A comprehensive approach to wound care services and management…
The largest provider of wound care services in central Illinois, UnityPoint Health – Methodist | Proctor Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine offers expert, comprehensive and specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds. Its medical and clinical staff works with your doctor to bring patients life-changing results.
A physician-driven, interdisciplinary model of care includes a comprehensive approach to wound management, utilizing the latest tools and traditional clinical practices. Individualized treatment plans may include specialized wound dressings, debridement, compression therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, prescription growth factor medications, bio-engineered skin grafting and blood flow assessments.
“We have a strong performance improvement program,” says Thomas Esposito, MD, MPH and new medical director. “Our utilization of an enormous national database allows us to compare ourselves to like programs across the country. We want the absolute best possible outcomes for our patients. That’s why we’re here. That’s what we do.”
Following Patient Progress
Dr. Esposito comes to Methodist | Proctor from Loyola Medical Center, where he was a fellowship-trained trauma and general surgeon. A graduate of the Georgetown University School of Medicine, he completed fellowships at both the University of Maryland and Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, and holds a graduate degree in Public Health from the University of Washington.
“The most exciting aspect of my work today—in contrast to my work as a trauma surgeon—is I get to follow patient progress,” says Dr. Esposito. “I’m privileged to have the opportunity to get to know our patients, see them on a regular basis, witness their improvement firsthand, and help them return to their lives. It’s exciting and rewarding.”
The Center offers five transparent, comfortable hyperbaric chambers, including three at the Methodist Atrium Center and two on the Proctor campus. Patients can watch television or listen to music during treatments. The number of treatments you receive depends on your diagnosis.
“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is like other care modalities,” says Barb Adams, Wound Center Manager. “It provides some amazing results, but it takes a real commitment on the patient’s part. It’s also the ‘gold standard’ in wound care.”
A Comprehensive Team
The Center is designed to complement your doctors’ services and is comprised of a team of professionals that includes:
- A personalized wound treatment program;
- Physicians with advanced training in wound management and hyperbaric oxygen therapy;
- Certified hyperbaric technicians;
- Nursing staff uniquely trained and certified in the care of chronic wounds;
- Patient and family education with vital information on disease processes, treatments and services;
- Orthotic consultants to fit patients needing specialized footwear;
- Technicians who perform non-invasive studies and various therapies;
- Consultants who provide medical equipment when needed; and
- Experienced staff to assist with medical records and health insurance processing.
“The relationship between patient and provider is the key to success,” Adams explains. “We respect that relationship, so our patients see the same provider during each visit. That helps establish and sustain a high level of trust. That trust helps keep us at or above the national averages in every category. We have outstanding outcomes and a 97.8-percent healing rate.”
A Growing Problem
Diabetes-related complications are a major cause of chronic wounds. Almost 24 million Americans—one in every 12—are diabetic, and the disease is causing widespread disability and death at an epidemic pace, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those with diabetes, more than eight million are estimated to suffer with chronic or non-healing wounds. Associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins and immobility, non-healing wounds occur most frequently in the elderly and in people with diabetes—populations that are sharply rising as the nation ages and chronic diseases increase.
“About 60 percent of our patients are diabetic,” notes Adams. “And one third is likely undiagnosed diabetic-related.”
Patients may be referred by their primary care provider, surgeon or specialist, or they may self-refer. Services are provided at two convenient campuses, easily accessible with free surface parking. In addition, the Center at the Methodist Atrium provides free valet service. iBi
The Center in the Methodist Atrium is located in Suite 201, 900 Main Street in Peoria. For more information, call (309) 672-4582. The Center on the Proctor campus is located at 5409 N. Knoxville Ave. For more information, call (309) 689-6074, or visit unitypoint.org/peoria.
