Leqvio® (Inclisiran)
Used to help lower LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels in appropriate patients.
infusion & injection therapy guide
Understanding Infusion & Injection Therapy
Infusion therapy is the administration of medication directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This method allows certain specialty medications to be delivered safely and effectively when they cannot be taken by mouth or require close monitoring during administration. Injection therapy is the administration of medication by a licensed healthcare professional using a subcutaneous injection, under the skin, or an intramuscular injection, into the muscle.
Many specialty medications cannot be taken as a pill or capsule because they are not absorbed effectively through the digestive system. These medications may require precise dosing, specialized handling, clinical monitoring, and administration by licensed healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. Infusion and injection therapies are commonly prescribed by physicians and specialists for patients with autoimmune, neurologic, inflammatory, immunologic, bone health, rare, and other complex medical conditions.
At Citrus Infusion & Injection Center, we provide a comfortable ACHC-accredited, AHCA-licensed outpatient setting where patients can receive physician-prescribed infusion and injection therapies under the supervision of licensed APRNs, RNs, IV-certified LPN nurses, and healthcare professionals.
infusion & injection therapy guide
When Injection Therapy May Be Used
Some specialty medications are delivered by injection because they cannot be effectively absorbed through the digestive system or require precise administration by a healthcare professional.
Injection therapies typically require a healthcare provider's order and often require insurance authorization before the medication can be administered. Some injectable medications are given as a one-time treatment, while others may be administered monthly, every few months, or according to a prescribed treatment schedule. Injection therapies may be used for patients with:
- Osteoporosis
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Rheumatologic Conditions
- Neurologic Disorders
- Iron Deficiency And Hematologic Disorders
- Migraine Prevention
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- Rare Diseases
- Vitamin Deficiencies
- Wellness And Preventive Health Needs
infusion & injection therapy guide
Examples of Injection & Specialty Therapies
Cardiovascular Health
Migraine Prevention
Vyepti® (Eptinezumab)
Administered by infusion. Specialty therapies may be administered by infusion or injection depending on the medication and treatment plan.
Bone Health
Prolia® (Denosumab)
Used to help strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis.
Evenity® (Romosozumab-aqqg)
Used to build bone density and reduce fracture risk in certain patients with osteoporosis.
Autoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions
Ilumya® (Tildrakizumab)
Used to treat certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Tremfya® (Guselkumab)
Used to manage specific autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
infusion & injection therapy guide
Injection Therapy vs. Infusion Therapy
While both therapies involve administration by healthcare professionals, the primary difference is how the medication is delivered. Injection therapy delivers medication under the skin or into the muscle. It is usually completed within minutes, often requires little or no post-treatment monitoring, and may be administered monthly or on a recurring schedule.
Infusion therapy delivers medication directly into a vein through an IV. It may take 30 minutes to several hours and often requires clinical monitoring during treatment. Infusion therapy is frequently used for biologic and specialty medications. Both infusion and injection therapies play an important role in the treatment of chronic, complex, and specialty medical conditions.
infusion & injection therapy guide
Understanding Biologic Medications
Biologics are advanced medications derived from living cells and designed to target specific pathways involved in disease. Unlike traditional medications, biologics often require special handling, monitoring, and administration by trained healthcare professionals. Biologic therapies are often prescribed when traditional treatments have not provided adequate results or when highly targeted therapy is needed.
The medications administered at Citrus Infusion & Injection Center are not traditional prescriptions that can be picked up at a retail pharmacy and taken at home. Instead, these medications are ordered by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider and must be administered by licensed healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. These therapies often require:
- Intravenous IV Administration
- Specialized Preparation And Handling
- Clinical Monitoring During Treatment
- Observation For Potential Infusion-Related Reactions
- Precise Dosing And Administration Protocols
For this reason, these medications are typically referred to an infusion center like CiiC. A helpful comparison is diagnostic imaging. Similar to an MRI or CT scan, patients are referred by a healthcare provider for treatment administration. The prescribing provider manages the patient's condition and determines the appropriate treatment plan, while the infusion center administers the ordered therapy and monitors the patient during treatment.
infusion & injection therapy guide
Why Screening and Monitoring Are Required
Many infusion and injection therapies require administration in a healthcare setting because they may be associated with infusion reactions, allergic reactions, side effects, or other clinical considerations that require monitoring. At Citrus Infusion & Injection Center, patient safety is a core component of every treatment we administer. Our safety protocols include:
- Independent Two-Clinician Medication Verification Prior To Administration
- Separate Clinical Review Of Medication Orders By Licensed Healthcare Professionals
- Verification Of Patient, Medication, Dose, Route, And Administration Requirements
- Pre-Treatment Assessments And Vital Signs
- Ongoing Monitoring During Treatment
- Post-Treatment Observation When Clinically Appropriate
- Emergency Response Procedures
- Routine Mock Code Training And Emergency Preparedness Drills
Unlike many healthcare settings that utilize a single clinical review process, Citrus Infusion & Injection Center utilizes an independent dual-review process in which two licensed healthcare professionals separately review and verify medication orders and treatment details prior to administration. Our clinical team includes experienced nurses, many of whom have current or previous Emergency Department, Critical Care, Infusion, or other acute-care nursing experience.
Emergency medications and treatment protocols are immediately available onsite should a patient experience an infusion-related reaction, allergic reaction, or other medical event requiring intervention. Standing medical orders and emergency response protocols have been established by our Medical Director to allow rapid clinical response when clinically appropriate.
Our facility maintains emergency preparedness procedures, medication management standards, staff competency requirements, quality assurance programs, and regulatory compliance oversight designed to support the safe administration of infusion and injection therapies. Patients should discuss the specific risks, monitoring requirements, and safety considerations associated with their prescribed therapy with their healthcare provider prior to treatment.
infusion & injection therapy guide
How Citrus Infusion & Injection Center Supports Safety
Referral Received
Your healthcare provider sends a referral to Citrus Infusion & Injection Center for administration of your prescribed infusion or injection therapy. Our team reviews the referral, medication order, labs, dosing requirements, and next steps.
Patient Forms & Pre-Registration
Before scheduling, we collect your demographic and insurance information so we can begin insurance verification and authorization. Please have your photo ID, insurance card(s), medication list, referring provider information, and emergency contact information available.
Benefits Investigation
Once your referral and admission packet are received, our team verifies your insurance benefits. This helps determine coverage, prior authorization requirements, deductible, coinsurance, copay, and possible manufacturer assistance.
Prior Authorization
Most specialty medications require insurance approval before administration. Approval timelines vary depending on the medication and insurance plan.
Medication Procurement
After authorization is approved, our team secures the medication through the required process, which may include buy-and-bill, specialty pharmacy coordination, white bagging, or manufacturer assistance programs.
Scheduling
Once benefits verification, authorization, and medication procurement are complete, our scheduling team contacts you to arrange your appointment.
Therapy Administration
At your appointment, licensed healthcare professionals administer your prescribed therapy in our outpatient infusion center. Your visit may include assessment, vital signs, IV placement if needed, medication administration, monitoring, and discharge instructions.
Follow-Up
After your appointment, we coordinate future visits according to your provider's treatment plan and send treatment notes and administration records back to your referring provider.
infusion & injection therapy guide
How the Infusion Process Works
Throughout the infusion and injection therapy process, Citrus Infusion & Injection Center works closely with your referring healthcare provider to ensure continuity of care. Our team provides updates at key milestones throughout the treatment process, including:
- Referral Receipt And Intake Completion
- Insurance Verification And Benefits Investigation
- Prior Authorization Status
- Scheduling Updates
- Treatment Administration
- Significant Clinical Findings Or Concerns
Following each infusion or injection appointment, detailed treatment documentation is sent directly to your referring provider. This includes:
- Medication Administered
- Dose And Treatment Details
- Vital Signs And Nursing Assessments
- Patient Tolerance Of Treatment
- Any Infusion-Related Reactions Or Adverse Events
- Follow-Up Recommendations
This communication helps keep your healthcare team informed and ensures your treatment plan remains coordinated across all providers involved in your care. Your provider remains responsible for directing your treatment plan, while our clinical team specializes in the safe administration and monitoring of infusion and injection therapies.
infusion & injection therapy guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during infusion therapy. The primary sensation is typically associated with placement of the IV catheter. Once the IV is in place, many patients relax, read, watch television, use electronic devices, or work remotely during treatment. All infusions are administered under the supervision of experienced licensed healthcare professionals who monitor patients throughout treatment.
Appointment length varies depending on the medication being administered. Some injection appointments may take only a few minutes, while certain infusion therapies may require several hours. Our team will provide an estimated treatment time prior to your appointment.
Many patients are able to drive themselves home following infusion or injection therapy. However, whether it is appropriate to drive after treatment depends on several factors, including the medication being administered, your underlying medical condition, your healthcare provider's instructions, and how you personally respond to treatment. Some medications may cause fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, changes in blood pressure, or other side effects that could affect your ability to drive safely. For this reason, Citrus Infusion & Injection Center recommends that patients consider having a caregiver, family member, or friend available to assist with transportation, particularly for a first treatment or when receiving a new medication. To help accommodate caregivers, each of our private treatment rooms includes guest seating so a companion may remain with you during your appointment if desired. Our clinical team will review any medication-specific precautions with you before treatment and will provide guidance regarding driving and transportation based on your individual circumstances and your provider's orders. If you are unsure whether you should drive after treatment, please contact our office and your physician prior to your appointment so we can discuss your specific therapy.
Infusion-related reactions are uncommon, but they can occur. Our clinical team has extensive emergency and acute care experience, and many of our nurses continue to practice in hospital emergency department settings. Citrus Infusion & Injection Center also conducts routine emergency preparedness training, including mock code exercises, to ensure our team remains prepared to respond quickly and effectively should an unexpected medical event occur. Emergency medications, equipment, and treatment protocols are maintained onsite, allowing our team to promptly recognize and manage infusion-related reactions or other medical events should they arise. While every medication carries potential risks and side effects, our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable environment where patients can receive treatment with confidence, knowing experienced healthcare professionals are present throughout the infusion process.
Treatment schedules vary significantly depending on the medication and condition being managed by your healthcare provider. Some therapies are administered weekly, monthly, every few months, or only a few times per year. Your provider will determine the appropriate treatment schedule for your specific situation.
Coverage varies by medication and insurance plan. These infusion and injection therapies are covered under a patient's medical insurance benefit rather than a pharmacy benefit. Our team performs benefits verifications to determine your coverage and works with patients, providers, insurance companies, and manufacturer assistance programs to help determine available coverage and financial assistance options before treatment begins.