Many prescription drugs are taken orally. This makes it simple for patients to take them at home.

But some medications have to be infused. In other words, they come in liquid form that must be administered intravenously.

That’s where Infusion Therapy Services at Prowers Medical Center comes in. Shelby Warn and Tracy Williams, both Registered Nurses, are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to deliver infusion treatments in the department’s two infusion rooms.

“Our goal is to care for patients close to home so they don’t have to drive a minimum of two hours to a larger hospital for the medication they need,” Warn said. “Infusion therapy is a critical rural service, and we’re proud to be able to provide it.”

“The stress of travel can be avoided by having needed treatments here in Lamar.  A new diagnosis and medication regimen is enough of a worry without adding on all the details that go with a long trip,” said Williams. “We want to make things as easy on our patients as possible.”

Why Some Treatments Must Be Infused

If it’s easier for patients to take medications by mouth, why aren’t all drugs available for oral use? That is a very good question.

Some drugs can’t be taken orally because they lose their effectiveness when exposed to stomach acids and the digestive system. Others, like some chemotherapies, must be administered slowly, drip by drip, to be properly absorbed by the body.

Of course, not all infusions are medications. Blood transfusions are sometimes necessary as part of treatment for cancer or hemophilia. And when a patient is severely dehydrated, hydration can be given intravenously to ensure adequate fluid and electrolyte balance.

In addition, some patients affected by gastrointestinal or kidney diseases, anemia, or cancer receive iron infusions. It is common to give iron IV to those patients who don’t absorb iron via the GI tract.

Prowers Medical Center Infusion Therapy Services

All services are delivered with the highest standards and close to home.

  • Blood transfusions
  • Antibiotic therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Iron infusions
  • Biological therapy medications for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, and other autoimmune disorders
  • Osteoporosis treatments
  • Hydration therapy
  • Injections
  • Port and PICC line maintenance

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 719-336-6743.

What If You Need Infusions?

For residents of Lamar and its surrounding communities, it’s important to know that the Prowers Medical Center Infusion Therapy department can administer almost any infusion or injection prescribed by any provider, whether the provider is part of Prowers Medical Center or not.

“We can take medication orders from any licensed provider,” Warn said. “Some patients who see healthcare providers in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo aren’t aware of this. There’s no need to add extra travel for infusion treatments.”

Warn and Williams also provide ancillary services, such as port flushing, PICC line dressing care, as well as injections and education on medications and self-care.

All services are administered in a clean, comfortable environment. “We take the health and safety of our patients very seriously,” Warn said. “We’re committed to safe infection prevention practices.” To provide a comfortable environment for patients, the infusion rooms have recliners, soft lighting, reading material and a television.

“We understand how daunting it is for patients to have to travel for these services,” Warn said. “Some patients need infusions weekly, and sometimes more often than that. If they had to drive to a larger city to get the care they need, they might be more likely to miss treatments due to bad weather, feeling unwell or the financial burdens of travel. Instead, we take excellent care of them right here.”

Warn encourages patients and providers who have any questions about Prowers Medical Center infusion services to call 719-336-6743.