Obstetrics and Gynecology

Infusion Suite

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy is the delivery of liquid medications, blood products or other fluids directly into the bloodstream through the veins (intravenous, or IV) or under the skin as an injection. You may need infusions or injections if you can’t take oral medications, or the medications you need may work best through infusion. Infusions also help relieve dehydration and provide blood transfusions.

The Infusion Suite: A comfortable setting designed for healing

The Infusion Suite offers a calm, soothing environment, with our nurses close by to monitor you while you receive your treatment. Our amenities include:

• Quick check-in and comfortable waiting area
• Reclining chairs with pillows and warm blankets
• Privacy curtains and adjustable lighting
• TVs featuring the Get Well Network™, an interactive care system for entertainment and education
• Wireless internet access
• Snacks and beverages
• Food for purchase at the Fresh Bistro Café on the same (third) floor

Conditions we treat at the Infusion Suite

Our team of experienced nurse clinicians specializes in IV treatments for a wide range of conditions and symptoms. We’re dedicated to safe, efficient care with a compassionate touch, minimizing the disruption to your daily life.

We care for women from age 16 through older adults who have conditions and symptoms including:

• Cancer of many types
• Dehydration: Dangerous loss of body fluid
• Ectopic pregnancy: A fertilized egg that grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube (tube that connects ovaries to the uterus)
• Gestational trophoblastic disease: Tumors, usually noncancerous, that develop in the uterus during early pregnancy
• Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
• Iron-deficiency anemia: Low red blood cell count due to low iron
• Osteopenia: Low bone density
• Osteoporosis: Advanced bone loss
• Severe nausea and vomiting in nonpregnant women

Treatments we offer

Our skilled nurses administer a variety of short- and long-term infusion therapy and therapeutic injections, including:

• Antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral therapy: Treats and prevents infectious diseases and infections related to cancer and its treatments
• Antiemetics: Relieve nausea and vomiting
• Blood products: Provide whole blood, platelets and other blood cells to treat bleeding disorders and replace cells depleted by illnesses or cancer treatments
• Erythropoietin (Epogen®, other brand names): Treats iron-deficiency anemia by stimulating red blood cell production
• Intravenous fluids: Treat and prevent dehydration due to illness or certain treatments
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): Reduces the risk of infection due to autoimmune disorders or weakened immune systems · Magnesium, potassium and calcium injections: Manage and prevent cardiovascular symptoms such as irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure
• Methotrexate (Trexall®, other brand names): Treats inflammatory arthritis, other autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer
• Neupogen® (filgrastim): Reduces the risk of infection due to low white blood cell count in people receiving certain cancer treatments
• Steroids: Treat autoimmune disorders and relieve symptoms of certain cancers
• Venofer® (iron sucrose): Treats iron-deficiency anemia
• Zoledronic acid: Treats and prevents osteoporosis and bone damage caused by certain cancers

Clinical trial support for infusion therapies under research

Through the Pavilion for Women, you have access to clinical trials researching new treatments for women’s health. If you’re considering joining a trial for an investigational infusion therapy, our nurses support you throughout the process by:

• Informing you about available investigational treatments
• Assessing your eligibility and enrolling you, if eligible
• Administering therapies and monitoring your health throughout the trial period

Infusion therapy at the Pavilion for Women: What to expect

Preparing for your first appointment

Here’s what you can expect as you become a patient at the Infusion Suite:

• Your health care provider sends a referral to our infusion nurse.
• Our infusion nurse contacts you to schedule appointments that are convenient for you unless your provider has suggested specific treatment times.
• We create your individualized treatment plan and review it with you.
• Our infusion nurse provides education about your treatment and session and answers your questions.

Scheduling your appointment

Call 832-826-7500 to make an appointment. We schedule appointments based on your condition and needs, making every effort to accommodate your scheduling preferences. If a same-day appointment is available, we’ll need to verify your health insurance benefits related to your services before treatment begins.

We strive to care for you and all our patients with the best possible quality and efficiency, so we ask that you please arrive on time for your appointment. Our late policy is 20 minutes, so please call us at 832-826-7500 if you’re running late. If you’re unable to attend your appointment, please call us to reschedule.

On the day of your appointment

· Plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early to have plenty of time for check-in.

· You can bring small devices, such as a phone, tablet or laptop, or reading material to your infusion sessions.

· Each session may last from two to eight hours, depending on the treatment you’re receiving.

Billing and insurance

The Infusion Suite accepts most major health insurance plans. Once you’ve scheduled an appointment, we recommend that you confirm any deductibles or co-pays with your health insurance provider. Learn more about billing and insurance at Texas Children's Hospital.

International patients

We offer services to help you become a patient at the Pavilion for Women, no matter where in the world you’re coming from. For help with scheduling, please contact the International and Destination Medicine team at 832-824-1138.