What to Expect at Your First Infusion Appointment

If your doctor has recommended infusion therapy, it's normal to have questions: how long it takes, whether it hurts, what to bring. This guide walks through a typical first visit at Infuse Care in Toms River, NJ, so you know what to expect before you arrive.

Before your visit

Your journey usually starts with your doctor. Their office sends us a referral and order, and our team takes it from there.

• We call to welcome you. A member of our team reaches out to introduce Infuse Care, confirm your details and answer early questions.
• We check your insurance. Most infusion medicines need prior authorization. We verify your benefits and work with your insurer and your doctor's office on the paperwork. Learn how prior authorization works.
• We schedule your appointment. Once approval is in place and the medication is ready, we find a time that works for you. Our center is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

You may also be asked to fill out intake and consent forms ahead of time. You can find them on our Get Started page.

When you arrive

Our center is at 301 Lakehurst Rd, Suite 301, in Toms River, with on-site parking. We suggest arriving a little early for your first visit so there's time to check in without rushing. Bring:

• A photo ID and your insurance card
• A list of your current medications and allergies
• Anything that helps you relax, such as a book, headphones, a tablet or a light sweater

In your private suite

Every patient at Infuse Care is treated in a private suite rather than a shared infusion room. Before your infusion starts, your nurse will:

• Review your health history, medications and any symptoms since your last doctor's visit
• Check vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature
• Place a small IV catheter, usually in your hand or arm
• Give any pre-medications your doctor has ordered, which some therapies need to lower the chance of a reaction

Most people feel a quick pinch when the IV goes in, and little or nothing after that.

How long does an infusion take?

It depends on the medication. Some infusions take less than an hour; others take several hours, and first doses are often given more slowly than later ones. Your care team will tell you how long to plan for when we schedule your visit. Some medicines also call for an observation period after the infusion ends, so your nurse can make sure you're feeling well before you leave.

While you're here, you're welcome to read, work, watch TV, rest or visit our refreshment bar. Your nurse checks on you throughout and is close by if you need anything.

How you might feel

Many people feel fine during and after an infusion. Tell your nurse right away if you notice itching, flushing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness or anything that doesn't feel right. Nurses are trained to slow or pause an infusion and respond quickly. Some patients feel tired afterward, so it's a good idea to keep the rest of your day light after your first visit.

After your infusion

Before you head home, we'll remove the IV, check your vital signs and go over any instructions. If your treatment repeats on a schedule, we'll book your next appointment. We also send an update to your doctor's office, so your care team stays informed.

Questions before your first visit?

Call us at 732-444-8808. You can also read our patient FAQs, see our tips for infusion day or get directions and parking for our Toms River center.