A New Experience in IV Therapy Comes to Southern Utah

By Edwin Charles Schadewald III, President and CEO of Wasatch Infusion

Infusion therapy is stirring up the world of health and healing. Many pharmaceutical companies have introduced new and effective medications that are now available through an intravenous delivery method. This has created the need for more specialized sites from which to receive IV medication. Initially, this was done solely through hospitals, but once the first infusion center opened only twenty years ago, the market has steadily grown, and new infusion therapy clinics have surfaced, creating a more patient-centric, spa-like experience.

What is Infusion Therapy?

Infusion therapy is a treatment option that distributes fluid medication and supplements via direct vein access, bypassing the digestive system and allowing for better absorption throughout the body. More and more, biologics and biosimilars are jumping on board with infusion. The rise of chronic diseases and the acceptability of innovative health treatments have also resulted in increased demands for IV therapy.

IV Therapy Versus Oral Medication

IV therapy may offer more advantages for overall healing and treatment than oral medication. IV treatments are injected directly into the bloodstream to allow for quick, effective absorption and distribution throughout the body. Studies have shown that similar oral medications (digested through the stomach) may have the following side effects: • stomach and digestive system discomfort • disruption by other factors such as food and other medications • lower absorption rates • reduced medication efficacy

In addition to better patient reception results, IV therapy offers further benefits, which include:

Personalized treatment

During a treatment, delivery speeds can be adjusted to make the patient more comfortable with fewer side effects.

Extended effectiveness

Studies have shown that intravenous medications provide more prolonged periods of treatment for patients (versus oral medications and some injections).

Professional monitoring

Rather than in-home oral medications, a professional medical team is monitoring a patient to ensure no significant side effects occur from medication.

Cost-effectiveness

Infusion therapy is not necessarily less expensive than oral medications; however, insurance companies are covering a great number of infusion treatments and allowing a less expensive copayment.

The Future of Healing

Infusion centers can offer patientfocused treatment experiences where patients receive specialized infusions in a non-hospital setting. These settings provide care that is focused specifically on IV administration with trained staff dedicated to providing a pleasant experience. Additionally, these centers may offer other comforts, such as mobility-focused lift recliner chairs, snacks and drinks, entertainment (television, music, and movies), onetime use blankets and pillows, and patient-managed climate control.

At its new location in St. George, Utah, Wasatch Infusion offers even more: an exclusively private suite for each patient, a one-poke philosophy, and advanced offers IV wellness drips—which are swiftly growing in popularity and availability—to accelerate your path to better health. These treatments include enhancements to help with nutritional and metabolic support, promote hydration, amplify beauty, and provide immunity protection. The center’s philosophy for wellness infusions aligns with their medical infusions, including exclusively private suites, medically trained staff, a one-poke philosophy, and advanced placement technology.

placement methods that include ultrasound and Accuvein technology.

According to Stephanie Dupree, lead advanced practice registered nurse for Wasatch Infusion, having the option of receiving vital medications in an environment that is not only private but also furnishes the comforts of home can be a welcome relief to people suffering from chronic illnesses. “Many insurance plans will not pay for home health care, but an in-office infusion is likely to be covered,” she explained. “If you can’t receive your infusion from home, you can trust that you will be greeted with all of the comforts of home at an infusion center.”

The Wellness Industry

Along with premier medical IV therapy, Wasatch Infusion also offers IV wellness drips—which are swiftly growing in popularity and availability—to accelerate your path to better health. These treatments include enhancements to help with nutritional and metabolic support, promote hydration, amplify beauty, and provide immunity protection. The center’s philosophy for wellness infusions aligns with their medical infusions, including exclusively private suites, medically trained staff, a one-poke philosophy, and advanced placement technology.

Why Wasatch Infusion?

Wasatch Infusion has been serving the needs of patients and physicians since 2010. The healthcare organization provides IV therapy for an array of medical conditions and infuses specialty medications and antibiotics. Additionally, Wasatch Infusion offers wellness infusions as well as other infusion-related services, like PICC line insertion, therapeutic phlebotomy, and IV line care. The clinic is open 365 days a year. For more information, visit www.wasatchinfusion.com or call 801-577-7055.

About the Author

Edwin Charles Schadewald III (Charlie), President and CEO of Wasatch Infusion, has been advocating for patient access to low cost, high service IV therapy in a safe and comfortable environment for nine years. His lifetime of experience in sales, marketing, business development, and process improvement have helped him grow Wasatch Infusion to multiple locations throughout Utah. He serves on the boards of the National Infusion Center Association, the Infusion Access Foundation, and the Innovatix Alternate Sites of Care Advisory Board. His passions include business, technology, innovation, and travel.