Wound Healing Center

A wound that does not heal is an open invitation to infection and potentially serious complications. No matter what type of wound you have, whether big or small, from a burn, injury, animal bite or ulcer, if it does not get better, it may need more than just another dressing.

The team at McDowell Wound Healing Center stands ready to treat wounds that are not healing properly. Our doctors and nurses are specially trained and certified in techniques that help wounds heal and prevent their progression to infection or gangrene. Our affiliation with Mission Health System brings extensive experience and a well established wound treatment program to your community.

Our Patients

We offer wound care to inpatients at McDowell Hospital and we provide outpatient treatment for all types of wounds, including: 

Please note that patients must have an open or draining wound to be seen in the McDowell Wound Healing Center.

IMPORTANT – Warning Signs of Infection

• Ulcers such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure/decubitus and venous stasis ulcers
• Burns
• Infections
• Skin tears or laceration
• Traumatic injuries
• Spider bites
• Radiation wounds and tissue damage
• Post surgical wounds or infections
• Wounds caused by bone infections (osteomyelitis)
• Wounds that haven’t healed in 30 days

An infected wound may be very dangerous. Left untreated, it may lead to amputation or spread into the bloodstream and become life threatening. If you see any of the following warning signs, seek medical help immediately:

• Pus or other drainage from the wound
• Red skin or red streaks
• Swelling or warm skin around the wound
• Foul odor
• Fever
• Chills, fatigue, joint aches

Our Services

The skilled physicians and clinicians of McDowell Wound Healing Center provide a variety of services to ensure quality care and treatment of non-healing wounds. After a thorough assessment and creation of a treatment plan, you may receive one or more of our services:

Advanced Services

• Advanced wound care: Dressing changes, topical and biological treatments
• Wound debridement: removal of dead and unhealthy tissue
• Skin grafts: donor skin used to cover a wound and promote healing
• Growth factor therapies: advanced products used to stimulate new tissue growth
• Off-loading:  use of devices such as shoes, inserts, casts and boots to reduce pressure on foot wounds
• Negative pressure wound therapy (Wound Vac): device used to improve healing by applying suction to the wound to reduce excess fluid and assist with wound closure
• Total contact casting: special cast used to redistribute pressure from the sole of the foot to allow wound closure
• Unna boots: multi-layered compression dressings for the leg that help decrease swelling and allow wound closure
• Dopplers: device used to help measure blood flow to areas of the body
• Limited ostomy care: around the ostomy site
• High risk foot and nail care: Targeted care for people with diabetes, lower extremity arterial disease and neuropathy.

Our affiliation with Mission Health System expands the level of wound care available to our patients while delivering continuity of services. Our team may refer you to Mission Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center for services such as:

Education and Support

In addition to specialized medical treatment, we’re dedicated to teaching you how to care for your wound at home, providing instructions on how to change dressings and how to protect yourself or your loved one from further injuries. We provide educational and nutritional information critical for wound healing. Our team members are here to offer support throughout the healing process.

Surgical Intervention: Deep tissue debridement and reconstruction

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A treatment that delivers high concentrations of oxygen to help wounds heal, treats complex infections and chronic radiation injury.

Manual Lymph Drainage: provided by physical therapists certified in this technique

TCOM: Transcutaneous oxygen monitoring - a non-invasive technique that evaluates blood flow.

Advanced Ostomy Care and Education: Treatment and support from WOC (Wound, Ostomy & Continence) certified nurses.

We understand that it may be difficult for patients and their loved ones to deal with a wound that is slow to heal. We encourage family members and caregivers to come to appointments. We will gladly answer their questions and teach them about wound care products and how to use them.

High Risk Resources

People with diabetes and older adults are the most frequent users of wound care services. The steadily increasing incidence of diabetes, combined with an expanding population of older Americans, indicate that the need for chronic wound care may continue to increase. To address this challenge now, McDowell Hospital provides preventive education for our neighbors who are at a higher risk for wound complications. For more information, please call our office or visit our Diabetes Center to learn about our diabetes prevention and control programs.

Our Team

McDowell Wound Healing Center is staffed by an experienced, multidisciplinary group of specialists, including:

• Physician specialized in Wound Care
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nurses experienced in Wound Care, Foot & Nail Care and Ostomy Care

Appointments

While a physician referral is not required for wound care appointments, it is preferred. Please speak with your physician if you believe you could benefit from our services.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call:

Phone: (828) 652-1400
Fax: (828) 659-5785

Wound Care Hours:

Wednesday's from 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Thursday's from 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location

McDowell Wound Care
472 Rankin Drive
Marion, NC 28752

Information for Your First Appointment

What to Expect

On your first visit, our team of physicians and nurses will perform an assessment with special attention given to the details of the wound and its cause. Following the evaluation, additional testing may be necessary. Our team will then develop an individualized treatment plan to heal your wound. Your care may include weekly visits to McDowell Wound Healing Center so we can closely monitor your progress and make adjustments as necessary. Our team also works closely with your physicians, as well as Home Health agencies, to provide updates on your condition.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

• Medical records (physician notes, lab results, x-rays, etc.)
• Referral information
• Insurance card
• Identification card\driver’s license
• Worker’s compensation paperwork
• List of current medications and allergies
• Power of Attorney information, if necessary

Insurance

We participate with most private insurance plans and will file an insurance claim, but please check with your insurance provider to verify your benefits and their authorization requirements.