Wound & Edema Center receives Center of Excellence award

The Fort HealthCare Wound & Edema Center in Johnson Creek was recently awarded the Robert Warriner III, MD Center of Excellence Award by Healogics, the largest national wound healing company. The award is based on high patient satisfaction, exceptional healing rates and outstanding clinical outcomes for 24 consecutive months. Healogics partners with more than 500 hospitals across 44 states who utilize advanced wound healing techniques to treat patients with chronic wounds.

The Wound & Edema Center has been recognized since its inception for outstanding patient care, having received Center of Distinction status in 2009- the clinic’s first full year of operation- and in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Wound & Edema Center has achieved success in treating and curing chronic or non-healing wounds using hyperbaric and other proven medical techniques for hundreds of patients since opening in September 2008.

According to Bridget Thomas, Wound & Edema Center manager, “This award is a testament to the incredible work that happens at the Wound & Edema Center. As the only clinic in the area providing care for chronic wounds and lymphedema, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we are able to provide a service to our community that supplements the excellent care received in the primary care setting. Every day we are working toward Fort HealthCare’s mission to become the healthiest community in Wisconsin.”

Benchmarks to achieve Center of Excellence status include attaining greater than 92 percent patient satisfaction(Fort HealthCare’s was 93 percent); total days to heal under 30 days (Fort HealthCare’s was 21 days) and, healing outcomes over 91 percent (Fort HealthCare achieved healing outcomes of 97 percent). Furthermore, the rate for healing chronic wounds (wounds that will not heal within 30 days) must be less than 19% (Fort HealthCare attained a rate of 16%).
Associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins, and immobility, non-healing wounds occur most frequently in the elderly and in people with diabetes and other diseases; populations that are sharply rising as the nation ages and chronic diseases increase. Many Americans are suffering from chronic and non-healing wounds, a serious disorder that can lead to amputation of limbs and dramatically impair quality of life.

When wounds resist conventional treatment, a specialized approach is required for healing. The Wound & Edema Center generally begins treating these wound patients immediately, working with referring physicians to determine the most effective course of treatment. The comprehensive outpatient service offers advanced healing therapies unavailable in most primary care offices. Center services offer an interdisciplinary approach to treatment utilizing a variety of therapies and techniques, including debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, dressing selection, special shoes and patient education.

For individuals with chronic, non-healing wounds, more information is available online at FortHealthCare.com/Wound. Patients can self-refer to the Wound & Edema Center, but are encouraged to discuss this option with their physician. To learn more, please call the clinic at (920) 699-4245.