Infusion therapy, the administration of medication through a needle or catheter, offers vital treatment for patients with a wide variety of medical conditions, including chronic and rare disorders.
UTMB's League City Campus Infusion Center operates under the leadership of gastroenterologist Dr. Gurinder Luthra, professor and provider with the UTMB Health Department of Gastroenterology, and reaches patients with many different needs than a GI provider would typically see. Citing the clinical expertise and resources at hand, the infusion team is equipped to fulfill this important, beneficial service for patients across multiple specialties.
“This service applies to so many patients -- from Neurology, Hematology, GI, Nephrology, Transplant,” says Dr. Luthra. He says his division, GI, is the third-highest source of infusion referrals at UTMB.
With infusion centers in Galveston, League City, and Angleton, UTMB provides a wide range of infusion treatments, including chemotherapy at the Galveston campus and pediatric infusion services at the Bay Colony Pediatric Clinic. Infusion therapy is effective for many reasons, including the direct delivery of medication into the bloodstream and the high absorption rate compared to oral delivery, in which the medication must process through the digestive system.
Infusion can benefit patients with chronic pain or those who are recovering from surgery, who require a steady level of medication in the bloodstream, as well as those who are unable to consume adequate fluids or nutrients for a variety of reasons.
Individuals with chronic conditions, like Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis may depend on infusion therapy as a long-term solution that helps control symptoms and enhances their quality of life.
“It's everything from immunocompromised patients to biologics to transplant medications, even simpler things like B12 injections,” he says.
Other services include blood transfusions for patients who are anemic, an alternative to visiting the emergency room. Iron infusions are extremely common as well. In fact, they are the number-one referral from primary care.
Ashley Pringle, nurse manager for League City Outpatient Services, says providers can rest assured that their patients are also in good hands at UTMB. Even in the case of a medication reaction, the team has the expertise and resources in place to respond appropriately.
“Our nurses are highly trained on how to handle reactions. We do not have to call the provider. We have standing delegated orders that will help to stabilize the patient, and then once stabilized we update the ordering provider,” she says.
Dr. Luthra and Pringle both emphasize that there are many benefits for the patient and the referring physician when trusting UTMB for these services. Among them, the promise of outstanding care and a plethora of added conveniences.
Dr. Luthra points out that the expertise readily available at UTMB is abundant, as a pharmacist is typically on hand to assist with questions regarding medications and insurance coverages. Pringle adds that the UTMB pharmacy has a program that helps patients with free drug assistance programs and copay assistance to help reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
The above story was adapted from a recent edition of the UTMB Faculty Group Practice Newsletter, which is a monthly resource for UTMB and community clinicians.