Wound Care

Helping you heal is what we’re about at UnityPoint Health. Our wound care experts use the latest technologies to create personalized treatment plans for wounds that won’t heal on their own. We know you want to get back to the busy life you love, and our physicians and care teams are ready to help restore your comfort and good health. Let the healing begin.

Wound Care Services

Our wound care experts focus on a whole-body approach which can include nutritional assessment and counseling, patient and caregiver counseling, laboratory tests and special needs for pressure relief including beds, seat cushions and footwear. Throughout your treatment, our wound care specialists also collaborate with experts from other areas of medicine when needed, including vascular surgery, plastic surgery, podiatry, infectious disease, nutrition, physical therapy and diabetes care. Your primary care physician is also provided regular updates throughout the course of your treatment.

Our teams take advantage of the newest clinical tools and techniques in wound healing along with traditional clinical practices. Depending on your location, this may include:

Treatment Options: 

• Bio-engineered skin grafting 
• Compression therapy
• Debridement (removal of dead or damaged tissue)
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
• Limb salvage (amputation prevention)
• Non-invasive vascular assessment
• Nutritional guidance
• Total contact casting
• Vacuum-assisted closure of wounds
• Vascular (blood flow) studies
• Wound dressings

Types of Wounds Commonly Treated: 

• Diabetic foot and ankle wounds, such as ulcers or bed sores
• Difficult to heal surgical wounds
• Ulcers - venous stasis, ischemic (arterial), stage II or higher pressure ulcers
• Wounds not responding to standard treatment or wounds with an unusual cause

When Should I Use Wound Care? 

Typically, a wound that does not respond to standard medical care within 30 days is considered a problem or chronic wound. The variety and complexity of non-healing, chronic wounds presents a particular challenge. These wounds often require intervention by specialists who can apply the most technologically advanced treatments and proven protocols to effectively treat chronic wounds.

Talk to your doctor as soon as you notice a wound that has not healed within a few days, especially if you have any risk factors. Early treatment promotes faster healing, minimizes complications and improves patient outcomes.

Risk factors for non-healing or chronic wounds include:

• Aging
• Arthritis
• Certain medications
• Diabetes
• Immobility
• Kidney disease
• Malnutrition
• Neuropathy (abnormal sensation)
• Obesity
• Poor circulation
• Radiation therapy
• Smoking
• Swelling/edema
• Treatments or diseases that suppress the immune system

Many of our wound care locations accept patients without a physician referral. However, some insurance plans require a physician referral. Always check with your insurance prior to scheduling.