Your Voyage to Health

Infusion therapy involves the administration of medication through a needle or catheter. It is prescribed when a patient’s condition is so severe that it cannot be treated effectively by oral medications. Typically, “infusion therapy” means that a drug is administered intravenously, but the term also may refer to situations where drugs are provided through other non-oral routes, such as intramuscular injections and epidural routes (into the membranes surrounding the spinal cord). “Traditional” prescription drug therapies commonly administered via infusion include antibiotics, antifungal, antiviral, chemotherapy, hydration, pain management, and parenteral nutrition. Infusion therapy is also provided to patients for treating a wide assortment of often chronic and sometimes rare diseases for which “specialty” infusion medications are effective. While some have been available for many years, others are newer drugs and biologics. Examples include blood factors, corticosteroids, erythropoietin, infliximab, inotropic heart medications, growth hormones, immunoglobulin, natalizumab and many others.

Most chronic and acute disease states can be treated with some form of infusion therapy.  Diseases commonly requiring infusion therapy include infections, gastrointestinal diseases and disorders, dehydration, congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, neurological disorders, and more.

Ambulatory infusion is typically covered under major medical (as opposed to pharmacy) benefits. Most commercial insurers recognize this type of infusion setting as an appropriate and cost-effective alternative to other infusion locations.  We accept a wide variety of PPO, HMO, POS, and managed care plans. These plans change their rules and guidelines frequently, so we will verify your benefits prior to initiating your therapy.

Infusion timeframes vary based on the medication, the dosage, and how long you need to be monitored after the infusion. Some infusions are as quick as 30 minutes while others may take a couple hours. Once we know the specifics of your medical needs our team should be able to estimate how long each appointment will take.

Yes. Our suites are large enough to allow your caregiver or family member to sit with you during your treatment. Your guest is also welcome to sit in our waiting room.  We recommend having someone drive you to and from your first few appointments until you know how your body will tolerate your treatment.

During your treatment, you can watch one of our TV’s, read, sleep, utilize our free Wi-Fi on your own device, or whatever makes you comfortable. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do to make your appointment more comfortable.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes. Some special considerations: avoid sleeves that are too tight that may restrict access to start your IV or the flow of your infusion. Also, if you have a Medi port, it would be easiest if you wore a button-up shirt or a shirt with a lower neckline so we can easily access your port.

Yes! Please let us know if we can chill or heat your food for you before you enjoy it.

Once we receive a request for services, we can schedule your initial visit and contact your insurance provider. If they have any follow-up questions or need additional information, we’ll work directly with your doctor’s office regarding those details. For most patients, your first infusion happens within about a week of receiving the referral, though sometimes it can take a little longer.

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

• You’ll arrive at the infusion center for your scheduled appointment. We will collect any copay, coinsurance, or deductible at the time of service. We will then take you to your private suite.
• Your clinician will confirm your identity and explain the infusion process. You will talk about any past infusion experience and specific needs you have. Your clinician will answer any questions and address any concerns.
• The clinician will conduct an assessment: Check your vitals (g., blood pressure, temperature), review your current medications, and allergies. The clinician will also note any changes since your previous appointment or establish a baseline if you are a new patient.
• To prepare for the infusion, your clinician will perform a 5-check verification process to ensure you get the right drug and dose, administered at the correct frequency.
• The length of each treatment depends on the medication and your specific condition, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.
• At completion of the treatment, you’ll generally be observed for 30 minutes, during which time your clinician will administer a saline flush.
• Your clinician will likely check your vitals one last time, gently remove your catheter, and unhook you from the IV.
• Your clinician will discharge you with verbal or written instructions as appropriate providing there haven’t been any complications or reactions. You will also be scheduled for your next appointment and asked to provide feedback on your experience before you leave the suite.