Wound Care

Helping the body restore its natural healing process

 

Matthew S. CoonsMatthew Coons, M.D.,
Plastic Surgeon
For most of us, the healing of a wound is a natural process that never requires a second thought. But imagine you have a wound that won’t heal, even after a month. It can be frightening – and often debilitating. Non-healing wounds are often a fact of life for diabetics, patients undergoing radiation therapy and people with certain skin diseases. Treating chronic, non-healing wounds is the specialty of the Wound Care Center at Mountainside Medical Center. Our wound care experts will first study the wound and assess the barriers to healing. Then, working with your personal physician, we will implement an individualized treatment plan. In many cases we can treat a non-healing wound without surgery and on an outpatient basis. We even offer the flexibility of designing a home care plan with the assistance of family and community health resources such as a visiting nurse.

 

A Multidisciplinary Network for Complete Treatment

The underlying causes of non-healing wounds can be varied, so we built a multidisciplinary team of experts supported by many departments of the hospital. Our team consists of board-certified physicians with wound care expertise, endocrinologists for diabetes patients, general and vascular surgeons, reconstructive plastic surgery specialists, infectious disease experts, podiatrists and others. Our team stands ready to work in a collaborative manner to help treat non-healing wounds in the most effective way possible.

Sophisticated help with healing

The Wound Care Center at Mountainside Medical Center is a leading choice in Northern New Jersey among patients with stubborn wounds and their physicians because we offer convenient local access to the most current and effective treatment options including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HbOT).

Advanced solutions for problem wounds

A wound or sore that won’t heal is more than a nuisance. It can be frightening - with good reason. The longer a wound takes to heal, the greater the risk of serious infection.

Some people - including those with diabetes - are particularly prone to slow-healing and related risks. That’s why a growing number of patients are coming to Mountainside Medical Center for treatment by our wound care specialists.

We put sophisticated wound care protocols and advanced clinical approaches including hyperbaric oxygen therapy to work for our patients to reduce healing time, improve healing rates and prevent possible limb loss. In fact, patients who’ve suffered from chronic wounds for months - even years - are routinely restored to health in a shorter time than they ever thought possible.

Collaborative multidisciplinary care

A panel of 10 physicians representing diverse disciplines including Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry, Rehabilitation Medicine and Vascular Surgery collaborate to provide you with the highest level of appropriately targeted treatment.

Our multidisciplinary team of skilled, specially trained specialists uses the latest, state-of-the-art healing techniques including HbOT (in partnership with Healogics). They also never forget the importance of treating patients with respect and kindness.

Ultimately, you’ll play the most important role in the healing of your chronic wound. That’s why our team will help you understand the healing process and teach you ways to protect yourself from another chronic wound.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HbOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HbOT) is a painless treatment that delivers 100% pure oxygen to your body to enhance its natural healing process and strengthen the immune system. In fact, HbOT has been proven to:

  • Promote new capillary and skin growth
  • Increase the ability of white blood cells to fight infection
  • Reduce local swelling in wound area

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used to treat:

  • Diabetic leg & foot wounds
  • Chronic bone infection
  • Acute arterial insufficiency
  • Delayed radiation injuries (soft tissue and bony necrosis)
  • Radiation related problems
  • Necrotizing infections
  • Gas gangrene
  • Decompression sickness
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Crush injuries
  • Other select non-healing wounds

Is it time for HbOT or another advanced wound care treatment?

If you have a persistent wound that has failed to respond to treatment for more than four weeks or hasn’t completely healed in eight weeks, it’s probably time to seek specialized care - especially if you have diabetes or vascular disease.

Location

The Wound Care Center at Mountainside Medical Center is located on the Third Floor. Use the Schumann Elevators to reach us.

Hours of Service

Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, please call 973-873-7787.
For further information, please call 973-429-6988.

Medicare and most insurance plans are accepted.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get help from the Wound Care Center?
You may call the Wound Care Center directly or be referred by your doctor.  To make an appointment, call 973-429-6988

Does this mean I have to change doctors?
No, not at all. The team at the Wound Care Center works with you and your doctor during your treatment. We will keep your doctor informed of all aspects of your treatment and will frequently provide progress reports.

Does insurance cover treatment?
Many health plans cover Wound Care Center treatments.  Our team will work with you to help you determine what your specific plan covers.

What can I expect at the first appointment?
At your first appointment, the wound care team will administer an in-depth assessment, including a review of your medical history, and blood tests or additional tests deemed necessary. A recommendation for your treatment plan will be provided.

For your first appointment, please bring your medical records, insurance card, photo ID, a list of all medications you are currently taking, and a list of allergies you may have. This thorough review can take some time, so please expect to spend several hours at the Center

What causes non-healing wounds?
There are a number of factors that contribute to chronic and non-healing wounds such as diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease, and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores).  Those with diabetes are particularly at risk for developing these types of wounds.

If you have a wound that won't heal, you are not alone.  According to the American College of Surgeons, approximately 7 million Americans will experience this condition within their lifetime.  The good news is that you no longer have to suffer. Treating chronic, non-healing wounds is the specialty of the Wound Care Center at Mountainside Medical Center. The underlying causes of non-healing wounds can be varied, so we built a multidisciplinary team of experts supported by many departments of the hospital. Our team consists of board-certified physicians with wound care expertise, endocrinologists for diabetes patients, general and vascular surgeons, reconstructive plastic surgery specialists, infectious disease experts, podiatrists and others. Our team stands ready to work in a collaborative manner to help treat non-healing wounds in the most effective way possible.

Your Wound Treatment Plan

You will undergo a thorough diagnostic examination to identify the type of wound you have as well as the underlying problems causing the wound.  This examination will allow the team at the Wound Care Center to develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs utilizing the most effective treatment options. As a patient at the Wound Care Center, you can expect:

  • Advanced therapies
  • Proven clinical protocols
  • An individualized, comprehensive plan of care that brings you the most appropriate and effective treatments for your particular 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 case
  • Thorough training for you and your family on caring for the wound at home
  • Education and resources related to prevention, nutrition, hygiene and other key topics for you and your family
  • Ongoing communication so that you and your doctor stay informed and up-to-date on all aspects of your healing.

 

 

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