Wound & Ostomy Care in Osseo

Living with a wound that won't heal is frustrating, scary and potentially serious. A wound care management plan can be designed just for you to help improve your healing and quality of life.

Find out more about our wound and ostomy care services:

• Quiz
• Chronic wound types
• Wound therapies
• FAQ
• Ostomy care

Wound care quiz

You may benefit from a consultation and individualized wound care treatment plan if you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions:

• Do you have an open sore, ulcer or injury that hasn't healed after two weeks of treatment?
• Do you have swelling, weepy blisters or open sores on your legs?
• Do you have skin on your legs that appears scaly or has changed color?
• Do you have side effects of radiation treatment, such as wounds that won't heal, dry mouth, teeth issues or painful swallowing?
• Do you have surgical incisions that have not healed?
• Do you have open or painful areas on your buttocks, tailbone or hips?
• Do you have bone infections?
• Do you have a nonhealing wound in addition to diabetes, circulation issues or an autoimmune disorder?
• Do you have a wound with exposed muscle, tendon or bone?

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Chronic wound types

Some chronic wounds, which are wounds that don't heal through normal treatment methods.

The most common types of problem wounds include:

• Arterial ulcers
• Chronic wounds
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Nonhealing surgical wounds
• Pressure ulcers
• Traumatic wounds
• Vasculitic ulcersin the leg
• Venous stasis ulcers, which are ulcers and skin damage due to malfunctioning veins

A referral by your provider is needed to start your care.

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Wound therapies

When you're referred for wound therapy, we'll work with you and your provider to determine the best form of treatment.

Wound therapies may include:

• Antibacterial treatment
• Bio-engineered dressings
• Compression therapy
• Offloading
• Vacuum-assisted wound closure
• Wound debridement
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

An important part of any wound care plan is education. Not only will you receive individualized care at appointment visits, you also will be given instructions and information to help healing while at home.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is available in Eau Claire, and your provider may refer you for an evaluation. Learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Eau Claire.

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Wound care FAQ

What causes nonhealing wounds?

Chronic, or nonhealing, wounds can result from a number of factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease and immobility. These can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores.

How do I get a consultation appointment?

You will need a referral from a Mayo Clinic Health System provider.

Will I have to change my primary care provider or specialist?

No. We will work with your provider or specialist during your treatments. While receiving treatment, you will continue to receive care from your provider.

Does insurance cover specialized wound care treatment?

Many health plans, including Medicare, Medical Assistance and commercial insurance, cover outpatient wound care. Please contact your insurance carrier to determine if your visit will be covered.

What can I expect at the first appointment?

Your first appointment will consist of a review of your medical history, blood tests and previous treatments. A comprehensive wound assessment with photos will be performed by skilled wound care professionals.

Who will I see during the appointment?

Your initial appointment will be with a physician. Follow-up appointments may be with a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or wound care nurse.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

For the first appointment, please bring a current medication list and a copy of your insurance card.

How long does an appointment take?

Please plan to spend approximately one hour with us for the initial appointment. Follow-up appointments may be shorter based on the wound care provided.

Does wound care hurt?

We will provide a topical medication to the area before performing any procedure to lessen any discomfort you may feel.

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Ostomy care

If you have an ostomy, call us and ask for a wound and ostomy care nurse to meet with you before and after any surgery. Follow-up care is available for fitting of appliances and concerns about possible complications.

Learn more about adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy.

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