Wound care visits are collaborative: you bring your story and goals, and we bring advanced techniques to help your body heal. Here’s what typically happens during an appointment at River Valley Wound Care.
1. Check-in and paperwork
Arrive a few minutes early with your ID, insurance card, and a list of medications or allergies. New patients fill out a brief health history so we understand your medical background and any factors that might affect healing such as diabetes, circulation issues, or mobility challenges.
2. Nurse assessment and vital signs
A nurse will escort you to a private room, review your history, and take vital signs. We’ll ask about the wound’s origin, how you’ve been caring for it, and any changes you’ve noticed. Photos or previous care instructions are helpful if you have them.
3. Wound evaluation by your clinician
Your provider measures the wound, checks blood flow, and looks for signs of infection or pressure. They may gently clean the area to see healthy tissue and determine whether procedures such as debridement, offloading, or advanced dressings are needed.
4. Personalized treatment plan
After the exam, we outline a plan tailored to your needs. This often includes dressing recommendations, pressure relief strategies, nutrition guidance, and coordination with your primary care provider or specialists. We’ll answer your questions so you feel confident about next steps.
5. Treatment performed in the clinic
When needed, we perform debridement (removing dead tissue), apply advanced dressings, or fit devices to reduce pressure on the wound. Our goal is to create the best environment for healing while keeping you comfortable.
6. Education and home care instructions
You’ll receive detailed guidance on how to change dressings, when to keep the area dry, and warning signs to watch for at home. If supplies are required, we’ll explain how to obtain them and demonstrate proper techniques before you leave.
7. Scheduling follow-up visits
Most wounds benefit from regular monitoring. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to track progress, adjust treatment, and coordinate any imaging or labs that support your healing plan.
How to prepare for your visit
- Bring medication lists, recent lab results, and any photos that show the wound’s changes.
- Wear loose clothing or shoes that make it easy to access the wound area.
- Eat and hydrate as you normally would unless instructed otherwise by another provider.
- Write down your questions so we can address each concern during the visit.
Feeling prepared helps you focus on what matters most: healing. Our team is here to listen, explain options, and create a clear path forward so you leave with confidence and a plan tailored to you.
We’re happy to answer questions before your appointment and guide you through every step of care.