Who do we treat?
The AzHTC provides clinical care for patients with various bleeding disorders and provides cutting-edge treatments specific to bleeding disorders.
Thrombosis and Clotting Disorders seen by Benign Hematology at Banner UMC Outpatient clinics
Thrombosis, or hypercoagulability, is a genetic disorder that causes a person’s blood to clot more than normal. Affected individuals can form blood clots in their veins even when there is no damage or injury, which can contribute to serious health problems like difficulty breathing, strain on the heart and even stroke.
Patients with thrombosis manage their symptoms through specialized visits and medication as directed by their providers. We have unique clinics available for thrombosis patients where they have access to specialized care.
Appointments for patients with clotting disorders
Adults- Call 520-694-2873 to schedule an appointment with a benign hematologist.
Pediatrics- 520-694-3325 to schedule an appointment with a pediatric hematologist.
Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders
Hemophilia is the name for a group of hereditary genetic disorders that impair one’s ability to form blood clots after an injury. A person with hemophilia, or one of several other hereditary bleeding disorders, can experience serious bleeding from an injury or, in the case of severe hemophilia, after seemingly no injury at all. Currently, there is no cure for these chronic conditions, but new treatments and measures are available to manage these disorders.
At the AzHTC, we see patients of all ages and provide treatment for injuries or sudden bleeding problems, provide help with prevention planning, counseling and schedule the patient in our multidisciplinary clinics. Our program includes many elements, such as physical therapy, social work, injury prevention planning, bleeding assessment and rehabilitation for all patients, throughout the lifespan. Doctors from both Pediatric and Adult Hematology provide care and expertise.
An initial appointment is made through the AzHTC Program Coordinator, (520) 626-4152. This appointment can be made by the patient or family, referring physician, or other health care professional. Referring physicians can fax referrals to (520) 626-7077.
The patient will be seen by the hematologist or the nurse practitioner, the nurse, social worker, financial counselor, genetic counselor and, when appropriate, the physical therapist. A medical and social history will be taken. Available services will be discussed, and the team will determine with you any educational and/or diagnostic needs you may have.
Each patient is required to have an evaluation by our multidisciplinary team every one or two years, depending on the severity of their disorder. Our findings and recommendations are then sent to the patient or family, the primary care provider, and/or the referring hematologist. We will also prescribe medication that may be provided by the patient’s choice of specialty pharmacy or one contracted through their insurance.
Published research has shown that patients with bleeding disorders seen at HTCs have a 60% less risk of death and/or serious complications from their bleeding disorder than patients who received all their care from non-HTC providers or institutions.
Accurate and prompt diagnosis is the key to successful therapy. AzHTC personnel are informed by current discoveries of common inherited genetic mutations that predispose individuals to such events. Our staff are skilled, knowledgeable and experienced in blood coagulation problems.
Knowledge of preventive medicine, carrier detection, genetic and prenatal counseling, patient education, bleeding disorder medications and the complications hemophilia or its therapy make the AzHTC team uniquely trained to provide the full range of multi-disciplinary comprehensive services to patients and families with bleeding disorders.
Patients can receive free counseling, education and support services that might not be available in a private physician’s office. This includes, but is not limited to, visits to a child’s school, contact with the school nurse, information about insurance coverage, home care delivery, and Medicare and Medicaid (AHCCCS) coverage. The patient and/or family members can be taught intravenous access, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection techniques so that therapy can be given at home.
Education can help patients manage their disorder, remain more medically independent and prevent complications caused by inappropriate medical management. Center staff will provide regular information about the latest research and advances in treatment and treatment products. Patients may, when available, also participate in clinical trials for new products.
The Comprehensive Care model is a partnership. Together we formulate an optimal, individualized management plan.
Services Available at the AzHTC
HTC Care Coordination:
- Diagnosis Education
- Home treatment coordination and training
- Home infusion training
- Procedure, surgery, and dental plans
- Obstetric labor and delivery plans
- Home health coordination
- School visits
- Office hours consultation
- Assist with the transition from pediatric to adult care
Please call (520) 626-0213 to speak to the AzHTC Nurse Coordinator.
Please note that one of our Nurse Coordinators is fluent in Spanish.
Por favor, marque (520) 626-0213 para hablar con el coordinador de enfermería de AzHTC.
Nuestro coordinador habla Español con fluidez.
Psychosocial Assistance:
Help connecting to consumer organizations which provide:
- General Financial assistance
- Assistance paying for medical and dental services
- Transportation to clinic
- Medical ID bracelets, necklaces, etc.
- Annual Camp for affected children and their siblings
- Community Events, including annual holiday parties
- Scholarships for college and technical school
- Annual meetings
- Educational events
- Assist with the transition from pediatric to adult care
AzHTC Social Worker and medical providers can provide:
- School visits
- Mental health assessment, treatment, follow-up, and community referrals for treatment
- Care facility visits
Please call (520) 621-0373 to speak to the AzHTC Social Worker.
Please note that our Social Worker is fluent in Spanish.
Por favor, marque (520) 621-0373 para hablar con el trabajador social de AzHTC.
Nuestro el trabajador social habla Español con fluidez.
Insurance Specialist
We know that one of the more stressful things about treating any disorder is managing insurance and knowing how the billing process works. We have an Insurance Specialist at our HTC who sees each patient at their clinic visit. The Specialist can help with all kinds of insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial plans, as well as provide assistance if insurance lapses.
Our Insurance Specialist can also help with:
Questions regarding billing
Copay/Deductible assistance
Medication assistance programs
Help with insurance questions and resources
Insurance authorizations
Please call (520) 626-6766 to speak to the Insurance Specialist.