A Typical Anticoagulation Appointment

During your visit to the clinic you can expect the following:

• Each visit will take about 15 minutes.
• Staff will take a small blood sample from your finger which will be used to determine how long it takes for your blood to clot (your INR result). Within 15 to 30 seconds your lab value will be known.
• Staff will discuss your warfarin use and answer any questions you may have.
• Staff will ask you about your diet, drug interactions and side effects.
• The clinician will advise you on a plan of care. Adjustments will be made to your warfarin dose, if necessary.
• A follow-up appointment will be scheduled.

In the first month, visits are frequent. If your results stay within an acceptable range, testing is recommended once every four weeks. If the medication level in your blood gets too high or too low, you may need to visit more often to make adjustments.