The Advanced Wound Care Center at UPMC Somerset, managed by Healogics, provides specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds, which are defined as sores or wounds that have not significantly improved from conventional treatments. Associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins, and immobility, non-healing wounds lead to lower quality of life and may lead to amputations. When wounds persist, a specialized approach is required for healing. Typically, a wound that does not respond to normal medical care within 30 days is considered a problem or chronic wound.
That’s where the Advanced Wound Care Center at UPMC Somerset can help. With the state-of-the-art treatments available including debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, dressing selection, special shoes, and patient education, people with non-healing and chronic wounds now have a place to turn
How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
HBOT is used as an adjunctive treatment for problematic, non-healing wounds that meet specific criteria; it is expected that 10 to 20% of the wound care cases will do so. Throughout HBOT treatments, the patients are monitored to see if the concentration of oxygen has increased in the blood near the wound. If the oxygen level is higher, the therapy is most likely beneficial to the patient.
During the treatments, the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, quickly increasing the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream, where it is delivered to a patient’s wound site for faster healing. Essentially, HBOT therapy helps heal the wound from the inside out. This therapy can help reduce swelling, fight infection, and build new blood vessels, ultimately producing healthy tissue. It is also effective in fighting certain types of infections, improving circulation, in stimulating growth of new blood vessels, and in treating crush injuries, osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts and flaps, brown recluse spider bites, and diabetic wounds of the lower extremities.
Are you a candidate for specialized wound care?
If you suffer from a chronic or non-healing wound, speak ask your physician about a referral to the Advanced Wound Care Center, or contact us directly for an assessment. If you are a candidate for this outpatient program, the Advanced Wound Care Center will immediately work with you and your doctor to deliver the following:
- Advanced therapies
- Proven clinical protocols
- An individualized, comprehensive plan of care that brings you the most appropriate and effective treatments for your specific needs
- Assessment and ongoing care by our highly skilled team of wound care specialists, including a case manager who will oversee every aspect of your treatment
- Education for you and your family to help healing happen at home, including materials and resources related to prevention, nutrition, hygiene, and more
- Ongoing communication and collaboration with you and your doctor so that you each remain informed about your progress
Wound Care Center Partnership with Healogics
Through a partnership with Healogics, UPMC Somerset is able to offer a new and comprehensive center offering specialized wound care. Healogics is the world’s largest wound care management company with over 300 hospital partners delivering excellent evidence-based care to patients with chronic wounds. Healogics has been the leader in wound care for over 20 years, offering the most advanced modalities. Of special importance to our hospital, Healogics Centers traditionally achieve excellent clinical outcomes, including high limb salvage rates, an 88% healing rate within 31 median days-to-heal, and extremely high patient satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a consultation from the Advanced Wound Care Center?
You may call the Advanced Wound Care Center directly or be referred by your doctor. To make an appointment directly, call: 814-443-8225.
What Causes Non-Healing Wounds?
Chronic and non-healing wounds can result from a number of factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease, and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as “bed sores”). An estimated eight million Americans suffer from chronic wounds. Wounds come from a variety of different medical conditions, and they don’t heal for many different reasons.
Will I have to change my primary care doctor or specialist?
No. In fact, the Advanced Wound Care Center prefers to work with your physician or medical specialist during the treatments. We even keep your doctor informed with frequent progress reports. While you’ll be receiving treatment for your wound from the Advanced Wound Care Center, you’ll continue to receive all of your routine care from your primary physician.
Does insurance cover specialized wound care treatments?
Many health plans cover Advanced Wound Care Center treatments. Call us to determine what your specific plan covers.
What can I expect at the first appointment?
The first appointment consists of an assessment by our skilled wound care team, a review of your medical history, blood tests, and recommendations for your treatment plan. Please be sure to bring to this appointment your medical records, insurance information, a list of current medications, and a list of your allergies. You should expect to spend several hours at the Center.
The Advanced Wound Care Center at Somerset Hospital
225 South Center Avenue
Somerset, PA 15501
814-443-8225
About Healogics
Healogics located in Jacksonville, Florida, is the world’s largest wound care management company with over 300 hospital partners delivering excellent evidence-based care to patients with chronic wounds. Healogics has been the leader in wound care for over 20 years, offering the most advanced modalities–including adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Providing outstanding wound care is Healogics’ entire focus. Our leaders are internationally recognized experts in wound care, who research, teach, and guide quality-improvement initiatives such as Healogics’ Clinical Practice Guidelines. Based on our experience of treating more than two million wounds, Healogics Centers traditionally achieve excellent clinical outcomes, including high limb salvage rates, an 88% healing rate within 31 median days-to-heal, and extremely high patient satisfaction.