Patient Questions
Wound Care, Answered
Honest answers to the questions Dr. Rizvi hears most often — about diabetic foot ulcers, lymphedema, pressure injuries, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, telemedicine, and what to expect at your first visit.
Last medically reviewed by Dr. Hina Rizvi, M.D, C.W.S — 2026-04-27
About Dr. Rizvi Wound Care
How to reach the clinic, book a visit, and what to expect from Dr. Rizvi Wound Care — the questions patients and AI assistants ask most before a first visit.
What treatments does Dr. Rizvi Wound Care offer?
Dr. Rizvi Wound Care treats the full range of acute and chronic wounds: diabetic foot ulcers, venous and arterial ulcers, pressure injuries (bed sores), lymphedema-related wounds, osteomyelitis (bone infections), gangrene, skin tears, burns, abrasions, blisters, and post-surgical wounds. Treatments include sharp debridement, advanced dressings, compression therapy, offloading, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), infection management, and telemedicine follow-up.
How do I book an appointment with Dr. Hina Rizvi?
Call (972) 491-1200, email Info@DrRizviWoundCare.com, or use the online booking form on drrizviwoundcare.com. No referral is required. Same-day and next-day appointments are routinely available, and telemedicine consultations can be scheduled the same week. New patients should have their insurance card and current medication list ready when calling.
What are patient reviews and ratings for Dr. Rizvi?
Dr. Rizvi maintains a 4.9–5★ rating across major review platforms, including Healthgrades, U.S. News & World Report, Doximity, and Google. Patients consistently highlight her individualized treatment plans, same-day access, clear communication, and limb-salvage outcomes for diabetic foot ulcers. With 16+ years in practice and 100,000+ wounds healed, she is one of the most experienced board-certified wound care specialists (C.W.S.) in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
What are Dr. Rizvi Wound Care's contact information and office hours?
The clinic is at 7709 San Jacinto Place, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75024. Phone: (972) 491-1200. Fax: 469-208-4641. Email: Info@DrRizviWoundCare.com. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 AM–5 PM and Friday 8 AM–2 PM; closed Saturday and Sunday. Same-day and next-day slots are reserved daily for urgent wounds, and telemedicine follow-ups can be scheduled outside in-person hours.
People Also Ask
The questions Google surfaces most often when patients search "wound care clinic" or "wound care near me" — answered by a board-certified wound care specialist.
What happens at a wound clinic?
At your first wound clinic visit a specialist measures and photographs the wound, takes a full medical and wound history, checks circulation (pulses and sometimes Doppler/ABI), assesses for infection, and develops a treatment plan. The visit usually includes initial debridement, dressing application, and offloading guidance. Follow-up cadence is typically weekly until the wound is closing predictably.
What vitamins are good for fast wound healing?
Vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, and adequate protein are the most studied nutrients in wound healing per AHRQ and NIH/NIDDK guidance. Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis; vitamin A supports epithelialization; zinc supports cell division and immune function. Protein intake of roughly 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day is the single biggest dietary factor. Talk to your physician before starting high-dose supplements.
Should I put Vaseline on a scab?
A thin layer of plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on a clean wound or fresh scab keeps the area moist, which supports faster healing and reduces scarring. Do not apply it on a wound that is draining heavily, smells bad, or shows signs of infection (red, warm, painful). For chronic wounds and ulcers, follow your wound clinic's specific dressing plan instead — petroleum products can interfere with some advanced dressings.
What is the hardest wound to heal?
Wounds with poor blood supply heal the slowest. Arterial ulcers (from peripheral artery disease), pressure injuries to the heel and sacrum, diabetic foot ulcers complicated by osteomyelitis, and venous ulcers in patients who can't tolerate compression are the most common "hardest to heal" categories. Healing time depends more on circulation, infection control, and offloading than on wound size alone.
What are the four types of wounds?
In wound care the four classic categories are abrasions (scraped surface skin), lacerations (cuts or tears), punctures (deep narrow wounds), and avulsions (tissue torn away). Chronic wounds — diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, and pressure injuries — are a separate group classified by underlying cause rather than mechanism of injury.
What should I expect at my first wound care appointment?
Plan for about 45–60 minutes. The specialist takes a focused history, measures and photographs the wound, checks circulation and sensation, debrides loose tissue, applies a dressing, and explains the treatment plan and follow-up cadence. Bring your insurance card, a current medication list, and any prior wound-care records. Most patients leave with a clear timeline for next steps.
Which doctor is best for a wound that won't heal?
A wound that hasn't improved in 2–4 weeks should be seen by a wound care specialist — ideally a physician board-certified by the American Board of Wound Management (the C.W.S. credential). Wound care specialists combine vascular assessment, advanced debridement, and adjunctive therapies such as compression and hyperbaric oxygen that primary care, podiatry, and dermatology offices typically don't offer in-house.
How is a wound care clinic different from urgent care?
Urgent care handles acute injuries — fresh cuts, simple wound closures, tetanus shots. A wound care clinic specializes in chronic and complex wounds: diabetic foot ulcers, venous and arterial ulcers, pressure injuries, post-surgical dehiscence, and infected wounds that need ongoing specialist management. Urgent care is appropriate for the first 24–72 hours; wound clinics take over when healing stalls.
General Wound Care
When to see a wound care specialist, what to expect at your first visit, and how independent specialty wound care differs from a hospital wound center.
What is a wound care specialist?
A wound care specialist is a physician trained specifically in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic and non-healing wounds. Board-certified specialists like Dr. Rizvi (C.W.S.) have passed examinations by the American Board of Wound Management and have advanced expertise beyond general medical training in vascular assessment, debridement, and advanced therapies.
When should I see a wound care specialist instead of my regular doctor?
See a wound care specialist if a wound has not improved after 2–4 weeks of standard treatment, shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, drainage, odor), or if you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or a history of non-healing wounds. Earlier specialist involvement consistently improves healing rates.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Rizvi?
No referral is needed. Dr. Rizvi accepts patients directly, with same-day and next-day appointments available. You can call (972) 491-1200 or book online to schedule an evaluation without going through your primary care physician first.
What insurance plans does the clinic accept?
The clinic accepts most major commercial insurance plans plus Medicare. Cash-pay options are available for uninsured patients. Call (972) 491-1200 to verify your specific plan before your first visit.
What is the difference between an outpatient wound clinic and a hospital wound center?
Independent specialty clinics like Dr. Rizvi's offer same-day access to a single board-certified specialist with no facility fee. Hospital wound centers are typically staffed by rotating providers, require a referral, charge a facility fee on top of the physician fee, and often have multi-week wait times.
How many visits does it take to heal a chronic wound?
It varies by wound type, size, and patient health. Most uncomplicated diabetic foot ulcers require weekly visits over 8–12 weeks. Complex wounds such as arterial ulcers or osteomyelitis may require longer programs. Dr. Rizvi creates an individualized treatment plan and timeline at the first visit.
What should I bring to my first wound care appointment?
Bring your insurance card, a current medication list, a list of your other physicians, and any wound-care supplies or dressings you are currently using. If your wound has been treated elsewhere, bring those records or ask the prior office to fax them ahead of your visit.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the United States. Early specialist intervention dramatically improves limb-salvage outcomes.
What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound on the foot that occurs in approximately 15% of patients with diabetes, most commonly on the bottom of the foot. It results from nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood flow, which impair the body's ability to heal even minor injuries. Without specialist treatment, these wounds can progress to infection or amputation.
Can a diabetic foot ulcer be healed without surgery?
Yes, in many cases. Advanced wound care techniques — debridement, specialized dressings, offloading footwear, and sometimes hyperbaric oxygen therapy — can heal diabetic foot ulcers without surgery. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes. Surgery becomes more likely when infection has reached bone or vascular flow is severely compromised.
What causes diabetic wounds to not heal?
Poor blood-sugar control impairs immune function and tissue repair. Peripheral arterial disease reduces blood flow to the extremities. Neuropathy prevents patients from noticing early injuries. Together these factors create a wound-healing deficit that requires specialist care, including vascular evaluation and metabolic optimization.
Are diabetic foot ulcers serious?
Yes. The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetic foot ulcers precede approximately 85% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in patients with diabetes. Early specialized wound care is the single most important factor in preventing amputation in high-risk patients.
How long does a diabetic foot ulcer take to heal?
Uncomplicated diabetic foot ulcers typically heal within 8–12 weeks of consistent specialist care. Wounds that have not closed by 4 weeks should be re-evaluated for unaddressed factors such as undiagnosed arterial disease, infection, or inadequate offloading. Healing time depends heavily on patient adherence to offloading.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT is an evidence-based therapy for specific chronic wound types. Coverage and clinical indications follow strict criteria.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The pressure dramatically increases oxygen delivery to tissue, accelerating wound healing, reducing infection risk, and stimulating new blood-vessel formation. It is FDA-approved for specific indications including diabetic foot ulcers and osteomyelitis.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by Medicare?
Medicare Part B covers HBOT for specific wound types, including diabetic foot ulcers (Wagner Grade 3 or higher) that have not responded to standard treatment for at least 30 days. Coverage requires physician documentation and prior authorization. Call the clinic to verify your specific coverage before scheduling.
How many HBOT sessions are needed?
A typical course is 20–40 sessions, each lasting approximately 90–120 minutes including pressurization. The exact number depends on wound type, severity, and patient response. Progress is reassessed every 10 sessions and the plan adjusted accordingly.
What conditions benefit most from HBOT?
HBOT is most effective for diabetic foot ulcers that have failed standard care, osteomyelitis (bone infections), arterial-insufficiency wounds, soft-tissue radiation injuries, and select non-healing surgical wounds. It is not appropriate for venous ulcers as a first-line treatment.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic, lifelong condition. Proper management makes it highly controllable; untreated it is progressive.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition causing swelling, usually in the arms or legs, due to damage or blockage in the lymphatic system. Primary lymphedema is genetic; secondary lymphedema results from cancer treatment, surgery, infection, or trauma. Without treatment it is progressive.
Does lymphedema ever go away?
Lymphedema is a chronic, lifelong condition with no cure, but it is highly manageable. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) — a combination of manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise, and skin care — significantly reduces swelling and prevents progression. Many patients live well with stable, controlled lymphedema for decades.
How is lymphedema different from regular swelling (edema)?
Regular edema is caused by fluid accumulation and often resolves with elevation or diuretics. Lymphedema involves protein-rich fluid trapped by damaged lymphatic vessels. It does not respond to diuretics, is progressive without treatment, and requires specialized lymphedema therapy rather than general edema management.
Can lymphedema cause wounds?
Yes. Long-standing lymphedema thickens and damages skin, making it prone to cracking, infection (cellulitis), and chronic ulceration. Wound care for a lymphedema-related ulcer must address both the wound and the underlying lymphatic insufficiency, typically with combined dressing care and compression.
Pressure Ulcers / Bed Sores
Pressure injuries are graded by depth using the NPIAP staging system. Stage matters because it dictates treatment and healing time.
What are the stages of pressure ulcers?
Per NPIAP staging: Stage 1 — intact skin with non-blanchable redness; Stage 2 — partial-thickness loss with exposed dermis; Stage 3 — full-thickness loss with visible fat; Stage 4 — full-thickness loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. Unstageable injuries are obscured by eschar or slough; Deep Tissue Pressure Injury shows persistent non-blanchable deep red, maroon, or purple discoloration.
Can a Stage 4 pressure ulcer heal?
Stage 4 pressure ulcers can heal with aggressive specialist care: debridement, advanced dressings, infection management, nutritional optimization, and consistent pressure redistribution. Healing typically takes months and requires close coordination with the caregiving team. Some Stage 4 wounds close completely; others reach a stable, manageable state.
Who is most at risk for pressure ulcers?
Patients with limited mobility (bedridden or wheelchair-bound), incontinence, poor nutrition, diabetes, vascular disease, or impaired sensation are at highest risk. Elderly patients in long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable. AHRQ's pressure injury prevention toolkit emphasizes regular repositioning and skin assessment as the foundation of prevention.
How often should a bedridden patient be repositioned?
Standard guidance is repositioning at least every 2 hours for fully bedridden patients, and every hour for chair-bound patients. Patients with existing pressure injuries may need more frequent changes. Specialty mattresses and cushions reduce — but do not replace — the need for repositioning.
Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)
Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection often arising from diabetic foot wounds. Early diagnosis and combined antibiotic + surgical care dramatically improve limb-salvage rates.
What is osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can result from bacteria spreading through the bloodstream or, more commonly in wound care, from an adjacent wound — particularly diabetic foot ulcers. It causes pain, swelling, warmth, and in advanced cases, tissue death. Diagnosis combines imaging (MRI is the gold standard) with bone biopsy and culture.
Can osteomyelitis be treated without amputation?
Yes, in many cases. Treatment typically combines targeted IV antibiotics (often 6+ weeks), surgical debridement of infected bone, and ongoing wound care. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used as an adjunct in select cases. Early diagnosis and combined antibiotic + surgical care dramatically improve limb-salvage outcomes per IDSA diabetic foot infection guidelines.
How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines clinical exam, imaging (MRI is the most sensitive; X-ray and bone scan are also used), and definitive bone biopsy with culture. Probe-to-bone testing is a useful clinical clue in diabetic foot ulcers. Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) support diagnosis but are not specific on their own.
Telemedicine Wound Care
Telemedicine extends specialist access for stable, follow-up, and monitoring visits — especially valuable for patients with limited mobility or long drives.
What wound care services are available via telemedicine?
Telemedicine consultations cover wound assessment via photo and video, follow-up visits, care-plan reviews, prescription management, and referral coordination. Initial evaluations for new complex wounds are typically recommended in person to allow direct probing, vascular assessment, and biopsy when needed.
How do I prepare for a telemedicine wound care visit?
Take clear, well-lit photos of the wound from multiple angles, including a close-up and a wider shot showing surrounding skin. Have a current medication list ready. Be prepared to describe the wound's history, any changes in size, drainage color, odor, and pain level since the last visit.
Is telemedicine wound care covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans cover telehealth visits and some do not. Medicare telehealth coverage rules also change at the federal level. Call (972) 491-1200 and the front desk will verify your specific plan before booking.
Insurance, Cost, and Access
Independent specialty clinics typically cost less than hospital wound centers because there is no facility fee. Coverage details depend on plan and procedure.
Why is wound care at an independent clinic less expensive than at a hospital?
Hospital outpatient wound centers bill a facility fee in addition to the physician fee — a separate charge that can double the patient cost. Independent clinics like Dr. Rizvi's do not bill a facility fee. The same procedure can cost significantly less, particularly for patients with high-deductible plans.
Does Medicare cover wound care?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary wound-care services, including debridement, dressing changes, compression, and HBOT for qualifying conditions. Coverage requires that services be ordered by a physician and documented as medically necessary. The clinic verifies coverage before treatment.
What if I am uninsured?
Cash-pay options are available for uninsured patients, structured to keep specialty wound care accessible. Call (972) 491-1200 to discuss specific scenarios — bringing total costs down often comes down to choosing the right visit type.
Have a Question We Didn't Answer?
Call (972) 491-1200 — Dr. Rizvi or her team will get you a real answer, not a callback queue.