New clinic specializes in treating Iowans exposed to toxic substances
This month University of Iowa Health Care launches a Medical Toxicology Clinic, providing outpatient care for Iowans exposed to toxic substances with the aim to understand the root cause of symptoms quicker and more directly.
With Daniel McCabe, MD, director of the Division of Medical Toxicology, at the helm, this will be the first and only clinic of its kind in Iowa and many of the surrounding states. The clinic will use a more targeted approach—versus ordering a myriad of tests— to diagnose patients, which can be more cost-effective and efficient.
“We are an expert resource for patients and referring providers in Iowa and our surrounding states,” McCabe says. “For many primary care physicians, they may see a severe poisoning case only once in their career. Every week we receive calls from providers asking for counsel on these types of cases. We know how to quickly assess each patients’ unique circumstances, including where and how the exposure may be occurring.”
Initially, the clinic will operate every other Wednesday in the Medical Specialty Clinics on university campus, seeing patients only by referral. Patients who think they may be a candidate for the clinic should first consult with their primary care provider.
McCabe expects to see a variety of patients and ailments, with heavy metal exposures likely to be the most common, particularly lead poisoning, which has historically been higher in the state of Iowa than the national average.
“Lead poisoning is extremely dangerous for children, those in certain job fields, and a few other vulnerable populations,” McCabe says. “Our team is experienced with proven, effective treatments like chelation therapy, which uses special drugs to remove lead from the blood.”
The Medical Toxicology Clinic may also see patients referred by health care providers with the Veterans Health Administration, who treat veterans with a variety of toxic exposures related to their time in the armed forces. The clinic may also see patients with issues related to high levels of pesticide exposure.
“I’m excited to see this clinic launch and for how it can help centralize and improve patient outcomes across the upper Midwest,” McCabe says. “We can make a difference in these patients’ lives without having to admit them as an inpatient.”
