What is Infusion Therapy?

When applicable upon check-out, you will meet with one of our Patient Navigators. They will sit with you and walk you through the process and explain any requirements we need of you in order to obtain approval for your treatment. The Patient Navigators can answer any remaining questions you may have, they are your practice resource!

The prior authorization team will confirm that your insurance provides coverage for your treatment. Once that is determined, most insurance companies require a predetermination/authorization before proceeding with an infusion. This generally takes up to 4 weeks.

It may take 3-4 weeks to be scheduled for your first infusion.  Once coverage and prior authorization/determination have been establish, our Infusion Coordinators will call to schedule your first infusion. They will go over your estimated costs to receive the infusion and answer any additional questions you may have. Depending on the drug ordered, it may be 1-4 hours for your first infusion. Some drugs have “loading doses”, which means the first few infusions will occur closer together. 

If your insurance denies coverage, you will schedule an in person or Telehealth visit with your provider to discuss other potential treatment options. 

Copayments, coinsurances, balances and deductible for infusion will be collected at time of service. Any credits available can be applied to outstanding balances or will be refunded to the patient. Remaining balances determined by your insurance plan will be billed to the patient and/or collected at next visit. 

No, the drugs we infuse are not chemotherapy.  A select few may be used in the oncology field as well as rheumatology.  However, you may see “chemotherapy” on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).  That is because it is classified as “chemo” from a billing perspective given the complexity frequent monitoring required. 

Most patients do not experience any side effects and are able to go about their day normally after their infusion.  

• • Some patients may experience mild side effects such as nausea, itching or headache.  
  • If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your nurse during the visit. 
  • On rare occasions, if a patient experiences any signs of severe allergy the infusion is stopped, the patient is medicated and may be transferred to the hospital for monitoring. 

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

If any of the following apply to you, please call and speak with an infusion nurse prior to your appointment.  Your appointment may need to be rescheduled  as receiving an infusion may decrease your body’s ability to heal and fight infection.  

• POPUP: Loading doses are the initial few doses given closer together to allow the drug to reach a therapeutic  blood level.  After the loading doses, your infusion appointments will be at the normal frequency for your drug.

The length depends on your medication.  Some of our infusion drugs are administered over 30 minutes and others can take up to 5hrs. 

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 is determined by your provider and the drug you’re on. 

Most patients say, “I didn’t feel anything at all,” while others claim it feels like a small pinch and is comparable to getting routine labs drawn.  The needle zise is very small; the size is often used on children in the hospital.

Yes, patients can safely transport themselves to and from an infusion appointment.  Sometimes Benadryl ( diphenhydramine) is used with our drugs and this can be sedating.  If this drug makes you drowsy, please call our office prior to coming to determine if you will get it. 

• Pre-infusion:
  • Your healthcare team will check your weight, vital signs and ask questions about your health.
    •  How have you been feeling?  Any new infections? Any recent antibiotic use?
    • Any recent or planned procedures or surgery? Including but not limited to dermatologic, dental or ophthalmologic.Dfsfs
  • After your check-up, some infusion protocols may require premedication with corticosteroids, antihistamine and anti-fever medication.
  • Your healthcare

• During infusion: 
  • Duration may be as short as 30min to as long as 4-5hrs.
  • You will be in a supportive chair with all your belongings 
  • Patients can have personal entertainment on hand and snacks to help pass the time.  
  • Once you’re settled an IV infusion needle will be placed and connected to an infusion pump.
  • If an infusion reaction occurs, your healthcare team may slow or stop the infusion.  If severe reactions occur, the infusion will be stopped, you will receive medications for treatment of symptoms and possible transfer to the hospital for monitoring.
• Post-infusion:
  •  Most infusion or injection therapy in the infusion center will not require post infusion monitoring but your healthcare team will notify you if needed. 

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. 

Your infusion will take place at the office.  We have an infusion suite at each of our locations: Sarasota, Bradenton & Venice.

• If you received care at another provider’s office, whether in  or outside of your home state, you must see your rheumatologist before your infusion/injection can be scheduled.  
• The provider will let us know to continue your medication and we will call to schedule your appointment once we have reviewed the documents below and insurance has been verified.  
• The following documents must be faxed to our infusion department from your last infusion center and/or provider: 
  • Last infusion note or document showing the medication, dose and the date given. 
  • Lab work
  • Most recent provider chart note. 
• If your insurance changes, please call the office immediately and be prepared to fax over required documents.

We do not allow infants or children in the infusion suite as it is unsafe for both patient and child in case of a medical event.  Additionally, children can  carry germs that we don’t want to expose other patients to.  Our infusions are done in a group setting and all our patients are immunocompromised to a certain extent.  

We do not allow friends or family members to sit with patients receiving infusion as it is a violation of privacy for other patients. 

In accordance with the ADA, we do allow service animals in the infusion suite.  The service animal should meet the following requirements:

• • It must be free of fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites and has been screened by a veterinarian within the past twelve (12) months prior to entering the facility and received all required inoculations.  
  • The service animal should remain clean and well groomed and presents no apparent threat to the health and safety of patients, visitors, employees or others.
  • All animals must be supervised by persons who know the animal and its behavior and cal control the animal.

Yes.  However, you must have your Concealed Weapon License with you and the firearm/weapon cannot be visible. We do ask that you please leave your firearm in your vehicle for the safety of all persons in the buildings.

• 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 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.