WASHINGTON, Mo. - Mercy is taking steps to help reduce heart failure patient hospitalizations, the leading cause of inpatient stays in the Medicare population, with the introduction of its new Fluid Management Program at Mercy Heart and Vascular, 901 Patients First Dr., Ste. 2500 in Washington.
Heart failure, a progressive condition in which the heart’s muscle loses its ability to pump enough blood, impacts nearly 6.5 million Americans over the age of 20, according to the Heart Failure Society of America. The condition can also reduce liver and kidney functions, causing fluid to build up in the organs.
“Many patients who end up in the hospital for congestive heart failure need assistance managing fluid retention,” said Dr. Brian Seeck, Mercy cardiologist and director of the Fluid Management Program. “The new program, is meant to help patients receive necessary care without a hospital admission, allowing them to stay home with their family and improve the quality of life while treating their heart failure.”
Evidence shows heart failure patients with fluid overload recover faster when managed in an outpatient setting. Mercy’s Fluid Management Program provides same-day services including IVs, labs and weight management. The program hopes to reduce hospital admissions for heart failure patients while providing convenience for patients and their families.
“No one wants to be hospitalized. Our goal is to keep our patients healthier and out of the hospital as much as possible,” Dr. Seeck said.
With the innovative Fluid Management Program now first and fully launched in Washington, Mercy plans to roll out this innovative approach to heart care across all its communities.
