Living with a long-term illness can be tough, especially when it means getting regular infusion treatments. But don’t worry, there are ways to make it easier.
One option is outpatient infusion therapy, which lets you get your treatments in a comfortable place that’s not the hospital. Many people choose this because it’s more convenient and flexible.
In this blog, we’ll talk about why outpatient infusion therapy is great and how it can help you get better care.
What is Outpatient Infusion Therapy?
First off, “infusion therapy” is just a fancy term for getting your medicine through an IV – which stands for intravenous, meaning “into the vein.” Instead of taking a pill or a shot, the medicine flows through a small tube right into your bloodstream. This method is super helpful for medicines that work best this way or for people who can’t take medicine orally.
Now, when we add “outpatient” to the mix, it means you can get this treatment without having to stay overnight in a hospital. You visit an outpatient infusion center, get your therapy, and then head back home. It’s convenient, comfortable, and saves a lot of time.
Why Choose an Outpatient Infusion Center?
Choosing an outpatient infusion center for your IV therapy means you’re opting for ease and efficiency. Here are a few reasons why:
Comfortable Setting
Outpatient IV centers are designed to make you feel at ease. They’re not as busy or overwhelming as hospitals, so you can relax while receiving your treatment.
Having comfortable places to sit, snacks, and things like TVs or Wi-Fi available can help patients feel better while they get their treatments.
Flexibility
Life doesn’t stop, even when we need medical care. Outpatient centers offer flexible scheduling so you can get your therapy without missing out on school, work, or fun.
Expert Care
Just because you’re not in a hospital doesn’t mean you won’t receive top-notch care. Outpatient centers have skilled nurses and doctors specializing in IV therapy, ensuring you’re in good hands.
Cost-Effective
Receiving treatment at an outpatient infusion center can often be less expensive than in a hospital setting, making it a smart choice for both your health and your wallet.
Types of Treatments Available
Outpatient infusion centers can offer a wide range of therapies for various conditions, including autoimmune diseases, anemia, dehydration, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the key infusion therapies offered at an infusion center:
Infliximab
Infliximab, also known as Remicade and its biosimilars like Renflexis, is a powerful medication used for treating different inflammatory conditions. It can help reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Patients who haven’t found relief with other medications may find success with Infliximab.
Entyvio
Entyvio is specifically designed to treat inflammatory bowel diseases by targeting the immune response in the gut. This medicine is recommended for those with moderate to severe active Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
It offers a targeted approach that brings hope to those struggling with these difficult conditions.
Stelara
Stelara is a medication that targets specific proteins in the body to provide relief for multiple conditions including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Patients can expect to see improvements within a few months of starting Stelara, making it a promising long-term option.
Venofer
Iron deficiency anemia and chronic kidney disease can greatly impact one’s quality of life. Venofer is an iron replacement supplement that can be given through infusion to quickly restore iron levels in adults and children (2 years and older) who are deficient in iron or have chronic kidney disease.
Skyrizi
Skyrizi is a treatment for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriatic arthritis. It has helped many people achieve 90% clearer skin and keep it that way for a year.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you go for your infusion, you’ll be shown to a comfortable chair or bed. A nurse will then set up the IV, which involves a tiny pinch – but don’t worry, it’s usually quick and not too painful.
Then, you relax while the medicine does its job. Bring a book, watch a movie on your tablet, or just take a nap. The length of your visit depends on the type of treatment you’re receiving; it could be anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Outpatient IV Center in Atlanta
If you or a loved one are considering infusion therapy for managing a chronic condition, visit GI Care Infusion. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is highly trained to give you the best possible IV care for your unique needs. You can trust us to provide exceptional, personalized care.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly at (470) 785-4616 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!