What to Expect from Home Infusion
If you’ve been referred for home infusion therapy, you probably have questions about how it works. This guide walks you through the entire process — from referral to your first infusion and beyond.
Home infusion at a glance
Home infusion therapy means receiving your IV medication at home rather than at a hospital or infusion center. A registered nurse comes to you, administers your treatment, monitors you throughout the infusion, and ensures you’re comfortable.
Behind the scenes, our team handles everything else: verifying your insurance, obtaining prior authorization, arranging medication delivery, and coordinating your nursing visits. You don’t have to manage these pieces yourself.
For many patients, home infusion is not just more convenient — it’s safer. You avoid exposure to infections in clinical waiting rooms, receive one-on-one nursing attention, and can relax in familiar surroundings during treatments that may take several hours.
From referral to first infusion
Here’s what happens after your physician refers you to NJ Infusion Services. Timelines vary depending on your insurance, but this gives you a general sense of the process.
1
Day 1
Your physician refers you
Your doctor determines that home infusion is appropriate for your condition and sends a referral to NJ Infusion Services. This includes your diagnosis, recommended therapy, and relevant medical history.
What you do
Nothing required from you at this stage — your physician’s office handles the referral.
2
Days 1-2
We verify your insurance
Our team contacts your insurance company to verify your coverage, understand your benefits, and identify any requirements like prior authorization or step therapy.
What you do
We may call you to confirm your insurance information and collect any details we might need to get you started.
3
Days 2-7 (varies by payer)
We obtain prior authorization
Once authorized, we coordinate with specialty pharmacies to procure your medication and arrange delivery to your home. Medications arrive properly stored and ready for your infusion.
What you do
Be available to receive the delivery, or let us know if you need specific delivery timing.
4
1-2 days after authorization
We arrange medication delivery
Once authorized, we coordinate with specialty medication distribution to procure your medication and arrange delivery to your home at the time that your infusion nurse arrives at your home. Medications arrive properly stored and ready for your infusion.
What you do
Be available to receive the delivery, or let us know if you need specific delivery timing.
5
Coordinated with delivery
We schedule your first infusion
Our scheduling team works with your infusion and you to find a time that fits your life. We’ll confirm the date, time, and approximate duration of your infusion.
What you do
Choose a time that works for you. Plan to be home for the full duration of the infusion.
5
Your scheduled appointment
Your nurse arrives for your first infusion
A registered nurse comes to your home with your medication and all necessary supplies. They’ll introduce themselves, explain the process, answer your questions, and make sure you’re comfortable before beginning.
What you do
Have a comfortable place to sit, access to a bathroom, and let your nurse know about any concerns.
During your infusion
Here’s what a typical home infusion visit looks like from start to finish.
1
Setup
You and your infusion nurse will find a comfortable spot for you to sit, check your vital signs, prepare the medication, and start your IV. Your nurse explains each step as they go.
2
Infusion
Once the IV is started, medication flows at a controlled rate. Your nurse monitors you throughout — checking vitals, watching for any reactions, and adjusting the rate as needed.
3
Your time
During the infusion, you can read, watch TV, work on your laptop, eat, drink, or simply rest. The only restriction is staying seated or reclined so the IV stays in place.
4
Completion
When the infusion is complete, your nurse removes the IV, checks your vitals one more time, and ensures you’re feeling well. They’ll answer any questions and confirm your next appointment.
5
Cleanup
Your nurse handles all cleanup and medical waste disposal. They leave your home as they found it — you don’t need to do anything.
Preparing for your infusion
A little preparation helps everything go smoothly. Here’s how to get ready for your infusion visit.
Your space
- Choose a comfortable chair or couch where you can sit for the duration of your infusion
- Make sure there's an electrical outlet nearby for any equipment
- Have a bathroom accessible — you can get up during the infusion if needed
- Consider having a blanket handy; some patients feel cool during infusions
- Good lighting helps your nurse see clearly for IV placement
Yourself
- Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water before your infusion to help with IV placement
- Eat normally unless your care team advises otherwise
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that roll up easily
- Have your medications list handy in case your nurse has questions
- Plan activities for during your infusion — books, tablet, TV remote, work laptop
You don’t need to provide any medical supplies. Your nurse brings everything required for the infusion — IV equipment, tubing, medications, monitoring supplies, and all other materials.
How long does an infusion take?
Infusion times vary depending on your medication, dose, and how well you tolerate the infusion. Here are typical durations:
IVIG
4-6+ hours
Duration depends on your dose and infusion rate. Your first infusion may be slower as your nurse monitors your response.
Infliximab
2-3 hours
Standard infusion time. Some patients may qualify for accelerated infusions after several treatments.
VYEPTI
~30 minutes
One of the shortest infusion therapies available. Plan for about an hour total including setup and monitoring.
For your first infusion: Plan for extra time. Your infusion nurse will explain everything thoroughly, answer your questions, and may start the infusion at a slower rate to monitor your response. Subsequent infusions are typically faster once your comfortable tolerance is established.
After your infusion
Most patients feel fine after their infusion and can return to normal activities. Some medications may cause temporary tiredness or mild side effects — your nurse will let you know what to watch for based on your specific therapy.
Your nurse reports the details of every infusion to your physician, including your vital signs, any reactions, and how you tolerated the treatment. You don’t need to relay this information yourself.
Before leaving, your nurse will confirm your next infusion appointment and remind you of anything you need to do before then (usually nothing).
When to contact us
Call our clinical team, beginning with your infusion nurse, if you experience any of the following after your infusion:
- Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
- Severe headache that doesn't improve with medication
- Difficulty breathing or chest tightness
- Rash, hives, or itching
- Unusual swelling or pain
- Any symptoms that concern you
24/7 Clinical Support
Call your dedicated infusion nurse.
Ongoing care
Home infusion therapy is often ongoing — weekly, every few weeks, or quarterly depending on your therapy. Here’s what to expect as treatment continues.
Consistent scheduling
We work with you to establish a regular schedule that fits your life. You can request specific days or times, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Nursing continuity
We try to assign the same nurse or small team to your care. Familiar faces mean better care — a nurse who knows you can spot changes and anticipate your needs.
Authorization management
Insurance authorizations expire and need renewal. We track these dates and handle reauthorization automatically — you don’t need to remember or manage this.
Medication coordination
We coordinate medication delivery before each infusion. You don’t need to arrange pickups or track shipments — it arrives at your home ready for your nurse.
Physician communication
Your doctor receives reports after each infusion and is notified with any concerns. You stay connected to your care team without having to relay information yourself.
Flexible support
Life happens. If you need to reschedule, have questions between infusions, or experience changes in your condition, our team is here to help.
Questions about what to expect?
Every patient’s situation is different. If you have specific questions about your therapy or what home infusion will look like for you, our care team is happy to help.
Call your dedicated infusion nurse directly.
Or call us directly: (888) 229-7596
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 6pm ET