Infusion Therapy FAQs for Patients in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington, DC
If you or a loved one has been prescribed infusion therapy, you may have questions about this type of therapy. At Regional Cancer Care Associates, patient and caregiver education is paramount. We want to ensure the concerns of each patient are addressed. On this page, we provide answers to the questions we hear most often from patients.
What is infusion therapy?
Also known as intravenous (IV) therapy, infusion therapy is the delivery of medication through the veins. This is done by inserting a needle directly into a vein in the arm or top of the hand and then injecting the medication through that needle.
The important thing to remember is that the term infusion therapy refers to how the medication is delivered, not what condition the medicine has been prescribed to treat. Different medications are delivered in different ways. Many medications are taken by mouth, such as pills and liquid formulations. Medicines that are not taken by mouth are called parenteral medications. These include medicines that are inhaled and those that are delivered intravenously, among others.
Why would my doctor prescribe infusion therapy rather than a medication delivered in another way?
There are two main reasons why physicians prescribe infusion therapy. First, the nature of some medications and how they work in the body require that they be delivered intravenously. For example, some of the most important new therapies that have been developed for treating chronic diseases cannot be taken by mouth because the digestive process would break down proteins that make the medications effective.
Secondly, in cases where a physician has a choice between an oral or IV medication, the doctor may choose infusion because it is a more efficient means of delivering medicine into the body, offering a higher absorption rate than some oral medications. In other instances, the doctor may prescribe infused therapy when oral medication has not provided the desired results, or when it is difficult for a patient to take oral medication.
What conditions are treated with infusion therapy?
Several chronic (ongoing) conditions are treated with infusion therapy, including:
- Crohn’s disease/inflammatory bowel disease
- Gout
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Plaque psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Many acute or short-term conditions are also treated with infused therapy, such as:
- Dehydration
- Hyperemesis (frequent vomiting, typically caused by another health condition or medical treatment)
- Infections requiring systemic antibiotics
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Magnesium deficiency
- Opioid or alcohol dependency
Additionally, many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, are delivered intravenously.
Is there a risk of side effects with infusion therapy?
Yes. This risk exists with all types of medication. While uncommon with most infused therapies, side effects generally are mild and can typically be managed quickly and effectively.
Two types of side effects arise with infused therapies. The first type has to do with the medicine itself, not the fact that it is infused. The second type relates to the infusion process. These may include redness, pain, itching, or swelling at the infusion site.
The infusion nurses, physicians, and other clinical staff at Regional Cancer Care Associates have extensive experience and training in screening patients to see if they may be at higher risk for certain side effects. We give pre-infusion medications to reduce the likelihood of these effects, and monitor patients throughout the entire infusion process and treating issues that may arise.
When you come to Regional Cancer Care Associates for an infusion, a nurse will assess your risk for side effects, provide information on what to expect, and administer any pre-treatment medications that may be appropriate for your therapy, condition, and overall health. Pre-treatment medicine may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, anti-nausea drugs, or anti-allergy medications. Based on the patient’s condition and prescribed therapy, one or more of these medications may be given before the infusion begins. In other cases, no pre-infusion medication is necessary.
How Should I Prepare for my Infusion?
Normally, you may eat a regular meal before your infusion. If this is not appropriate because of the type of medication you will be receiving or for some other factor, you will receive specific instructions beforehand.
What should I expect when I come to Regional Cancer Care Associates for an infusion?
After a COVID-19 screening, an infusion team member will review and confirm with you the infusion you will be receiving, provide any health assessments or screenings needed, and address any questions or concerns you may have. Required medical or insurance-related information will be collected quickly, and any necessary lab work will be performed.
If you will be receiving any pre-infusion medication, that will be given. You will have a chance to use the bathroom, if you wish, before the infusion, and to get comfortably settled before a nurse sets up IV access via a small needle, in your arm or the top of your hand. Our nurses are experts at finding veins and inserting IV needles with minimal discomfort.
What role do Regional Cancer Care Associates’ physicians play in my infusion therapy?
RCCA is a physician clinical practice. Because of that, healthcare regulations and licensing boards require that our physicians be involved in the management of your infusion. You initially will be seen by a physician and on subsequent visits periodically by a physician or nurse practitioner to monitor aspects of the infusion and to keep your physicians informed, so that they can make any decisions regarding dosage, change in therapy, or duration of therapy. The team is available for any problems associated with the infusion process or reactions. Because we are a physician practice, insurance companies can realize substantial cost savings by having treatments administered in an office setting rather than a hospital setting.
What should I expect in terms of the infusion itself?
Infusion therapy is administered through a vein either in the arm or top of the hand. The needle is attached to a small tube, which is connected to an IV bag filled with the prescribed medication. Once the needle enters the access point, the medication slowly enters the bloodstream. A nurse will walk you through the entire process and answer any questions that arise along the way.
The length of each treatment varies and a physician is always nearby. The infusion team makes every effort to keep the patient comfortable, providing a reclining chair, blanket, and free Wi-Fi. You are welcome to bring books, music, and other items to help pass the time.
How should I prepare for my infusion?
The instructions for each patient may differ, and patients should follow all instructions provided by their physician and infusion team. This may include staying well-hydrated, following a specific diet, or taking/avoiding medications as directed.
- Medications: It’s important to keep a list of any medications and supplements you’re taking, as well as any allergies you have. Patients may also want to bring a list of questions or concerns for the infusion nurse.
- Dress: Plan to wear loose-fitting clothes that make it easy for staff to take blood pressure and other vital signs. Some patients prefer to bring a jacket or sweater to stay warm. We ask that patients avoid perfume or cologne to foster a comfortable environment for everyone.
- Entertainment: Patients may bring in items to help pass the time, such as a magazine, book, MP3 player, or journal.
Infusion therapy is an important step in your health and wellbeing. Patients should give themselves plenty of time to arrive at their center, receive treatment, and rest afterward.
Can I go the bathroom during an infusion treatment?
Yes. Our team can pause your infusion, so you can use the restroom during your treatment — just let our nurses know. Please note that you may need assistance getting up depending on the type of medication received.
Will I have privacy while receiving my infusion?
Yes. Our infusion centers are designed with your privacy in mind. Patients receive treatment in a private space, while still being able to see beyond their immediate area.
Can I eat or drink during my infusion?
Yes. In most cases, eating and drinking are permitted. Some exceptions may arise relating to a particular condition or medication. We offer beverages, such as tea, coffee, and water, but patients are typically able to bring snacks and beverages of their own. Please check with a nurse beforehand.
Can a loved one or close friend come with me?
Yes. While there may be certain restrictions on this policy related to COVID-19, patients are typically able to bring a companion. Please check with Regional Cancer Care Associates beforehand.
Please note: Your companion must be an adult. This person must abide by all our protocols related to COVID-19 and be mindful of the privacy of the other patients nearby.
What amenities do you offer at Regional Cancer Care Associates?
Our highly capable and compassionate staff makes every effort to ensure your treatment is a positive experience. Our team makes sure you receive effective treatment and pays special attention to your comfort, safety, and overall wellbeing. We provide blankets to help keep you warm, free Wi-Fi, beverages, and a variety of other amenities. Plus, our convenient locations offer easy parking, and bright, open infusion rooms.
Why should I receive infusion therapy at Regional Cancer Care Associates?
Regional Cancer Care Associates offers patients receiving infused therapy many advantages, including:
Expertise and Experience
Our team is experienced in delivering infused therapies for non-cancerous conditions and many types of cancer. The skill and knowledge we’ve gained from years of treating patients with chemotherapy, IV hydration, and other therapies enable us to take excellent care of infused therapy patients, from initial counseling to the infusion process itself, and everything in between. Our expertise is matched by our compassion and attention to patient questions, concerns, and comfort.
Physician Presence
When patients have an infusion at a Regional Cancer Care Associates location, they have the peace of mind of knowing that a physician is just a few steps away. In the unlikely event of a significant side effect, a physician is available to work with our experienced nursing staff to provide expert care.
Patient Convenience
Our 25 community-based care centers are located in convenient and welcoming settings across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area. There is no need to travel to a large hospital and navigate a complex facility. At our care centers, parking is plentiful and close by.
When patients arrive, they’re greeted by a receptionist who will notify the infusion staff of their arrival. Patients are cared for by infusion nurses and other team members who are familiar with their individual needs and preferences, and they receive treatment in a comfortable, pleasant setting.
Patients are also treated in a community-based care center – rather than a large, crowded facility – where we follow rigorous COVID-related safety and sanitization protocols. We also schedule appointments in ways that ensure appropriate distancing.
Affordability
Receiving an infusion at a community-based care center often entails significantly less cost to the patient in terms of co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses. In a hospital setting, the overhead costs are greater and typically passed on to the patient and their health plan.
Depending on your insurer’s coverage and reimbursement policies, some infused medications may be covered or reimbursed more favorably if they are administered at a community-based care center such as RCCA than if they are administered at home by a visiting nurse. Similarly, the generic version of an infused medication may have more favorable coverage and less out-of-pocket costs to the patient than the brand-name medication. Be sure to check with your insurer on its policies regarding these matters.
If you need more information regarding this type of treatment, contact us today or schedule an appointment at one of our locations across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area.
Why should I go to an RCCA community-based center rather than a hospital for infusion treatment?
Health plans increasingly are requiring their members to receive infusions at community-based outpatient centers, such as RCCA, rather than hospitals. If that’s the case with your insurer or managed care plan, RCCA is here to help – and to make every aspect of arranging and receiving treatment as easy and efficient as possible for you.
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN NEW JERSEY, CONNECTICUT, MARYLAND, AND THE WASHINGTON, DC AREA
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 844-474-6866. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.