Other treatments include therapeutic removal of blood or blood components and training and support for patients and caregivers undergoing at-home infusion therapy. With our goal of making treatment as comfortable as possible, we take extra care with each step to creating a positive experience, including providing:

• Six state-of-the-art private rooms with comfortable recliner chairs
• WiFi access
• Individual Television in every room
• Snacks made available during your time with us
• Individualized care that ensures patients and caregivers understand what to expect and feel they can get all questions answered
• Prompt appointment scheduling
• Comfortable seating for family members and friends

• Anticoagulants
• Antivirals
• Blood Product Administration
• Catheter Care/Maintenanc
• Chemotherapy
• Hydration Therapy
• Immune Globulin (IVIG)
• Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections
• Iron Therapy
• IV Antibiotics
• Phlebotomy
• PICC Placement
• Prolastin / Aralast
• Remicade
• Solumedrol
• Total Parenteral Nutrition
• Tysabri
• Transfusion blood and blood products
• Iron: Venofer, Ferrlecit, Iron Dextran
• Reclast, Boniva, Zometa, Pamidronate infusions
• Chemotherapy infusion
• Methylprednisolone/Tysabri infusion
• Remicade infusion
• Antibiotics – daily, intermittent or continuous infusion
• Epo, Aranesp, Neupogen, Neulasta injections
• Hydrations/antiemetics
• Immune Globulin
• Therapeutic Phlebotomy
• Picc line insertions, maintenance, catheter care and education
• Central line catheter care

If the service you need is not listed here, please call us. We are happy to assist in any way we are able.
 

• A completed and physician signed Outpatient Infusion Order Form
• Pertinent labs
• A history and physical (H&P) or current physician clinic/hospital note (Laurie & Sammye...Is this the same form used on all other pages?)

Where Do I Report for Treatment?
What Needs to Happen Before My Treatment Begins?
How Long Does the Actual Infusion Therapy Usually Take?
Can I bring a Family Member or Friend?
Am I Allowed to Eat During Therapy?
What Should I Bring With Me?
What If I Need Assistance During My Therapy?

Where Do I Report for Treatment?

The Gastroenterology of Southern Indiana is located on Grantline Road just up the street from Walmart. Please report to the front desk when you arrive. After you check in, we will ask you to have a seat in the waiting area. (We make every attempt to be on time with your appointment. If you find that you have been waiting for longer than 30 minutes, please check back with a staff member at the front desk.)

What Needs to Happen Before My Treatment Begins?

A technician will escort you back to our Infusion Therapy Center and get you settled in one of our recliner chairs, then your vital signs will be checked. An IV will be placed, or your mediport will be accessed. If you have not already had blood drawn, it will be done at that time.

Your nurse will check your doctor's orders and makes sure your labs results are adequate for treatment. (It takes approximately an hour to get the results of your blood tests. Please allow enough time before your visit so that the test can be processed before you see your physician.)-DO WE NEED THIS?

If you are receiving blood, the blood bank will need approximately two hours to type your blood and find a match for you. DO WE DO THIS?

If you are getting chemotherapy, the orders will be given to the pharmacy once we have your blood test results. The pharmacy may take up to an hour to make the chemotherapy.

Once all of those pieces are in place, a staff member will escort you into the ITC. You may receive premedications to prevent side effects such as nausea. The premedications may be given as pills or IV. Certain chemotherapies also require extra intravenous fluids to make sure you are adequately hydrated. These measures can add anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours to your total chemotherapy time.  -NOT SURE HOW MUCH OF THIS IS FOR GSI...DON'T THINK YOU ALL ARE DOING CHEMO TREATMENTS...

How Long Does the Actual Infusion Therapy Usually Take?

Each infusion treatment can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 4 hours to administer. Some  regimens may contain multiple medications.

Can I bring a Family Member or Friend?

You may bring one guest with you into the ITC. For the safety of our patients, visitors who are ill or who have cold symptoms should not accompany patients into the ITC. Children age 12 and under are not permitted. - IS THIS TRUE?

Am I Allowed to Eat During Therapy?

We ask that you try to eat a light meal prior to your treatment. Light snacks are provided for patients. You are welcome to bring your own snacks or meal. (Please avoid strong smelling foods, as they may bother other patients receiving therapy.)

What Should I Bring With Me?

Each Infusion Therapy Room is equipped with a recliner chair for the patient, an upright chair for a guest, a small table and a television. Cell phones are permitted, as are music players as long as you have headphones. Wireless Internet access is available. Blankets and pillows are provided, or you may bring your own. For your comfort, we recommend dressing in layers. Many patients bring books, knitting, drawing, etc. to help pass the time. Restrooms for patients are located in the ITC. We ask that all guests use the restrooms located in the waiting area.

What If I Need Assistance During My Therapy?

Throughout your therapy, you will be monitored by your nurse for any side effects or unanticipated reactions. A call bell will be within your reach at all times. Your ITC nurse is a great resource for questions or concerns about your treatment, nutrition, activity, what to expect, or any other concerns you may have about your care.