Hospital to begin offering outpatient IV therapy in Hillsdale
HILLSDALE, Mich.—Hillsdale Hospital, in its effort to provide the most comprehensive medical services for its patients and community, will the open the Center for Infusion Care on Monday, September 12. The center will be located on the ground floor of the hospital and will provide infusion therapy services for IV antibiotics and chronic diseases.
“We want patients to have access to IV therapy in a friendly, welcoming environment that is close to home,” Rachel Lott, director of marketing and development, said. “Having to travel outside of the county to receive this type of care can be a significant burden—especially for patients who need infusions on a recurring or routine basis.”
The hospital’s registered nurses and trained pharmacists have specialized training in IV infusion therapy and are focused on patient safety and comfort. Comfortable recliners and iPads with pre-loaded entertainment and Wi-Fi will promote a positive experience for patients. A variety of appointment options will be available Monday-Friday from 8 am-4:30 pm, including options for daily IV therapy if needed.
“Outpatient infusion therapy can save patients hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses compared to inpatient hospitalization, emergency room services and home health services,” Lott said. “Receiving IV therapy close to home will also save patients time and travel expenses.”
Most major insurance carriers will be accepted, including state and federally funded plans. Medicare, Medicaid, HMO, and commercially-insured patients qualify for outpatient infusion therapy. In order to prevent patients from receiving unexpected, costly bills for these services, the Center for Infusion Care’s team of skilled professionals will complete the insurance verification process, as well as obtain any needed insurance authorizations on the patient’s behalf. A wide variety of payment options will be provided to further ease any financial responsibilities for patients.
“Our goal is to provide our local community IV infusion services when and where our patients need it most,” Randy Holland, director of ancillary services, said. Holland will manage the center and lead its care team, along with veteran Hillsdale Hospital nurse Tammy Evener who will serve as infusion nurse coordinator.
The center’s nurses and care managers are specially trained to provide a wide range of therapies and treat disorders such as infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, CIDP, allergic asthma, allergic urticaria, multiple sclerosis, chronic migraine, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. The center will not be providing oncology infusions upon its opening, but the team is working to be able to offer that service in the future. Medications that will be offered include: IV antibiotics, specialty injectables, IV fluids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), Remicade, Tysabri, Xolair, Orencia, Actemra, Benlysta, Neupogen, Procrit, Neulasta, and more.
“There is no need to continue to travel outside of the community simply because this is what you have always done,” Holland said. “If you or a loved one is currently traveling to areas like Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Jackson for IV infusion therapy, please call to speak with our dedicated case management team and find out more about our remarkable center.”
For more information, call (517) 212-4336 or visit www.hillsdalehospital.com/infusion.
