Specialty Infusion Centers: What to Expect

At Specialty Infusion Centers, we understand the challenges that are associated with navigating chronic illness and are here to make this a stress-free process from start to finish. Our coordination and clinical team are here to support you with every step, so all you have to do is come to your appointment.

Before we schedule your treatment

We have a team of insurance experts who will advocate on your behalf in the process of initiating or transitioning your treatment to our centers. Your coverage and benefits are thoroughly reviewed to ensure you will have the lowest out of pocket costs possible. 

First, your physician will send a prescription, clinical notes, demographics and your insurance card. 

Then, you Care Coordinator will contact your insurance company to conduct an investigation of benefits and initiate an authorization to ensure coverage of your treatment. 

Our team works diligently to expedite the authorization process and will keep you updated along the way. Once your approval is obtained, your Care Coordinator will contact you to schedule an appointment that works with your schedule. 

How to prepare for your treatment?

• Beginning the day before and the day of your infusion be sure to adequately hydrate to make it easier for your nurse practitioner to place your IV.
  
  
• Wear short sleeves or a shirt with sleeves that are easy to roll up. 
• While we offer snacks and beverages, you may bring your own. 
• Complimentary WiFi and iPads are made available. 
• For the consideration of all patients, it is important to be on time for your scheduled appointment. If you are delayed, please call or text us at (212) 776-9090 so that we can adjust the schedule. 

What to expect during the treatment?

From the moment you sit in our cozy, leather reclining chairs, you can expect a clean, safe, comfortable, and private experience. 

After ensuring normal vitals, your nurse practitioner will initiate your IV insertion or injection. Pre-medications will be administrated and labs will be drawn from your IV, if applicable. We offer numbing spray prior to IV insertions, so please let your nurse practitioner know if you would like that applied. 

All medications are mixed on-site by your nurse practitioner after IV insertion, bypassing wait times at pharmacies for medication delivery, expediting your infusion. 

Vitals will be taken periodically throughout your infusion and your nurse practitioner will monitor you closely for your safety. Time of the infusion is medication specific; it can range from 30 minutes to 5 hours. Injections take a few minutes with a 30-minute monitoring period afterwards.

Once the infusion begins, sit back and relax in a reclining chair with Netflix on the flat screen or on individual iPads and a beverage and snack in hand. The serene environment at Specialty Infusion accommodates all your needs from kicking back with a show or book to getting work done to a midday nap. Our goal is to provide an efficient, stress-free, and pleasant experience. 

While uncommon, infusion reactions can occur, your nurse practitioner is expertly trained to treat any kind of infusion reaction and will monitor you closely. 

We are always here to help answer any questions, address concerns, and provide a safe and comfortable infusion experience. 

After the treatment

Upon completion of your infusion, your nurse practitioner will take a last set of vitals and take out your IV. We recommend maintaining pressure on the dressing to decrease the chance of bruising at the site. 

We offer on-site scheduling to keep you on track with your infusion schedule. 

After your infusion, there are no contraindications to normal activity, so you may continue your day as usual. 

Thank you for trusting Specialty Infusion Centers with your care.