Infusion Therapy, Close to Home

Infusion therapy is an outpatient service primarily used to treat severe or chronic diseases and infections that may not respond to oral medications. Medicine is delivered via an IV, which allows for controlled dosing. Some medications need to be dripped slowly into the bloodstream (some types of chemotherapy), while other medicines need to reach the bloodstream quickly (in the instance of stroke/heart attack).

Infusion therapy also delivers medicines for a wide variety of conditions such as: blood clotting, dehydration, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases, severe infections, insulin for type 1 diabetes, a “cocktail” for migraines, and many others.

Infusion Therapy is available at Mille Lacs Health System (MLHS), on the Onamia campus. It is a separate unit at the hospital specifically designated for those patients needing therapies that do not require hospitalization, but are essential to care, either temporarily or on an ongoing basis. Mille Lacs Health System collaborates and fulfills the needs of patients who come from many facilities, helping to keep healthcare needs as close to home as possible.

Convenience isn’t the only factor when utilizing the Infusion Therapy services at Mille Lacs Health System. Exceptional care is the top priority, and that is proven in the satisfaction scores the department consistently receives placing them in the top 1% for patient care.

The infusion space at Mille Lacs Health System is bright and airy with several private bays and one enclosed room. Nurses can closely monitor patients during treatments. Additionally, computers at the chairside are available for patients to check email, watch TV, or browse the Internet. A kitchenette provides light snacks and hydration.

Beyond the typical IV therapies, other services offered within Infusion Therapy at MLHS include: catheter change, central line care, electrolyte/fluid replacement, PICC lines and ports, wound care, therapeutic phlebotomies, blood transfusions, and Sublocade/Vivitrol injections - Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) for substance use management, and many more.

Local patients and area visitors can get comforting and convenient infusion therapy care locally at Mille Lacs Health System. Infusion Therapy is available Monday – Friday, with limited availability on weekends. Call 320-532-2416 with questions or to set up infusion therapy.