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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.

It may take three weeks to one month to be scheduled for your first infusion. 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, which can delay your first appointment if necessary times are not available.

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 before beginning a more routine treatment plan that is determined by your physician. The loading dose allows for a drug to reach a therapeutic level at a quicker rate, with consecutive infusion therapy as lower maintenance doses.

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. There are drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases that are classified as "chemotherapy drugs", however the dosage is much lower and less toxic than those used in cancer treatment and typically have little to no adverse side effects.

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

Yes, we have a bathroom conveniently located near the infusion suite should you need to use it at any time.

The frequency of your infusion therapy will be determined by your physician.

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.

Any side effects would be an allergic reaction that would likely happen while you’re being infused. An allergic reaction may appear as itchiness, difficulty breathing or heavy pressure on your chest. Our trained nurses will be checking on you throughout your infusion, so if you have an allergic reaction they will assist you.

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.