When you arrive, check in at the front desk. You'll be greeted and given a clipboard to fill out a few forms. These include any updates since your last visit. We'll also ask for your insurance cards and co-pay at this time. You'll meet with Amy to ensure all financial aspects are covered. When you're done with your forms, bring them back to the front desk. We'll call you back when we're ready for you!

We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your infusion! You will be in a comfortable recliner so you can decide if you want to sit up or lay back, We provide blankets in case you are cold You will be constantly monitored by our infusion nursing staff for safety and reactions, A doctor will be on site at all times so you can rest assured any problems can be handled quickly. Space is limited so guests are not encouraged. Unfortunately we are unable to have guests under the age of 18 in the suite. In an effort to maintain a clean and clinically appropriate environment, we request that there be no food or drink in the suite. Water is allowed.

IV INFUSIONS

Arthritis Infusion Treatment at Piedmont Arthritis

Sometimes, oral medications aren’t enough to manage your symptoms. If that happens, your physician team may recommend IV Infusion Therapy.

What is an IV Drug Infusion?

IV infusions are often prescribed for patients with moderate to severe or autoimmune diseases when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief.

IV infusions deliver medication directly to your bloodstream. With this method, medications take effect faster than pills or injections.

Some conditions infusion therapy can treat include (but aren’t limited to):

Subcutaneous medication administration

Some of the medications are provided by injection instead of IV. Not all subcutaneous injections can be provided in office by our staff due to insurance rules.

Your comfort is top priority.

If you choose to move forward with any type of infusion treatment at Piedmont Arthritis, our team will make sure you feel safe, supported, and comfortable every step of the way. We’ve put together this guide so you know exactly what to expect at your appointments, how insurance and payment works, and what medications we’ll use.

What to expect at your Infusion Therapy appointment.

Starting infusion therapy can seem scary or intimidating-but rest assured, it isn’t! We’re here to walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.

Prepare for your appointment:

Gather a few things to make the appointment easier and more comfortable:

Your insurance card
A payment method for your co-pay
A list of current medications (no need to bring the bottles!)
A book, phone, or iPad to stay entertained (we offer complimentary Wifi)
Space is limited and guests must be over the age of 18 to be allowed in the treatment area
Do not bring food or drinks; these are not allowed during the infusion.

On the day of your appointment, make sure to:

Have a light meal
Stay hydrated (this makes it easier to find your veins!)
Take your regular medications, unless told otherwise
Wear comfortable clothing

Upon arrival:

When you arrive, check in at the front desk.

You'll be greeted and given a clipboard to fill out a few forms.
These include any updates since your last visit.
We'll also ask for your insurance cards and co-pay at this time.
You'll meet with Amy to ensure all financial aspects are covered.
When you're done with your forms, bring them back to the front desk.
We'll call you back when we're ready for you!

Preparation with your infusion nurse:

When it's time, an infusion nurse will welcome you into the infusion suite.

We'll check your height, weight, and vital signs, then review your medical history and current medications.
Next, we'll lead you to your seat, and complete a few day-of questions and a consent form. You'll also be able to ask any questions you may have.
We'll start your treatment:

For Infusions:

We'll insert the IV into a vein—usually in your arm or hand. Once in place, the medicine will slow drip from the bag to your bloodstream.
When complete, the IV line will be disconnected and carefully removed from your vein. A bandage will be placed over the site.
IV infusions can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Our team will let you know the estimated time for your appointment when you schedule.

For Injections:

The nurse will administer the injection just under the skin, often in the abdomen or thigh.
These visits are much quicker than IV infusions. Ask for a time estimate when you schedule.
You'll be under constant observation during your infusion or injection, and a nurse will regularly check your vital signs and monitor your comfort. But if you don't feel right, please let your nurse know so they can address any issues.

About the suite:

We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your infusion!

You will be in a comfortable recliner so you can decide if you want to sit up or lay back,
We provide blankets in case you are cold
You will be constantly monitored by our infusion nursing staff for safety and reactions,
A doctor will be on site at all times so you can rest assured any problems can be handled quickly.
Space is limited so guests are not encouraged. Unfortunately we are unable to have guests under the age of 18 in the suite.
In an effort to maintain a clean and clinically appropriate environment, we request that there be no food or drink in the suite. Water is allowed.

After your treatment:

Once your dose is administered, you're almost ready to leave.

If you received an IV infusion, you'll be required to stay for an observation period once the drug is finished running.
Our staff will let you know when it is safe to leave. Be sure to stop at checkout to get your next appointment scheduled!
You're typically able to drive home yourself afterwards, but if you have concerns, please arrange for transportation.

Does insurance cover Infusion Therapy?

Before you come in for your appointment, we want you to know how much infusion therapy will cost you, and what options are available to help cover the cost. Prior to your appointment:

We'll sign you up for any co-pay cards if you're eligible.
We'll provide an estimate for payment by insurance, co-pay cards, and you.
We'll give you a Statement of Financial Responsibility to help you understand the financial breakdown and the impact of your treatment on deductibles. Please note that larger self-pay portions are likely at the beginning of the year, when deductibles haven't been met.
If your portion is larger than $250, we'll give you a call before your appointment so that you're not caught off guard.

ABOUT CO-PAY CARDS

Co-pay cards can help defray the cost of infusion therapy for arthritis, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION PROCESS

It’s our goal to get you to treatment as fast as we can, so we check for prior authorization requirements as soon as possible.

Once your doctor prescribes infusion therapy, our office will run an insurance check.
If prior authorization is needed, we'll begin that process in 1 business day.
Please note that we do not accept Medicaid or United Healthcare infusions in-house. These are referred out.
You can expect to be able to start your treatment within 21 days of your initial prescription. But, if you're concerned about timing, please reach out to our office via the Patient Portal. Using the portal guarantees the fastest response!

Have questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team via the Patient Portal if you have any questions. We’re always here to help and reassure your before and after your IV infusion appointment.

For physicians

Ready to refer a patient to our practice? Please submit your referral through our referral page.

Conditions We Treat

...and more