• Dose adjustments: Based on your lab tests, we adjust your dosage and provide any instructions on taking the new dose.
• Medication alternatives: If your current anticoagulant isn’t working, isn’t affordable, or you can’t take it due to an upcoming surgery, we work with you to find other options.
• Education and support: We provide ongoing education about your medication and lifestyle changes, including guidance on an anticoagulant-friendly diet and safe exercise.

What to Expect at Our Anticoagulation Clinics

Our anticoagulation clinics provide comprehensive, safe, and effective anticoagulation therapy. We make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your care and monitor your treatment regularly to make sure it is working well.

First Visit

During your first appointment, you’ll complete an intake assessment and medication review. This helps your pharmacist understand your overall health and identify any possible interactions with other medications you take.

Your pharmacist will order any needed tests, such as:

• Creatinine clearance, a blood and urine test that measures waste filtration and kidney function
• Hematocrit, a blood test that measures your red blood cells
• Hemoglobin test, a blood test that measures protein in your red blood cells
• Kidney function test
• Liver function test
• Serum creatinine test, a blood test that measures waste in the blood

Your pharmacist will confirm which anticoagulant is right for you and what dose you should take. They will also provide education on the medication, how to take it, and when to seek medical help.

Follow-up Visits and Monitoring

You have scheduled follow-up care based on your medication and health needs. If you are being treated for a blood clot, your first follow-up visit will usually be five to 21 days after starting treatment. If you have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, your follow-up will happen within one week.

At these appointments, you will do an INR blood test. Your pharmacist will review the results and make any necessary medication adjustments. We also provide regular monitoring of kidney function, liver enzymes, and blood counts.

We understand that frequent visits and dose changes can feel overwhelming. We are here to help you keep track of your care with follow-up reminders and check-in calls if you miss a lab test or appointment. Our team is committed to understanding your needs and keeping you healthy.