Why IV antibiotics and not oral antibiotics?
- IV antibiotics reach tissue faster and at higher concentrations than oral antibiotics
- Oral antibiotics may not be able to reach the part of the body that your infection is located
- Some infections are resistant to oral antibiotics
Who will administer my antibiotics?
- Depending on your insurance plan, you may come to our office daily, administer your medications to yourself at home, or have a home health nurse come to your home daily to administer your medications.
How often will I need to take my antibiotics?
- This will be determined by your doctor. Usually, medications are given once a day, twice a day, or three times a day.
How long will I be on IV antibiotics?
- Your doctor will estimate your length of treatment at the time of the initial order. However, depending on your lab results and clinical assessment, you may be on antibiotics for longer or shorter than your doctor originally planned.
What Happens Next?
- Your doctor or nurse will direct you back to our infusion department.
- Our intake department will process your order and your insurance benefits will be verified.
- Our insurance department will contact you to review your benefits and out of pocket expenses. The options for where and how you will receive your medications will be explained to you.
- You will be scheduled for IV catheter placement in our office. In rare cases, your medical history may require your IV to be placed at a local hospital.
- You will be provided with medication administration instructions by our infusion nurses and arrangements will be made for future doses.
How long will this process take?
From start to finish, this process can take 2-6 hours. You may want to leave the office during this time, however, please have your phone close by so you can be easily reached. In some cases, you may be asked to return the next day for IV placement and medication administration.