What to Expect at Your Infusion Therapy Treatment Visit
What happens at my treatment visit?
This is a basic, step-by-step plan of what you may expect at your first treatment visit. Some of the processes may vary depending on the site.
Front Desk Staff
- The front desk staff checks you in and asks you to fill out any needed forms.
- You will be asked for your driver’s license or photo ID and insurance card.
Treatment Nurse
- The treatment nurse brings you back to a chair and takes your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and weight. Your weight is taken with your shoes off at each visit so that we can check that your medicine dose is correct.
- The nurse then reviews your treatment plan and answers your questions.
- The treatment nurse starts an IV and draws blood if needed. It can take up to an hour for lab results to come back. It saves time if you have a blood draw a few days before your visit.
- Lab results are reviewed and your treatment orders are double-checked as part of a safety check.
Pharmacist or Treatment Nurse
- The pharmacist double checks your orders for safety.
- Your medications are made at the time of your visit and cannot be made ahead of time. This can take up to an hour.
- The pharmacist is available to answer questions about your treatment.
- A final double check of the medicines is performed with another treatment nurse.
- The treatment nurse gives you your treatment and may need to watch you for a while after your treatment is done (this depends on the medicine you receive). Your nurse will tell you if you need to stay after your treatment, as needed.
Common Questions and Answers
- Where can I go for treatment?
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We have infusions centers in several locations to serve you. It’s best to talk to your provider about which location you can go before starting treatment.
- Will you contact my insurance before I start treatment?
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Yes. Our financial counselors work with your provider and insurance company. They can help you apply for: co-pay assistance and drug assistance programs.
Assistance programs may vary based on insurance type and other qualifications.
- Can I drive to my treatment visit?
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You may need a family member or friend to bring you to your visit. This depends on your treatment plan. Talk with your provider if a ride is needed.
Note: There may be times that we are restricting visitors and your driver or visitor may not be allowed in our buildings. Talk to our staff about current visitor guidelines or go to uhhospitals.org/healthcare-update/general-visitor-information.
Parking is free at our infusion centers.
- Where do I check in?
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During certain times, you may be screened for viral symptoms and have your temperature checked before entering our UH buildings.
Check in at the front desk. Bring your photo ID and insurance card.
Before coming in to the building, we may ask you to call a telephone number to check-in. Our staff will let you know what number call.
- Where is the treatment given?
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Our treatment areas have reclining chairs and some beds. There are private and semi-private spaces.
The staff assigns theses spaces based on what each patient needs and what space is open. If you have questions or concerns please talk with one of our staff when you arrive.
- How long will I be there?
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The time you are at the infusion center depends on your treatment plan. Our schedulers will talk to you about how long your visit will take.
We suggest not making plans for the rest of the day in case your visit takes longer.
- Should I take my routine medicine?
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Your provider may tell you not to take certain medicines the morning of your treatment or to take extra medicine before coming in. Check with your provider about any changes to your medications prior to treatment.
- What should I bring?
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- Driver’s license or photo ID and insurance card.
- A list of your current medicines. Include over-the-counter medicines, herbs, vitamins and supplements.
- Medicine that you may need to take during your visit. Tell your treatment nurse before you take any medicines you have brought from home.
- Snacks, meals or drinks you would like to have while you are here. We have a refrigerator and microwave for your use.
- Items to help pass the time such as: books, music, phone or laptop. WiFi access is free and most locations have cable TV.
- What should I wear?
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Dress in layers or wear something that zips or buttons in the front. Bring a jacket or sweater or blanket because it may feel cold in the treatment area.
You may need to wear a mask during your treatment visit.
- Who can come with me?
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For their safety, children under the age of 18 years are not allowed in the infusion clinic. Please talk with our staff about our current visitor policy or go to our website at UHhospitals.org for the latest visitor guidelines.
Safety During Your Visit
- Infection safety
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Your safety and health is important to us. When needed, our staff wears masks, gloves and other infection prevention items to keep you safe.
All chairs and beds are cleaned and sanitized between each patient based on our center’s infection cleaning standards.
All staff wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before and after caring for each patient.
- Medication safety
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It takes times to make and give you your medicines safely. Please be patient with us. During this process the staff asks you many times to state your name and date of birth. They perform many safety checks of your medication before they are given to you.
- Falls safety
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During your treatment we want to protect you from falls. You can get up and move around, but you are not allowed to leave the treatment area.
Bathrooms are close by. You may have to take your IV pole with you when using the bathroom. You have a call light for when you need to ask for help from our staff.