How It Works: Assessment
Patient Assessment:
Patient Assessment Overview
The component of the HMD "Pay-for-Performance" Wound Program is proper assessment of the wound and its underlying conditions. Heartland Medical Distribution follows the American Diabetes Association Guideline with Chronic Wounds.
In Patients over 55 yrs of age it is preferable to do an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) test as a base line for treating these wounds. It has been found that as many as 34% of pressure wounds are improperly classified because of vascular causes related to the wound site.
The Omron 1000 ABI system is very easy to use and is more accurate than the traditional method of doing this test.
The test is done in the Clinic with the patient lying down. 4 dual action cuffs are used for taking simultaneous readings at each wrist and ankle with a Pulse Volume Recording. The system compares the left and right side of the body for vascular imbalance as well as the hardness of the artery for condition and blood flow. With the use of the Omron 1000 ABI system this tests is usually completed in 10 minutes. These Assessment Protocols are adjunctive to your normal protocols and are not designed to replace what you are presently doing with your patients.
In- Office Assessment:
After cleaning the wound and completing your normal assessment protocols, the wound should be measured for Length X Width X and Depth using the tools provided by HMD and recorded on the Wound Treatment Recording Slip. A digital photo should be taken with the Recording Slip visible in the photo of the wound. It is always helpful to record observation notes as to the look, condition, health of the wound at each session when you record the wound measurements in the patient's record and the HMD Web Based Wound Documentation System. In-Home Patient Assessment: The patient should follow your normal protocols for dressing changes. In addition, the patient should check the wound for any sign of infection and if noted, notify his doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible. In most cases the HMD Wound Support Solution will keep the wound in good condition between clinic visits.
In-Home Patient Assessment
The patient should follow your normal protocols for dressing changes. In addition, the patient should check the wound for any sign of infection and if noted, notify his doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible. In most cases the HMD Wound Support Solution will keep the wound in good condition between clinic visits.