Patient Education
Helpful resources for infusion therapy patients
We’re passionate about patient care, and that extends beyond the basics of infusion therapy. Many of our patients are facing rare, chronic, or complex conditions and may have lots of questions as they learn about managing their condition.
Our staff is always here to help! If you have questions, please call your regular infusion location or ask a staff member at your next appointment.
Preparing For Your Visit
Please watch the video below to help prepare yourself for your first visit to a Flexcare Infusion Center.
Health tips during infusion therapy
During infusion therapy treatment, it’s important to take care of your body overall. While no two patients experience the same infusion therapy journey, these health tips can help you keep progressing on the road to better health and help manage any symptoms that may occur with your condition or in response to infusion therapy.
Get plenty of sleep
Aim to sleep for at least seven hours each night so your body has adequate time to rest and repair itself. Getting enough sleep also helps reduce stress, improves mental clarity, and can help reduce other symptoms from chronic conditions.
Eat a healthy diet
Focus on building a balanced plate with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Healthy fats such as olive oil or avocado can help nourish your body, while fruits and veggies provide important nutrients. Limit your sugar intake and drink plenty of water.
Identify food allergies
Some autoimmune symptoms can become more severe after eating certain foods such as gluten, soy, dairy, fruits, shellfish, nuts, and corn. If possible, work with an allergy specialist or dietician to help identify any foods that you should limit or avoid.
Exercise regularly
Staying healthy also means keeping your body in shape, so make it your goal to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity four to five days a week. If your condition limits physical activity, talk with your doctor about possible options for exercise.
Wash your hands
You can minimize your risk of infections by washing your hands regularly to remove any foreign bacteria you may have picked up throughout the day. Use soap and water and wash your hands for a full 20 seconds every time.
Manage your stress
Stress is a normal part of life, especially for those with chronic conditions, but how we respond to and manage that stress matters. Find some activities that bring you joy to help manage stress or try some regular deep breathing or meditation exercises.
Try to stay warm
Those with sensitivity to the cold due to their condition or their infusion medication should always carry a just-in-case jacket, even if it’s a hot day. During the winter, try using hand and shoe warmers to stay warm.
Practice time management
Many patients experience fatigue spells, which is a sign from your body to slow down and rest. Even if you’re feeling well, try to pace yourself by spreading out daily activities and not overworking your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can infusions start after my doctor prescribes the medication?
Once we receive a referral from your doctor and any necessary case notes, we’ll submit paperwork to your health insurance. If they have any follow-up questions or need additional information, we’ll work directly with your doctor’s office regarding those details. For most patients, your first infusion happens within about a week of receiving the referral, though sometimes it can take a little longer.
Do you offer monoclonal antibody infusions for COVID-19?
We offer monoclonal antibody infusions at our Birmingham, Alabama location only. As with all treatments provided through FlexCare Infusion Centers, your physician must first prescribe the medication and provide a referral to us before we can begin treatment.
How much of my infusion treatment will my insurance cover?
Insurance coverage varies depending on your health plan and the medication prescribed. Our team will work closely with your insurance company and doctor’s office to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted to your insurance company. We will also provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses before treatment begins.
How long will the infusion take?
Infusion timeframes vary based on the medication, the dosage, and how long you need to be monitored after the infusion. Some infusions are as quick as 30 minutes while others may take a couple hours. Once we have the referral from your doctor, our team should be able to estimate how long each appointment will take. Our comfortable infusion suites have streaming audio and video, heated massage chairs, and workspaces to help you pass the time.
My doctor sent me to a different infusion center. How can I switch to FlexCare?
As a patient, you have the right to choose the provider for your infusions. If you’re currently receiving infusion therapy from a different provider, ask your doctor to submit a referral to FlexCare Infusion Centers to continue your infusion therapy.
Conditions We Treat
Infusion therapy is used to treat a wide range of rare, complex, and chronic conditions. Using FDA-approved medications prescribed by the referring physician, we can help treat the following conditions, and more!