4 Points Medical Group begins mobile wound care unit

A local team of medical professionals is launching a mobile wound care unit to serve Covington County and surrounding areas, aiming to assist patients who face challenges in accessing traditional clinics or hospitals.

The company 4 Points Medical Group LLC is comprised of Amy Dugger of Andalusia, Dr. Christopher Reid of Niceville, Florida, and David Mason of Fort Walton Beach to provide wound care.

“We’ve been working in nephrology and often encountered wound care needs among our patients,” Dugger said. “Many patients must travel to Dothan, Crestview, Mobile, or Montgomery multiple times a week, which is difficult. Recognizing this ongoing need, we decided to bring wound care directly to them.”

Dr. Reid, a physician for 28 years, is based at the Renalus Center for Kidney Care in Fort Walton Beach. Dugger, who works at Renalus in Andalusia, and Mason, from the Fort Walton Beach location, are both advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Dugger recently became wound care certified, further enhancing their ability to serve patients.

The mobile wound care unit will operate five days a week, primarily in the afternoons, providing treatment for common conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and decubitus wounds in patients with limited mobility.

“Our goal is to bring quality wound care into the comfort of patients’ homes,” Dugger said. “This service is designed for convenience and fills a gap in our area’s healthcare system.”

Dugger emphasized that her approach to care is thorough, mirroring an in-clinic experience.

“I review their medications, medical history, and assess potential underlying causes of their wounds. We then develop a treatment plan aimed at healing the wound as effectively as possible.”

To enhance patient care, the team collaborates with the patient’s primary care physician, local general surgeons, and local agencies such as CenterWell Home Health and LHC HomeCare of South Alabama.

“We work closely with home health teams, ensuring patients receive care without having to travel. We coordinate treatment, write medical orders, and even teach caregivers or family members how to properly care for wounds,” Dugger said. “We also communicate with the referring physician to enhance continuity of care.”

While they currently do not work with hospice patients, Dugger hopes to expand their services in the future.

“Hospice care requires a delicate approach, but it’s something I would love to incorporate down the line,” she added.

Building trust with patients is a key aspect of their care model.

“By the time we see them, many have been suffering from their wounds for a long time. Our role is to provide a resolution and give them hope and improve their quality of life,” Dugger said.

Some patients receive wound care as frequently as three times a week with both home health nurses and the mobile unit keeping a close eye on progress.

“Continuous monitoring is crucial, and we want our patients to feel supported and cared for,” she said.

The team brings a wide range of medical equipment to home visits and works in coordination with home health providers.

“We often assess what has already been done, adjust treatment as needed, and ensure the best possible care for each patient,” Dugger said.

Referrals for mobile wound care can be made through a patient coordinator or by the patient’s primary physician. The current patient coordinator is Jennifer Barnes, and she can be reached by phone at 850-598-7421. To contact 4 Points Medical Group directly the contact number is 334-208-6002.

Despite the rewarding nature of the work, Dugger acknowledged one significant challenge: time.

“I’m still managing my responsibilities at Renalus, where we care for patients with dialysis, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension,” she said.

However, the impact of bringing wound care directly to those in need makes the effort worthwhile.

“We want our patients to know we genuinely care about them and are committed to improving their health,” Dugger said.