Outpatient Infusion Services - Informed Consent Starts HERE:

What is Outpatient Infusion Therapy?
Outpatient infusion therapy means getting medicine through a vein (IV) at a clinic instead of staying in the hospital. This can include antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and biologic medicines. The goal is to treat serious infections or other conditions safely while allowing patients to stay at home and continue daily life.[1][2]

Who Will Take Care of You?
A team of infectious disease specialists (MD/PA), nurses, and pharmacists will coordinate your care. They will administer your medicine, assess your health, and ensure your IV line is functioning properly. You will have regular lab tests to monitor your safety and how well the medicine is working.[1][2][3]

What to Expect During Treatment
- You will come to the infusion center for your scheduled treatments.
- A licensed practitioner will place and care for your IV access (such as a PICC or midline catheter).
- Your care team will check your blood tests and watch for side effects.
- You may need to report any new symptoms, such as fever, pain, swelling, or redness at the IV site.[1][2][4]

Possible Risks and Side Effects
All medicines can have side effects. Some possible risks include:
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Stomach upset, diarrhea, or muscle aches
- Changes in kidney or liver function (checked by blood tests)
- Problems with the IV line, such as infection, clotting, or leakage[5][2][3][4]
Most side effects are mild, but some can be serious. Your care team will monitor you closely and adjust your treatment if needed.

Your Responsibilities
- Keep all scheduled appointments for infusions and lab tests.
- Tell your care team about any new symptoms or problems.
- Follow instructions for caring for your IV line at home, if needed.
- Ask questions if you do not understand something about your treatment.[1][6]

Your Choices and Rights
-You have the right to understand your treatment options, risks, and benefits. You can ask questions and make decisions about your care. If you wish to stop treatment or change your plan, talk with your care team.[7]

Costs and Insurance
-Most outpatient infusions are covered by insurance, including Medicare. Your team will help explain any costs and work with your insurance company.[1][8][7]

When to Get Help
Call our office at 713-339-9949 to determine if you should see your doctor or go to the emergency room. But if you have any doubts, call 911 or go to the ER

• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) or chills,
• Redness, swelling, or pain at the IV site
• Sudden weakness, confusion, or tremors
• New onset of ringing in the ears, hearing loss,
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or swelling
• Itching: Persistent itching without a clear cause
• Fluid Retention: Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Sudden marked decrease in urine output
• A change in the color of your :
• eyes (yellow)
• skin (yellow)
• urine (dark color of coke, tea, or with frank blood)
• stools (clay/pale light, or frank blood or black and tarry)

All these need to be reported to our office immediately. At Metropolitan ID, we have an MD, RN, and Pharmacist on call 24/7. However, there are some conditions that require a specialist in Emergency Medicine or rapid diagnostic equipment and management. If you need to be seen in urgent care or the ER, please tell them you are under the care of a physician at Metro ID and to  contact us to coordinate your care.  [6]

- Heart Attack, Stroke, and Cardiac Arrest Symptoms

*If these warning signs are present, CALL 911 FIRST, then notify our office (and the emergency personnel you are under our care*

• Chest Discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.
• Upper Body Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath: May occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other Signs: Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
• Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or is numb. Ask the person to smile.
• Arm Weakness: Weakness or numbness in one arm. Check if one arm drifts downward when raised.
• Speech Difficulty: Slurred speech or trouble speaking.
• Sudden Confusion: Difficulty understanding speech.
• Vision Problems: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Severe Headache: A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
  -
  
  Questions?
  Your care team is here to help. Please ask any questions you have about your treatment, risks, or what to expect.
  
  

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References

1. 2018 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy. Norris AH, Shrestha NK, Allison GM, et al. Clinical Infectious Diseases : An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2019;68(1):e1-e35. doi:10.1093/cid/ciy745.
2. Safety and Efficacy of Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy in an Academic Infectious Disease Clinic. Suleyman G, Kenney R, Zervos MJ, Weinmann A. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2017;42(1):39-43. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12465.
3. Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Practices Among Adult Infectious Disease Physicians. Lane MA, Marschall J, Beekmann SE, et al. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 2014;35(7):839-44. doi:10.1086/676859.
4. Midline vs Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy. Paje D, Walzl E, Heath M, et al. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2025;185(1):83-91. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5984.
5. Infective Endocarditis in Adults: Diagnosis, Antimicrobial Therapy, and Management of Complications: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association. Baddour LM, Wilson WR, Bayer AS, et al. Circulation. 2015;132(15):1435-86. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000296.
6. Outpatient Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Adults Treated for Malignancy: American Society of Clinical Oncology and Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guideline Update. Taplitz RA, Kennedy EB, Bow EJ, et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 2018;36(14):1443-1453. doi:10.1200/JCO.2017.77.6211.
7. Incorporating Ethics in Clinical Guidelines in Infectious Diseases. Yahav D, Nasim A, Shirin N, et al. JAMA Network Open. 2025;8(7):e2519826. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.19826.
8. Update and Overview of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Regulations and Reimbursement. Ross Nolet B. Clinical Infectious Diseases : An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2010;51 Suppl 2:S216-9. doi:10.1086/653522.