Infusion therapy is a term that means the administration of medication through a needle or catheter. A physician prescribes infusion therapy when a patient’s condition is so severe that it cannot be treated effectively by oral medications.

Although the term infusion therapy usually means that the drug is administered directly into a vein, it can also refer to situations where drugs are administered into the subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or epidural routes (into the membranes surrounding the spinal cord).

Many conditions are treated with infusion therapy

Many conditions are often treated with infusion therapy such as autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease or Rheumatoid Arthritis, infections, dehydration, malnutrition, and pain to name a few.

Prior to the 1980s, a patient in need of infusion therapy was admitted to the hospital for the entire duration of the therapy.  Cost-containment in health care as well as advancements in infusion delivery methods led to strategies to safely and effectively administer infusion therapy in alternate settings such as in an independently owned infusion center or a patient’s own home.

Independent infusion centers are ideal for certain patient-therapy situations.  These centers are accredited and staffed with knowledgeable, experienced, certified nurses and pharmacists.  The staff work very closely with your physician to provide safe and effective infusion therapy in a comfortable and convenient setting.