Centra, The Cardiovascular Group

Medication and Lab Work

Medications for the treatment of heart and blood vessel problems continue to improve dramatically. Medication regimens can rapidly become complex and at times, confusing. It is important for you, your primary doctor, and your cardiologist to always know exactly what medications you are taking, along with the exact dosage.

Bring a complete, updated list of medications with you for each appointment. That list should include:

1. Your name
2. The date
3. Any drug allergies
4. The names of ALL your medications
5. The frequency with which you are taking the medications (how many times per day)
6. The exact dose of the medications you are taking (i.e. 40 mg of Furosemide twice a day)
7. A list of over-the-counter medications you are taking (vitamins, Tylenol, etc)
8. If you are not sure about any of the above, please bring your bottles with you

A good way to keep an up-to-date list of medications is on a computer using programs such as Word or Excel. The list can be modified after your physician makes changes. You can always print and take an updated list with you to each of
your doctor visits. If you do not have access to or knowledge of computers, often a family member will. Otherwise, a written list is just fine, and we can make a photocopy at the time of your office visit.

Also, we can print a medication list for you when we see you in the office. We maintain a list of all of your medications in our computer system.

PRESCRIPTION REFILLS

As a cardiac patient, it is important that you do not run out of your medication. If you do not have any refills left on your prescription, please call our office 434.200.5250 Extension 2667 to talk with our pharmacy technicians.

LAB WORK

For a proper diagnosis of many conditions, we may need to draw blood. We perform this service in our office during regular business hours. We will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the day this service is required (by fasting for example). An appointment is needed for the Coumadin (Warfarin) Clinic to have your protime checked. An appointment is usually not required for other blood work. Please let us know if we may release the results of your blood values and other tests to your spouse or anyone else you may choose. The best time to come by for blood work is usually between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Please understand that we have many patients and at times there will be a bit of a wait. We will always strive to make such delays as short as possible.