Infusion Therapy

IV stands for intravenous, which means “within the vein.” Infusion therapy is a medication that is given by placing a flexible catheter in your vein using a small gauge needle.

There are many diseases treated with infusion therapy, including but not limited to: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, microscopic polyanglitis, osteoporosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and more.

While we work hard to to schedule your infusion as soon as possible there are factors that determine the speed of scheduling. Most insurance companies require a predetermination or authorization before you can receive infusion, and unfortunately, it can take a couple of days to weeks before we receive the predetermination/authorization. Additionally, infusion medications may have a specific loading dose, or set of initial infusion appointments that are scheduled closer together-this can present a challenge to scheduling on an already busy schedule, but we will work with you to find the best way to get you in as soon as possible after insurance has approved your infusion.

Drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated will help make it easier to start your IV. Avoid excessive amounts of coffee prior to your infusion because it can be dehydrating. Avoid foods and activities that cause dehydration prior to your infusion, such as heavy exercise, salty foods and donating blood. Make sure you arrive on time for your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may have to reschedule your infusion.

A loading dose is an initial set of scheduled infusions that are closer together or a higher dose before beginning a more routine treatment plan. The loading doses and maintenance schedule are determined by the specific drug and it’s dosing regimen. The loading dose allows for a drug to reach a therapeutic level at a quicker rate. Some drugs do allow for doses to be adjusted by your provider based on your response to the drug.

If your insurance does not provide proper coverage or denies an authorization, your doctor will determine the next steps to take and will work with you.

No. This is a common misconception. Due to the complexities of storing, mixing, and infusing our drugs they are classified by insurance companies as “chemotherapy” for billing purposes. You may see this on your explanation of benefits that you receive from your insurance company. A few of our drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases are used in cancer treatment but we use them at a much lower dose.

Depending on the type of medication you are having infused, it can take as little as 30 minutes up to five hours.

Yes, we have a bathroom conveniently located near the infusion suite should you need to use it at any time. Our IV pumps operate on battery and can be taken to the bathroom with you.

The frequency of your infusion therapy is determined by the medication you are on and what has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration. Some drugs do allow for doses to be adjusted by your provider based on your response to the drug.

Most patients say, “I didn’t feel anything at all,” while others claim it feels like a small pinch and is comparable to getting their routine lab work done.

The needle size is very small; this size needle is often used on children in the hospital.

Yes; patients can safely transport themselves to and from infusion.

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, it is best to discuss this with your physician before starting infusions to determine the best treatment plan. If there is a chance you could be pregnant, please notify your physician or nurse as soon as possible.

For the most part our drugs are well tolerated with minor side effects. Most of our patients return to their daily routine after they leave the infusion area. As with any medication some patients may experience some form of an allergic reaction however, these are most likely to happen while you’re being infused. An allergic reaction may range from mild itching or nausea to difficulty breathing or heavy pressure on your chest. Our trained nurses will be checking on you throughout your infusion and are trained to respond in the unlikely event you experience a side effect or allergic reaction.

Our oxygen tank is for emergency purposes only. It is the patient’s responsibility to bring enough oxygen for their commute to our facility, the length of appointment/infusion, and the commute from our facility.

Infusion Therapy is managed by our team of physicians and the experienced nurses. The staff is specially trained regarding all aspects of intravenous (IV) infusion including emergency procedures.

You will sit in a comfortable recliner during the therapy. You are welcome to take a nap during the procedure, or you can pass the time with a book, magazine, smart phone, computer or tablet. We also provide free Wi-Fi. Dress in layers for your own comfort. We offer blankets and you are welcome to bring additional blankets or pillows.