What Are the Benefits of Infusion Centers?

Written by Lauren Pica, APRN, Vice President, Site of Care at Soleo Health

Imagine a young mother who was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, facing the decision of where to receive her regular infusion treatments.

With work, family commitments, and the complexities of her condition all weighing on her, she needed to make a choice between receiving infusions at the hospital or at an outpatient infusion center, knowing that the right environment could impact her treatment experience.

When you need special infusions for long-term conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, immune conditions, or serious infections, you usually have two choices: getting treatment at home or at an outpatient infusion center.

For many people, infusion centers are a safe, convenient, and cost-effective option for receiving infusion treatments.

What is an Infusion Center?

An infusion center is a clinic where you can get IV treatments, which means medicine is given directly into your bloodstream through a small tube. These centers offer high-quality care in a comfortable setting, so you do not have to stay overnight in a hospital.

At an infusion center, trained nurses and medical staff administer your treatment and monitor you during your visit to make sure everything is going safely. Infusion therapy is often used for medications that cannot be taken by mouth, such as treatments for infections, chronic conditions, or autoimmune diseases.

Many infusion centers are designed to make patients feel at ease, with reclining chairs, quiet spaces, and support throughout the treatment process.

picture of infusion nurse and infusion patient

Infusion Centers Provide Many Types of Medications

  • IV antibiotics
  • Medically managed hydration and nutrition infusion therapy for patients experiencing clinical dehydration or difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition due to illness or treatment, provided under physician direction.
  • Biologics – Special medicines made from living cells
  • Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy
  • Treatments using lab-made antibodies
  • Other specialty medications

5 Key Benefits of Outpatient Infusion Centers

1. Safety and Clinical Oversight

Infusion centers have trained clinical staff who watch over you during your treatment. Imagine sitting in a comfortable chair while a nurse checks your heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs every 30 minutes to ensure you are okay. Nurses also use a checklist to look for any side effects.

2. Comfort and Convenience

Outpatient infusion centers are made to keep you comfortable, with features such as:

  • Private or semi-private treatment suites
  • Reclining chairs
  • Complimentary snacks, beverages and Wi-Fi
  • Entertainment options and quiet spaces
  • Free and easy parking
  • Shorter wait times and flexible scheduling

3. Cost-Effective Infusion Therapy

Getting treatment at an outpatient infusion center usually costs much less than going to the hospital. Patients can save a lot of money, sometimes as much as a car payment, each visit, which is a financial help.

  • Lower overall treatment costs than inpatient or hospital outpatient settings
  • Better insurance coverage for outpatient infusion services
  • No hospital facility fees
  • Reduced out-of-pocket costs

4. Personalized, Consistent Care

Because infusion centers see fewer patients and have staff who specialize in these treatments, you receive more personalized attention. You’ll benefit from:

  • Dedicated nurses who know your treatment history
  • Consistent care teams across visits
  • More time to ask questions and discuss your care plan
  • Personalized comfort measures tailored to your needs

This one-on-one attention enhances the experience and often leads to improved patient outcomes.

5. Lower Risk, Greater Independence

Infusion centers let you get medical expertise care without having to stay in the hospital, offering:

  • Reduced exposure to hospital-acquired infections
  • The ability to maintain work, school, and family routines
  • Care in a convenient, community-based location
  • Less disruption to your daily life, with no need to clean your home

This balance of safety and independence makes outpatient infusion therapy an ideal long-term care option for many patients.

Value and Quality of Infusion Center Care

According to the Infusion Providers Alliance, in-office and infusion centers offer a more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-focused model of care than hospital settings.

Research shows that getting infusions at outpatient centers can cut treatment costs by up to half compared to hospitals, without lowering quality. ¹

This means patients could also benefit, as these savings may lead to lower insurance costs. When overall costs go down, insurance companies may pass the savings to you, making your healthcare bills easier to handle.

A Stanford University study found 79% adherence in office-based settings, compared to 74% in hospitals and 64% at home.

Increased Outcomes and Adherence for Infusion Centers

Studies show that people who receive treatment at outpatient infusion centers are more likely to adhere to their treatment and achieve better outcomes.

A Stanford University study found 79% adherence in office-based settings, compared to 74% in hospitals and 64% at home.2

When people adhere to their treatments more consistently, they can experience fewer flare-ups and fewer hospital visits. This helps people with long-term conditions improve their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services are offered at infusion centers?

Outpatient infusion centers offer many types of treatments, including:

  • Specialty infusions given by nurses for chronic illnesses, infections, and immune disorders
  • Lab-made antibody treatments for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis
  • IVIG therapy to help people with weak immune systems
  • Blood transfusions for anemia and other blood problems
  • Clinically prescribed hydration and nutrition infusion therapy for patients who are dehydrated or unable to maintain adequate nutrient intake due to medical conditions or treatment—administered under physician oversight, not elective wellness IV services
  • Subcutaneous injections, such as Leqvio, for people who prefer not to self-inject

Read our blog: What Diseases are Treated with Infusion Therapy?

How do I know if I qualify for outpatient infusion therapy at your center?

Most patients qualify for outpatient infusion therapy with a valid prescription from their provider. Our clinical team reviews your medical history, current condition, and the specific medication ordered to ensure that an infusion center is the safest and most appropriate setting for your care.

We’ll coordinate with your provider to confirm all treatment details and let you know if any additional information is needed before your first appointment.

What insurance plans do you accept, and how can I estimate my out-of-pocket costs?

We work with a wide range of national and local insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Once we receive your referral, our insurance specialists verify your benefits, check medication coverage, and review any copays, deductibles, or coinsurance amounts.

Before your treatment begins, we will provide a clear cost estimate, so you know exactly what to expect—no surprises.

What should I expect during my first visit, and how do I prepare for infusion therapy?

During your first appointment, you’ll meet with a nurse, who will review your medical history, explain your treatment, and answer any questions. The nurse will place a small IV line and begin the infusion while monitoring your vital signs throughout the visit.

Our goal is to make your first visit as smooth and stress-free as possible. Read our blog about how to prepare for your first infusion therapy visit.

How flexible are appointment times, and how far in advance do I need to book?

We offer flexible scheduling, including morning and afternoon appointments, to accommodate work, school, and family routines. Some locations also provide same-week or same-day availability depending on the therapy.

While we recommend booking at least a few days in advance, our team will work with you to find a time that works best for your schedule. We can also schedule your appointments on evenings and weekends, if needed.

Ready to Explore Your Infusion Options?

For many people who need regular infusions, outpatient infusion centers offer the best mix of safety, comfort, and lower costs.

However, the best place for you depends on your health needs, insurance, and what you prefer. Talk to your healthcare provider about which infusion therapy location best supports your treatment goals and lifestyle.

If you’re considering outpatient infusion therapy or looking for an alternative to hospital-based treatment, our infusion center services combine professional clinical care with convenience, comfort, and affordability.

Contact us today to verify your insurance, learn more about our infusion therapy programs, and schedule your first visit.

For additional resources, check out our blog: How to Prepare for Your First Infusion Therapy Visit.

Building Confidence in IV Infusion Therapy

Read about our patient, Unique, who was apprehensive about starting IV infusion therapy, her first experience with intravenous medication. The fear of potential side effects led her to delay treatment. However, her provider referred her to Soleo Health for specialized infusion services. Despite her initial fears, Unique found the infusion process to be far less intimidating than she had expected.

Read and Watch the Story

Sources
1. Cost Savings and Improved Quality in a Clinic-based Setting – Infusion Providers Alliance https://www.infusionprovidersalliance.org/cost-savings-and-improved-quality-in-a-clinic-based-setting/
2. Giese-Kim, M. Wu et al., The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2020