Frequently Asked Questions about Infusion
Therapy
What is infusion therapy?
Infusion therapy involves taking medications
intravenously into the bloodstream, spinal
cord or under the skin. Infusion therapy is
commonly used for:
- Antibiotics
- Chemotherapy
- Immune globulin
- Pain management
- Parenteral nutrition
Conditions often requiring infusion therapy
include:
- Cancer
- Congestive heart failure
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Hormone deficiencies
- Infections resistant to oral antibiotics
What is the advantage of
home infusion therapy?
Until the 1980s, infusion therapy was administered
only at health care facilities, as an inpatient
service. Individuals requiring lifelong therapy
were not able to maintain normal lifestyle and
work activities.
Home infusion is a safe and effective alternative
to inpatient care for many patients. Penn Home
Infusion Therapy performs a thorough patient
and home assessment to ensure that home infusion
therapy is an appropriate method of treatment.
How do I receive your services?
If you or a family member is interested in receiving
our services, please talk with your physician
or health care provider or call 1-866-888-8598
for more information.
When will service begin?
Is home infusion service covered by insurance?
A nurse will contact you within 24 hours of your
physician's referral. After evaluating your needs,
we will determine a treatment and visit schedule.
Services will begin based upon your physician's
orders. Check with your insurance provider to
ensure home infusion services will be covered.
How frequently does the home
infusion nurse visit?
Each patient care plan is customized to the needs
of the individual. Our nurse will discuss your
care schedule with you during the first visit.
At your initial evaluation, our nurse will determine
the timing and frequency of visits based on your
needs.
Will they draw blood for
tests in my home?
Penn Home Infusion Therapy will draw blood in
the home as part of a patient's ongoing plan
of care; however we will not come to the home
for the sole purpose of drawing blood.
Can I still work or go to
school?
Penn Home Infusion Therapy does not require that
patients are homebound during their treatment.
As long as your condition does not require you
to be homebound, you will be able to work, run
errands, and maintain your normal lifestyle for
the duration of your treatment.
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