KVH expands outpatient Infusion Services

KVH expands outpatient Infusion Services

GOLDENDALE, WASHINGTON (December 8, 2023) - Patients now have a more convenient way to receive the crucial, specialized infusion treatments they need. Klickitat Valley Health has begun expanding services for patients who require outpatient infusion treatments, including blood transfusions, (IV) antibiotics and medications, hydration, injection services and more.

“We want to make every patient’s experience seamless with the least number of interruptions and stress to their lives as possible,” said Erin Wooley, KVH Chief Clinical Officer. “This means patients can have their treatment plans near their home, with less travel time and more opportunities to work or spend time with their family and friends.”

KVH Infusion Services is an outpatient clinic certified to administer infusion therapy, or the administration of medication and fluid through a needle or catheter. Some illnesses, especially chronic illnesses, require ongoing treatment which meant over an hour of travel to metropolitan hospitals for local patients who need regular infusions.

“We see patients for a variety of treatments including intravenous infusions, blood transfusions, blood draws, injections, and management of vascular access devices such as mediports and PICC lines,” explains KVH nurse Kaylee Twohy, RN, BSN Outpatient Infusion manager. “Medications we infuse include antibiotics and therapeutics to treat chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.”

Not all visits to KVH Infusion Services address chronic conditions but the majority are. The National Health Council reports that “Generally incurable and ongoing, chronic diseases affect approximately 133 million Americans, representing more than 40% of the total population of this country…that number is projected to grow to an estimated 157 million, with 81 million having multiple conditions.”

“Our patients see us routinely for treatments and we may see them daily, weekly, or monthly,” says Twohy.

Infusion Therapy begins with prescribed orders by a qualified physician who oversees medical care of the patient. All schedule and dosage instructions are provided by the patient’s primary care provider or specialist. The patient’s physician remains in charge of their care for the duration of the treatment.

The KVH Infusion Treatment team then steps in, working with a patient’s primary care physician, hospital team, or nursing home caregivers on this outpatient process. “The care we provide is highly specialized and requires skilled nursing,” added Twohy. “Our expertise lies in giving medications and treatments that are usually given in the hospital, while allowing people to live at home and even continue working. Some people need short-term care that bridges the gap from hospital admission to full recovery at home, while others need specific management of severe chronic illness.”

Appointments vary from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the medication used, but patients can read or use the facility’s wi-fi from the comfort of a chair or bed. All care is uniquely tailored to the individual. Treatments are administered in the hospital facility with access to all ancillary support services including lab and pharmacy.

“A lot of people are surprised we are offering the services we do,” admits Twohy. “If it has to do with special medications or vascular access, we likely have the capability to accommodate the needs of the patient. For instance, people may receive cancer treatments in Portland but live here in the Goldendale area. For those people, we can maintain their mediports and PICC lines at KVH and provide them IV Hydration to reduce the need to travel more often than necessary.”

“We know you weigh the cost of driving over-an-hour away for infusion treatments. Why drive out of town when you can receive those same services right here at home?” added Twohy.” Until now, patients in eastern Klickitat County had to travel out of town to receive infusion therapy. Now, those same patients can receive that care from the medical team that knows them best, ensuring continuity of care between patients and their providers.”

Infusion Therapy is provided on an outpatient basis and is flexible to fit the scheduling needs of each patient.

“Simply ask your care provider if your infusion treatments could be provided locally. They will determine if infusion services at KVH are appropriate for your healthcare needs,” said Twohy. “Even if you have not previously been a KVH patient, we can work with your PCP or specialty office to set up infusion services locally.”

For more information on KVH Infusion Treatment versions visit KVHealth.net/InfusionServices or call KVH Infusion Services at 509.772.2695 open Monday-Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm.