Wound Clinic at Shepherd Center
Comprehensive wound care for wound prevention, management, and treatment
Shepherd Center’s Wound Clinic provides specialized outpatient care dedicated to the prevention, management, and treatment of chronic wounds. Individuals with complex neurological injuries or conditions are particularly susceptible to developing chronic wounds, whether linked to the initial injury or the onset of the underlying condition.
At our Clinic, we understand the diverse challenges associated with chronic wounds, and we are committed to delivering comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you are seeking wound treatment for pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, post-surgical wounds, or other wound-related concerns, our goal is to facilitate the healing process while actively working to prevent the occurrence of new wounds or the recurrence of old ones.
With a multidisciplinary approach and a team of experienced wound care specialists, we provide effective wound care and compassionate support throughout your healing journey.
Our Approach to Wound Management
Every wound is unique, which is why our approach to wound management is based on the specific needs and goals of each patient. To develop a comprehensive wound care plan, our care team considers a range of factors, including the size of the wound, the patient's medical history, and external factors. Recommended treatments may include interventions such as lifestyle recommendations, customized wheelchair fittings, basic wound care, skin substitutes, or referrals to additional therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.
Appointments and Referrals to the Wound Clinic
It can be overwhelming dealing with chronic wounds, and we want to help you heal. Whether you are a new patient, an existing patient, or a referring provider, our team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan.
A Team Approach to Your Wound Care
Our approach to care is as unique as you are. We get to know you, and you get to know us – all of us. Starting with your care team: a specialized, interdisciplinary group of highly trained, certified, and experienced wound professionals who take the time to listen and design a tailored treatment plan just for you. And all of this happens in a safe, caring, and welcoming environment. We believe our patients can do amazing things, and this is what we’ll strive for with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wound Clinic at Shepherd Center is a specialized outpatient clinic dedicated to the prevention, management, and treatment of chronic wounds.
Our clinic offers a wide range of comprehensive wound care services designed to initiate the wound-healing process while actively working to prevent the occurrence of new wounds or the recurrence of old ones.
The Wound Clinic at Shepherd Center caters to individuals at different stages of their neurological rehabilitation journey seeking relief from non-healing wounds. This primarily impacts individuals who often experience secondary complications from spinal cord injury, brain injury, multi-trauma, traumatic amputation, or other neurological issues like stroke, pain, or multiple sclerosis.
The Wound Clinic at Shepherd Center is a dedicated one-stop shop for specialized wound care.
Individuals with complex neurological injuries or conditions are particularly susceptible to developing chronic wounds, whether linked to the initial injury or the onset of the underlying condition. At our Clinic, we understand these diverse populations and the challenges associated with chronic wounds.
As a patient at the Wound Clinic, you have a specialized, multidisciplinary care team of highly skilled wound care specialists who collaborate to design a personalized treatment plan to help with wound resolution while enhancing the overall well-being of our patients.
The Wound Clinic at Shepherd Center specializes in the treatment of various wound types, such as:
- Post-surgical wounds
- Traumatic wounds resulting from injuries
- Pressure wounds
- Vascular wounds
- Venous status ulcers
- Diabetic wounds
- Minor burns
Wounds are a frequent secondary complication for people with the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. Non-healing wounds present a range of symptoms that can vary from person to person. Common symptoms that may arise include:
- Persistent and increased pain in the wound area.
- Increased inflammation or redness surrounding the wound.
- Discoloration near the edges of the wound, typically presenting as a dark or bluish color.
- Increased drainage from the wound and/or a noticeable odor.
- Lack of progress in wound healing despite conventional wound care.
Your wound care specialist will collaborate with you to suggest the best approach for treating your chronic wound, taking into account the symptoms and severity of the wound. The treatment process begins with a comprehensive assessment to gain insights into your wound history. This may involve a detailed review of your medical history, discussions about your symptoms, and an analysis of factors such as your environment, equipment, and other secondary complications like muscle spasticity or incontinence.
Following the assessment, your care team will guide you through a personalized treatment plan to initiate the healing process for your wound. Regular follow-ups and discussions will ensure ongoing monitoring and adjustment to address any new concerns or symptoms effectively. The Wound Clinic will also train you and your family in the at-home treatment of chronic wounds, along with education on prevention, nutrition, hygiene, and other relevant wound care topics.
Effective management of wounds often does not require surgery and can be achieved through earlier and more aggressive non-surgical interventions and advanced therapies. Collaborating closely with your wound care specialist, you can expect a comprehensive approach to addressing your needs. Some common treatments may include:
- Lifestyle recommendations that foster healing
- Suggestions for customized wheelchairs and equipment to mitigate pressure sores
- Basic wound care
- Employment of Wound VAC (Vacuum-Assisted Closure)
- Application of various wound dressings
- Utilization of skin substitutes
- Referrals to supplemental therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy
In instances where surgical interventions are necessary, your wound care specialist may refer you for flap surgery. The Wound Clinic at Shepherd Center is one of the few clinics in Georgia equipped to assist with flap surgery care and coordination.
Yes, we would love to see you, your friends, and family. Learn more about how to request an appointment.
A medical referral from a healthcare provider is encouraged but not required for new patient evaluations. Visit our Appointments and Referrals page to learn how to request an appointment.
The Wound Clinic is currently accepting new patients. A medical referral from a healthcare provider is encouraged but not required for new patient evaluations. There are two ways you can make a new patient appointment:
- Use our Appointment Request Form to submit a request online.
- Have you/your healthcare provider email a referral to woundclinic@shepherd.org.
Your first appointment will include a thorough assessment and evaluation of your wound and wound history. This evaluation may include a detailed review of your medical history, discussions about your symptoms, and an analysis of factors such as your environment, equipment, and other secondary complications like muscle spasticity and incontinence.
Once the assessment is complete, the care team works with you to suggest the best approach for treating your chronic wound. These goals may include basic wound care, advanced therapies, or referrals for flap surgery if necessary.
We want to make the most of your visit here just as much as you do. Here are some tips on what to do before your first evaluation.
- List questions and topics you'd like to discuss with your care team.
- List of injuries you’ve had.
- Document the symptoms you are experiencing and for how long.
- Bring a partner, family member, or friend who can act as a second set of ears, take notes, and prompt you if you forget anything.
- Ask for clarity on anything you don't understand. Medical terms can be daunting, and we want you to feel confident while you're here and after you leave.
For your first evaluation appointment, please also bring with you the following:
- Driver’s license
- Medical insurance card
Absolutely. It is very helpful if a caregiver or health advocate accompanies you to your appointment to help take notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support.
It is very important that you attend all scheduled appointments. Availability in the Wound Clinic is limited, and a missed appointment can impact timely treatments.
While we understand that emergencies and other unexpected situations do arise, the Wound Clinic requests you provide us with 24-hour notice in the event you are unable to make an appointment and need to reschedule.Please arrive 30 minutes ahead of your appointment time.
If you arrive less than 15 minutes before your appointment time, we may need to reschedule your appointment. Your time with the provider is very important and arriving 15 minutes before your appointment time ensures that our nursing staff can prepare you for your visit and the providers are able to meet all your needs.
We accept most major health plans, including traditional insurance, managed care plans, Medicare, and Georgia Medicaid. We encourage you to confirm that your health plan covers specialist services before making an appointment.
Learn About Insurance Plans We AcceptPlease call our Financial Services Department at 404-350-7320 Monday through Friday to ask questions about your statement.
The Wound Clinic is conveniently located on the main campus of Shepherd Center in Buckhead Atlanta, next to Piedmont Hospital. We are easily accessible from Interstates 75/85 and just 16 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
If you are arriving for a new evaluation or any of our medical services, you will check in at the Specialty Services Clinic on the first floor of the main Shepherd Center building. Upon entering Shepherd Center via the visitor’s parking bridge, you'll walk down the hall and turn left at the Security Desk. The Speciality Services Clinic is just past the coffee kiosk.
Yes. Free and convenient covered parking is available for all patients in the Shepherd parking deck behind Shepherd Center.
Yes. ADA parking is available on all garage levels, with van-accessible spaces on the ground level. Direct access to the hospital is accessible by an elevator on each level of the parking deck.
Patients can also be picked up or dropped off adjacent to the Marcus-Woodruff Building Entrance. Transport chairs may be borrowed from our Security Desk if needed by visitors.We have partnered with several nearby hotels to offer discount room rates for patients and/or family members. Rates may be subject to room availability. Each hotel offers various services, including wheelchair-accessible guest rooms for persons with disabilities. Be sure to ask for the Shepherd Center Rate when contacting these hotels.
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