What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease (CD) is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Although Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, it typically affects the ileum (small bowel) and a section of the colon (large bowel).
How is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed and Treated?
There is no test to definitively confirm an individual has Crohn’s disease, which is why the doctor collects a detailed medical history from the patient and usually orders a variety of laboratory tests.
Following a Crohn’s disease diagnosis, providers standardly recommend beginning with a conventional treatment option. For patients that have more moderate-to-severe cases of Crohn’s disease, doctors will recommend intravenous infusion therapy, or IV therapy, as the next route.
How Does IV Therapy Work for Crohn’s Disease?
Patients can expect an infusion to last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours for most Crohn’s disease therapies. Patients who receive infusion therapy for Crohn’s disease usually have reduced symptoms and experience remission when maintaining the treatment guidelines.
Many of those with Crohn’s disease choose to receive their treatments at free-standing infusion centers like IVX Health instead of hospitals. Patients have a choice when it comes to their care – and patients most often choose IVX Health for its patient-focused amenities, industry-leading 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio, flexible appointment scheduling, and lower overall cost in comparison to the hospital outpatient department.
Crohn’s Disease Therapies Administered at IVX Health
Managing Crohn’s Disease at IVX Health
At IVX Health, patients receive their infusion and injection treatments while they relax in comfortable leather recliners in their own private suite – equipped with a large, flat screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and space for guests.
Time is valuable. Many patients are limited with busy work, family, and life schedules. IVX Health offers flexible scheduling options, including weekends and evenings. Patients are escorted immediately to their private suite upon arrival – eliminating unnecessary wait times and exposure to other patients.
What to Expect During Crohn’s Infusion Treatment
Prior to receiving an infusion, IVX recommends patients arrive hydrated and well rested. If you need drinks, snacks, or a cozy blanket while visiting, don’t worry – IVX has you covered.
During an IV infusion treatment for Crohn’s disease at IVX Health, people should expect that their procedure will be very similar to the one below.
- The first step in the IV infusion treatment at IVX Health involves the nurse using a thin, small catheter to create the patient’s intravenous line (aka IV line). This IV line is typically placed in the arm.
- Once the IV line is in place, the nurse connects the medication to this line. She accomplishes this by taking the tube that is connected to the bottle or IV bag of medicine and connecting it with the patient’s IV line.
- A registered nurse or nurse practitioner will continually monitor each patient throughout the entire process. Dependent on the prescribed regimen and tolerance from the patient, the nurse may infuse a lower concentration of the medication at first and then gradually increase the amount as treatment continues.
During the infusion, patients are encouraged to relax, unwind, and enjoy themselves by catching up on a favorite show or surfing the web. If patients need assistance, simply press the call button and one of the IVX team members will be right in.
If a patient notices that he or she is having difficulty breathing, feels nauseous, has a headache or develops a rash, these could be symptoms of an adverse event, and the patient should inform his or her nurse of right away. All IVX centers have a patient call button in every infusion room. Also, nursing stations are located in the middle of the hallway – directly adjacent to patient suites – for easy access to patients having an adverse event.
How to Get a Referral for Crohn’s Infusion Treatment
All the referrals for IV infusion therapy to treat Crohn’s disease require an order, patient information, and supporting clinical documentation. This information must be sent from a patient’s referring physician to IVX Health.
- Order information must include – the provider’s name, NPI#, address, phone/fax number and the signature of the provider (may be electronically authenticated).
- The patient’s demographics need to include – the patient’s name, phone number, address and insurance information.
- Supporting clinical documentation – the patient’s height and weight, results of the patient’s recent TB (aka tuberculosis) skin test, as well as any other labs that the patient has had done. Clinicals to support a moderate-to-severe Crohn’s diagnosis.
All IVX Health centers are ready and willing to help its patients navigate the referral process. All IVX Health centers are listed on the Locations page.
Interested in learning more about receiving your Crohn’s disease treatment at IVX Health? Contact us and we’d be happy to assist.
