ATU Clinic | Parkview Health

Warfarin self-testing made easy

If you are receiving long-term Warfarin therapy, then regular blood testing is a part of your routine. Parkview makes this practice a little more convenient by offering a self-testing program that allows individuals with atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism and other conditions to perform these tests in the privacy of their own homes.

Rather than coming to the Anticoagulation Therapy Unit (ATU) Clinic at Parkview for INR (International Normalized Ratio) checks, you can now test weekly on your own.

Benefits of testing at home:

Studies have shown that people who check their INR results weekly at home experience fewer bleeding side effects and fewer clotting episodes. Other benefits include:

Reducing travel to a nearby lab for INR checks
Staying safe at home during inclement weather
Saving time and gas money

Frequently asked questions

What is an ATU clinic?

Medications that work to make your blood thinner are known as anticoagulants. If you are receiving long-term anticoagulation therapy, then regular blood testing is an essential part of your routine. Parkview offers several locations where patients can have their anticoagulants managed, called anticoagulation therapy unit clinics, or ATU clinics. In addition, some of our clinics can oversee patients treated with warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant, such as Eliquis or Xarelto. Our staff in the ATU Clinic collaborate with your other healthcare providers to set goals for your anticoagulation therapy, ensure blood levels and additional labs are checked at regular intervals and adjust your medication doses when needed.

How can I schedule an appointment?

To establish with one of the Parkview ATU Clinics, your doctor must send in a referral. Once your referral is received, a staff member of the ATU will contact you to schedule your initial appointment at a location that is most convenient for you. Please refer to our clinic locations to find your preferred clinic location. Since the ATU Clinics operate by appointment only, please call your respective clinic as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.

What can I expect at my ATU appointment?

During your appointment at Parkview’s ATU Clinics, you will meet with a qualified pharmacist. At your initial appointment, the pharmacist will review your medical history and medication list, as well as provide education regarding your therapy. For patients on warfarin, the pharmacist will check your INR during each visit by performing a fingerstick blood test. For patients on other anticoagulant therapies, such as Eliquis or Xarelto, you will be asked to report to lab at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to complete updated lab work that will be reviewed by the pharmacist during your appointment. Medication doses will be adjusted as needed based on the completed blood work prior to or during the office visit. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled before the visit is complete.

Patient self-testing program

Parkview offers a self-testing program for individuals on warfarin who meet specified criteria that allows them to perform these tests weekly in the privacy of their own homes. There are several benefits of testing at home which include reducing travel, as well as saving time and money spent on gas. You may qualify for the program if you have a qualifying diagnosis and meet the following criteria:

You have been taking warfarin for at least 90 days
You will be taking warfarin for at least one year
You – or a caregiver – are willing to perform weekly finger-stick tests

Contact a Parkview ATU staff member today to find out if you are eligible and may benefit from the self-testing program.

Clinic locations

Parkview Regional Medical Center Comprehensive Medication Management Clinic (CMMC)
11108 Parkview Circle
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
260-266-4480, Option #1

Parkview Randallia Hospital Comprehensive Medication Management Clinic (CMMC)
2231 Carew St
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
260-266-4480, Option #2

Parkview Dekalb Hospital ATU Clinic
1316 E. 7th St
Auburn, IN 46706
260-920-2738

Parkview Huntington Hospital ATU Clinic
2001 Stults Road
Huntington, IN 46750
260-355-3680

Parkview Lagrange Hospital ATU Clinic
207 N. Townline Road
LaGrange, IN 46761
260-463-9370

Parkview Noble Hospital ATU Clinic
401 Sawyer Road
Kendallville, IN 46755-2568
260-347-8497

Parkview Wabash Hospital ATU Clinic
10 John Kissinger Dr.
Wabash, IN 46992-1914
260-569-2224

Parkview Whitley Hospital ATU Clinic
1260 E. State Road 205
Columbia City, IN 46725
260-248-9520

Parkview Kosciusko Hospital ATU Clinic
1355 Mariners Dr.
Warsaw, IN 46582-7145
574-372-0086

Hours vary by location.