Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy delivers medications, fluids, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream through an IV line, a PICC line, or another type of vascular access. It’s used when medications can’t be taken by mouth, need to reach the body faster than oral delivery allows, or need to be administered in precise, controlled doses.
Common reasons for infusion therapy
IV antibiotics for serious infections that don’t respond to oral medications. IV fluids for dehydration. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for patients who can’t eat or absorb nutrients through their digestive system. Medications for pain management, heart failure, or autoimmune conditions that require intravenous delivery. Blood transfusions. Hydration therapy during recovery from illness or surgery.
Why it happens in a facility
Infusion therapy requires a nurse to start and maintain the IV line, monitor the patient during infusion for adverse reactions, manage the infusion rate, and care for the access site to prevent infection. Some infusions run for hours. Some are given multiple times a day. That level of clinical attention usually isn’t practical at home, which is why many patients receiving infusion therapy do so during a skilled nursing stay.
At MediLodge, registered nurses administer infusion therapy following physician orders and monitor patients throughout treatment. The Infusion Nurses Society sets the clinical practice standards for infusion therapy, and MediLodge facilities follow established protocols for line care and infection prevention.
Paying for infusion therapy
Medicare covers infusion therapy during a qualifying skilled nursing stay. Medicaid, private insurance, and VA benefits may also cover it depending on eligibility.
Getting started
Find a MediLodge location near you and contact the facility to discuss infusion therapy services.