- What is infusion therapy, or IV infusion?
- 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.
- IV stands for intravenous, which means “within the vein.” Infusion therapy is a medication that is given
- What conditions are treated with infusion therapy?
- 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.
- There are many diseases treated with infusion therapy, including but not limited to: rheumatoid
- How long will it take to be scheduled?
- It may take 3 weeks to 1 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.
- It may take 3 weeks to 1 month to be scheduled for your first infusion. Most insurance companies
- What should I do before my appointment?
- 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.
- Drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated will help make it easier to start your IV. Avoid excessive
- What is a ‘loading dose’?
- 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.
- A loading dose is an initial set of scheduled infusions before beginning a more routine treatment plan
- What if my insurance company does not provide coverage for my treatment?
- If your insurance does not provide proper coverage or denies an authorization, your doctor will
determine the next steps to take and what will work best for you.
- If your insurance does not provide proper coverage or denies an authorization, your doctor will
- Is infusion the same as chemotherapy?
- 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.
- No. There are drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases that are classified as “chemotherapy drugs,”
- How long does an infusion take?
- Depending on the type of medication you are having infused, it can take as little as 30 minutes up to 5
hours.
- Depending on the type of medication you are having infused, it can take as little as 30 minutes up to 5
- Will I be able to use the restroom while being infused?
- Yes, we have a bathroom conveniently located near the infusion suite should you need to use it at any
time.
- Yes, we have a bathroom conveniently located near the infusion suite should you need to use it at any
- How often do I get infused?
- The frequency of your infusion therapy will be determined by your physician.
- Will it hurt?
- 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.
- Most patients say, “I didn’t feel anything at all,” while others claim it feels like a small pinch and is
- How big is the needle?
- The needle size is very small; this size needle is often used on children in the hospital.
- Can I drive after receiving infusion?
- Yes; patients can safely transport themselves to and from infusion.
- Can I receive infusion if I am, or am planning on becoming pregnant?
- 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.
- If you are planning on becoming pregnant, it is best to discuss this with your physician before starting
- Are there any side effects to infusion therapy?
- 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.
- Any side effects would be an allergic reaction that would likely happen while you’re being infused. An
- I use oxygen, can I bring it and use it while receiving infusion?
- 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.
- Our oxygen tank is for emergency purposes only. It is the patient’s responsibility to bring enough
- Where will my infusion take place?
- At your home or at 16021 Comprint Cir, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
- Infusion Therapy is managed by our team of physicians and the experienced nurses at home or in the office. 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.
- Can I have a friend or family member sit with me?
- We do not allow friends or family members to sit with patients receiving infusion as it is a violation of
privacy for other patients.
- We do not allow friends or family members to sit with patients receiving infusion as it is a violation of
- Can I have my infant or child sit with me?
- We do not allow infants or children in the infusion suite as it is unsafe for both patient and child in the
case of a medical event. - Additionally, individuals receiving infusion have weakened immune systems and are at greater risk of illness when exposed to germs.
- We do not allow infants or children in the infusion suite as it is unsafe for both patient and child in the
- Can I bring my service animal?
- In accordance with the ADA, we do allow service animals in the infusion suite. The service animal should
meet the following requirements:- the animal must be free of fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites, has been screened by a veterinarian within the past twelve (12) months prior to entering the facility,
- has received all required inoculations, is 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 can control the animal.
- In accordance with the ADA, we do allow service animals in the infusion suite. The service animal should
- Am I allowed to bring a fire arm or weapon with me?
- In accordance with MD Law Enforcement Department, no fire arms or weapons of any
kind are allowed at any of our locations.
- In accordance with MD Law Enforcement Department, no fire arms or weapons of any
If you have any questions, feel free to call the infusion department at: 240-852-9384.
You can also stop by the Infusion Department prior to your appointment; we have plenty
of educational pamphlets about your medication. You may also access information
about your medication online