Non-oncology Patients
The IV and injection services provided for non-oncology patients include:
- Anemia/Blood Product Therapies
- Catheter Care Services
- Immunoglobulin Infusion Therapy
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapies
- Intravenous Hydration Therapy
- Intravenous Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapies
- Intravenous Steroids
- Intravenous or Intramuscular Antibiotic Therapy
- Laboratory Services
- Osteoporosis/Bone Health Therapy
- Neurological Therapy
- Supportive Care for Transplant Patients
- Therapeutic Phlebotomy
- Vivitrol Injection Therapy
- Other therapies are available as requested
Before Your Infusion
- Ask your doctor’s office staff if there are any labs you need to get while on infusion therapy.
- Ask how long you will be at the infusion center since it varies by type of drug you are receiving.
- Let the Pharmacy Care Advocate or office staff know if you need financial assistance with insurance co pays.
- UofL Health has staff who are trained to obtain any available co pay assistance to help offset your out of pocket drug costs.
- Bring a list of questions and concerns you may have for your Infusion nurse or for your doctor.
- Make a list of all of your home medications with the dose and how often you take that medication.
- Drink LOTS of water 1 day before your infusion so the nurse can easily start an IV in your vein.
What to Bring
- Bring your CURRENT health insurance card(s).
- Bring a picture ID such as a driver’s license.
- Bring the list of your current medications you take at home.
- Also share information about any supplements or herbals you buy.
- Bring a sweater or small blanket or throw in case you are chilly.
- Bring a snack and things to do to keep you busy such as phone games, books and puzzles.
- The infusion center does have Wifi, some free snacks and TV.
Your First Infusion
- Be sure to let the registration staff know if your insurance recently changed when you arrive.
- Wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to push up on your arms to get to your veins in your arms.
- The nurse will check you temperature, blood pressure, pulse and make sure she/he can get a good IV started.
- ALWAYS speak up and let your Nurse know if you have any pain or are uncomfortable or worried.
After Your Infusion
- You may need to stay at least 30 minutes or sometimes longer so you can be monitored for your safety, depending on the specific medication you receive.
- Set up your next appointment with the infusion nurse or scheduler.
- You may need to have labs drawn or tests performed prior to your next infusion- your doctor’s office will remind you of this or you may need to call them to ask.
Locations
UofL Health – UofL Hospital – UofL Outpatient Infusion Center
401 East Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY 40202
502- 813-6067
FAX paper orders to: 502-217-8213 or 502-217-5139
Pharmacy Care Advocate: 502-679-6659 or 502-768-2281
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Parking: Chestnut Street Outpatient Center Parking Garage
General Questions: OPInfusion-UofL@UofLHealth.org
UofL Health – Medical Center East Outpatient Infusion Center
3920 Dutchmans Ln, Louisville, KY 40207
502-259-6660
FAX paper orders to: 502-217-8213 or 502-217-5139
Pharmacy Care Advocate: 502-679-6646
Hours: 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Parking: Surface lot parking in front of the medical center
General Questions: OPInfusion-MCE@UofLHealth.org
UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital Outpatient Infusion Center
1850 Bluegrass Avenue, Louisville, KY 40215
502-361-6044
FAX paper orders to: 502-361-6709
Pharmacy Care Advocate: 502-361-6031 or 502-361-6043
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (Special arrangements can be made for weekend infusions)
Parking: Surface lot parking in front of the hospital
General Questions: OPInfusion-MEH@UofLHealth.org
UofL Health – Shelbyville Hospital Outpatient Infusion Center
727 Hospital Drive, Suite 100, Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-647-4388
FAX: 502-647-4102
FAX paper orders to: 502-217-8213 or 502-217-5139
Pharmacy Care Advocate: 502-679-6659 or 502-768-2281
Hours: 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Parking: Surface lot parking in front of the hospital
General Questions: OPInfusion-Shelbyville@UofLHealth.org
FAQs
Can I bring a family member, caregiver or friend?
- There is usually room for 1 adult visitor to sit with you during your service although others may wait in a waiting area outside of the actual infusion center.
- If you need physical assistance, someone may come with you to get you into a treatment chair and then may wait in waiting area if there is not enough room to accommodate them.
- Visitors must not have respiratory illness symptoms or current/recent fever when visiting with you.
- Visitation may be halted if a community outbreak of a communicable disease occurs.
May I bring my child or children with me while I receive my infusion/injection?
Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted in the infusion area, and you should make arrangements for child care prior to your infusion appointment or someone to accompany and supervise them in the waiting area.
May I bring my PET dog or other type of pet with me to my infusion?
- You are not permitted to bring your personal pet to infusion; however, you may bring:
- A “Therapy Animal” who is trained, evaluated, and registered through an accredited organization approved by the System Director of our Hospital Volunteer Services.
- A Therapy Animal must always be on a leash while on our premises:
- Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) a dog who strictly provides emotional support does not qualify as a service animal and does not have the same public access right as a service animal.
- Animal Visitation Policy 6860-1023.
How quickly can infusions start after my doctor prescribes the medication?
After we receive an order from your doctor, we will gather the information needed to submit to your insurance company. Your insurance company may request more information or have questions which may delay the approval. We usually will have approval within 2 weeks but it sometimes takes up to 4 weeks depending on your specific insurance.
How long will my infusion take?
This will depend on which medication you are receiving. Some infusions may only take 30 minutes while other can last for 2-4 hours and sometimes you will need to be monitored/observed for a while after your infusion for your safety. We will explain to you the time you will need to be at your appointments so you can plan for transportation.
How do I schedule or reschedule an appointment?
- It is important to call the infusion center as far ahead as possible when you realize you cannot make your appointment date and time.
- The nurse or Pharmacy Care Advocate will find a new date and time for your appointment.
How much of my infusion treatment costs will my insurance cover?
Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan and the medication ordered for you. Our staff will work with your insurance company to ensure they have all the information they need to make a decision and notify you of any issues. You will need to meet your annual deductible at the beginning of each year before your insurance will begin covering your infusion costs. For very expense medications, we will have our financial counselors provide you can estimate of your out of pocket costs.
Who should I call and talk with if I have questions about my bill from the infusion center?
- You may call or email your Pharmacy Care Advocate and they will relay that you have a question or concern and will ensure that someone contacts you.
- Or you may contact our billing department customer service directly by calling 502-681-1404.
- If you need a copy of your UB04 claim form to submit to the drug company for programs such as “savings program”, you may request a copy by calling 502-681-1404.