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Infusion Suite
Gastroenterology Associates of North Mississippi currently offers infusion therapies that are indicated and specific for gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), iron deficiencies, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
About Infusion Therapies
Why infusion therapies?
Infusion therapy is given to patients generally when oral therapies fail to control symptoms or flares.
What can I expect if my physician refers me for infusion therapy?
- Depending on what therapy is recommended, your physician may order up-to-date labs needed for a prior authorization from insurance and for safety measures.
- You will be referred to a biologics coordinator. The biologics coordinator will gather all necessary documents needed to submit and prove to your insurance the necessity of the therapy recommended to treat your symptoms.
- The biologics coordinator will investigate your medical benefits/or pharmacy benefits and ensure that your infusion can be done at our facility. If not, a referral will be made on your behalf to another infusion center that can begin treatment.
- A biologics coordinator will obtain a prior authorization needed to infuse your therapy. a prior authorization from your insurance means you’re your insurance has approved your treatment.
- If you have qualifying insurance (commercial only), the biologics coordinator will register you for the appropriate savings plans that are offered.
- Lastly, the office will set up delivery of your therapy and set up your first appointment.
- Depending on type of insurance, this process may take a few days up to two weeks
What happens during an infusion therapy?
Depending on which therapy is prescribed, the visit can take 45 minutes to 2 ½ hours to complete and the frequency can be anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks based on patient response.
Vital signs and weight are taken, and an IV is placed. An informed consent will be presented that will have much of your medication information explained. Your nurse will answer any questions you may have prior to the start of infusion.
Once infusion is completed and your nurse feels you are stable for discharge, your next appointment will be scheduled according to the therapy regimen.
Infusion Therapies We Offer
Crohn’s Disease
Anti-tnf and biosimilars: 2 ½ hour infusion visit given at week 0, 2, and 6 then every 8 weeks thereafter
- Remicade (Infliximab)
- Renflexis (Infliximab-Abda)
Anti-Integrin
- Entyvio (vedolizumab) up to 1 hour infusion visit at week 0,2, and 6 then every 8 weeks thereafter
Il-23
- Stelara (ustekinumab) one time 1 hour infusion visit then subcutaneously every 8 weeks thereafter
- Skyrizi (risankizumab) 1 hour infusion visit infused at week 0, 4, and 8 then starting at week 12 subcutaneously every 8 weeks
Ulcerative Colitis
Anti-tnf and biosimilars: 2 ½ hour infusion visit given at week 0, 2, and 6 then every 8 weeks thereafter
- Remicade (Infliximab)
- Renflexis (Infliximab-Abda)
Anti-Integrin
- Entyvio (vedolizumab) up to 1 hour infusion visit at week 0,2, and 6 then every 8 weeks thereafter
Il-23
- Stelara (ustekinumab) one time 1 hour infusion visit then subcutaneously every 8 weeks thereafter