For convenient access to prescription medications and over-the-counter products, Swedish Hospital offers two pharmacies on our hospital campus. The pharmacy accepts most insurance plans and prescription cards.
We know juggling several medications can be confusing, so we created a Medication Therapy Management Clinic to help you keep track of when and how to take each medication and ensure you are using your medical devices properly.
Led by a team of experienced medical professionals, the hospitals Anti-CoagulationClinic is a collaborative effort between pharmacists, physicians, nurses and other members of a patients care team. Opened in 2013, the clinic allows pharmacists to monitor and track patients progress on Coumadin (warfarin), a blood thinning medication, or anticoagulant, used to stop the formation of blood clots.
Coumadin is primarily used to prevent a condition called thrombosisthe formation of blood clots within a patients blood vessels. It is a vital medication for some, since blood clots can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may prescribe Coumadin if you have had a heart valve replacement, a recent heart attack or a heart rhythm condition called atrial fibrillation, since these conditions raise your risk of developing blood clots.
Coumadin helps reduce your risk of developing blood clots by removing certain proteins to thin out the blood, allowing it to flow smoothly through your body. As important as they are, blood thinning drugs are considered high-risk because they can lead to severe side effects. If the blood becomes too thin, your risk for excessive bleeding goes up. It is advised that people taking Coumadin do not engage in contact sports or other activities that may lead to bleeding.
The Anti-Coagulation Clinic provides a streamlined, convenient way for patients to have their medication use managed by a collaborative team of experts. It is located in the Foster Medical Pavilion pharmacy.
Once you arrive, a pharmacist will check the thinness of your blood using a quick finger stick testresults generally come back in less than a minute. The pharmacist will also schedule regular visits for the duration of your time on Coumadin.
We are pleased to partner with NorthShore University HealthSystem(NorthShore). We share a common mission and vision with NorthShore based on a mutual commitment to the neighborhood and serving the community. We have a shared belief that the best healthcare is local, rooted in the community and defined by positive relationships, exceptional experiences and quality care delivery.
As we fully integrate our operations, you can expect the same excellent care you currently receive with the benefit of expanded access to leading edge specialists. Patients can also expect more services available locally, more seamless care coordination and improvements to our electronic medical record system.
Headquartered in Evanston, NorthShore is a 127-year-old integrated health system including five hospitals in Chicago, Evanston, Glenview, Skokie and Highland Park. It consistently ranks as a Top 15 Major Teaching Hospital in the United States, with an established reputation for exceptional patient care and is a national pioneer in the implementation of advanced health information technology.
Swedish Hospital has been serving Chicagos diverse north and northwest sides for 133 years, providing the full range of comprehensive health and wellness services including an acute care hospital, primary care and specialists in the medical group, strong community outreach programs and Chicagos only certified medical fitness center, Galter LifeCenter.