Our Patient Experience

Please give us at least 24 hours notice so that we can offer your appointment slot to someone else. Some patients ask to be put on a waiting list and your consideration in letting us know that you can’t come in will help other patients who are anxious to be seen. You will also avoid the late cancellation fee of $200 for missed or late cancellation of infusion appointments. The reason for this is that a registered nurse is prepared and waiting for you to arrive, in addition, has done the behind-the-scenes work to get your medication and insurance authorization in place, so that your treatment proceeds smoothly. We appreciate your consideration.

Office-based Infusion Centers are critical parts of our healthcare system:

1. They are generally more accessible geographically than hospital sites of care.
2. They are more affordable and efficient than hospitals and many other alternative sites of care.
3. They have a more controlled environment and are often more patient-friendly due to their focus on infusion medication administration.
4. Our infusion centers are supervised by experienced physicians and registered nurses to provide the best care possible.

Accessibility, Affordability, Safety and Patient Experience

Arrive on time for your appointment. Drink plenty of water and hydrate the day before and on the day of your infusion, this makes your veins easier to access.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Bring snacks or reading material as you may be there for a while.
Bring a list of your current medication.
Amenities that we offer: WIFI, pillows, heated blankets, additional snacks/drinks.

A loading dose in the initial set of more frequent medication infusions that are given at the beginning of infusion treatment, before decreasing the frequency and to a lower maintenance dose.

It typically takes at least 3 weeks. Insurance companies typically will require prior authorization or predetermination. Our staff with work on your behalf to get your medication authorized.

Our office-based state-of-the-art infusion center is a location where a physician-led team provides infusion/injectable medications as a distinct part of our dedication to patient care. We have created an Infusion Center to serve our greater community and are providing individualized care in a comfortable environment that is more efficient than in-hospital infusions. The NICA (infusioncenter.org) statements confirm that the Office-Based Infusion Center is currently the most cost-effective site of care for patients needing infusion/injectable therapy.

This varies depending on the medication: from a frequency of once a month, once every 2 months to every 6 months.

The infusion is administered by injecting a needle attached to a small tube directly into one of the patient’s arm veins. This tube is connected to an IV bag containing the prescribed medication. Once attached to the patient’s arm, the solution slowly drips into the bloodstream.

There are a number of biologic medications that are effective for treating Rheumatoid arthritis. There is no “one size fits all”. You and your rheumatologist will determine which biologic medication will work best for your unique medical condition.

Side effects of some medication during infusions include itching, rash, hives, fever, chills, cough, redness in the face or neck area, swelling of the tongue, lips or eyelids, nausea, muscle or joint pain. Although these allergic reactions may occur, they are rare. Our physicians and registered nurses are well trained to manage any reactions to medication.

The decision to start an infusion therapy is determined by your physician. There is no, “one size fits all” approach. Each person’s unique circumstances will determine the best option for managing their medical conditions and improving that patient’s quality of life.

Infusion therapy is not better than taking pills. Getting medication by infusions provides an effective alternative when pill forms are not available or are ineffective.

Infusion therapy is not better than taking pills. Getting medication by infusions provides an effective alternative when pill forms are not available or are ineffective.

At OAOC Infusion Center, we treat autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions some of which require treatment with biologic medication:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Giant cell arteritis (Temporal arteritis)
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Wegener’s vasculitis (ANCA-associated vasculitis)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Chronic plaque psoriasis
• Osteoporosis
• Uveitis

Complex biologics are highly selective medications that act on one specific part of the immune system to regulate its activity. These medications do not permanently alter the immune system.

An infusion center is a physical location where infusion/injectable medications are routinely administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider (Medical Doctor and Nurse Practitioner). Infusion Centers are more commonly found in the specialties such as Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, and others.

Infusion therapy refers to the delivery of medication directly into the veins of a patient. This is also known as IV therapy or Intravenous administration. Many new and effective medications (Biologic medication) cannot be taken orally like a pill, because they become inactive once exposed to the digestive system.