AOM Infusion is honored to be an ally for patients like you. To us, your treatment is personal. We believe you deserve compassionate, attentive care by expert providers who are your advocates. That’s why we make it easy to receive the vital medicines you need in a setting where you feel most comfortable.
We know many of our patients have spent their lives managing their chronic condition, which can often leave them feeling powerless. We’re out to change that. Our patient-centric approach empowers patients to take control of their health so they can enjoy a better quality of life.
You Deserve More Options
It’s the reason we’re investing in new, state-of-the-art ambulatory infusion suites (AIS). Each offers a safe and comfortable environment with inviting amenities that include simplified scheduling and medicine management, free parking, Wi-Fi, television, and healthy snacks.
“Our AIS centers are designed to give patients more flexibility, more independence, and a sense of community,” explains AOM Chief Clinical Officer John Vlahopoulos. “Patients can relax in a group setting or a private infusion room with an expert infusion nurse by their side.”
At AOM, we are guided by our commitment to providing an exceptional and personalized patience experience. “We are proud to offer this option to those who prefer to receive treatment in the comfort and privacy of their own home,” says Cheyenne Dennison, AOM Clinical Care Navigator. “Our pharmacists arrange for your medication to be delivered directly to your home before your scheduled treatment day. One of our skilled infusion nurses arrives at your home on your selected treatment day and chosen time to care for you during your entire treatment.”
You Deserve Personalized Care
AOM’s approach delivers real benefits compared to infusion therapy at a hospital, inpatient clinic or skilled nursing facility. Instead of being treated by multiple healthcare providers, AOM believes in personalized care rooted in one-on-one relationships between the patient and their caregiver.
“Studies show that infusion therapy at home or at an AIS center save patient’s money — costing three to five times less,” Vlahopoulos reveals. “Other research shows it’s safer, too. Our patients aren’t exposed to the broad range of patients or illnesses that boost the risk of infection during treatment in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.”
Whether you choose to receive treatment at an AIS suite or in your home, AOM is dedicated to exceptional care that improves health and precious quality of life — wherever you receive it.
More about AIS suites will be covered in future blogs, but for those who would like to try infusion therapy at home, we have some tips to help you make the most of your treatment.
Before Your First Home Treatment With AOM
“AOM will call you to schedule your first home therapy appointment,” Dennison says. “Let us know the day and time that is best for you, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.”
Once your infusion appointment is set, the AOM pharmacy will call to set up home delivery of the medication and supplies needed for your treatment. When you receive your medication, follow any instructions that come with it about the proper way to store it until your appointment. Most often, infusion medication needs to be refrigerated until about 30-60 minutes before treatment.
The Day of Your Infusion
“Before your infusion nurse arrives, take a bit of time to make sure you are ready,” Jane Candia, RN, AOM Infusion Nurse advises. “Start by selecting a place in your home for treatment. Make sure it’s a comfortable spot with good lighting. Gather all your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Your nurse will want to review them with you before you start treatment.”
If possible, Candia recommends taking a warm shower before the nurse arrives. “It will help you relax before your treatment,” she says.
Meet Your Nurse
Your specialty infusion nurse looks forward to meeting you! Rest assured, you will be in good hands. “Every member of AOM’s specialty nursing team is best-in-class, with clinical expertise to treat your condition. Many of our nurses also hold accreditations from the Infusion Nurses Society and the Immunoglobulin National Society, including Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) and Immune Globulin Certified (IGCN),” Regional Nurse Manager Mohamed Fouda, RN, confirms.
Most times, you will have the same nurse. The only exception would be unless they are not available due to illness or vacation. “Of course, we want to make sure you are completely happy with your infusion nurse,” Erin Duvall, RN, AOM Clinical Nursing Coordinator adds. “If you don’t click or feel uncomfortable for any reason, we are happy to make a change.”
Before treatment begins, your nurse will do a health assessment. This includes taking your vital signs, a review of your medications, and talking about any other medical issues you may have. “Your nurse will also cover any possible side effects of your treatment — along with any warning signs that might signal an allergic reaction,” Duvall explains.
During Your Treatment
If you are having an intravenous infusion, your nurse will administer medication through a central line or through an IV. If subcutaneous treatment is prescribed, your nurse will locate the best site to administer your medication. In some cases, your doctor may specify that your treatment be self-administered. If so, your nurse will teach you how to correctly give yourself your treatment.
“In every case, your nurse will stay with you during your entire treatment session,” Candia assures. “We keep a close eye on how you respond to your medication. Your nurse will also watch for any signs of adverse side effects so we can take action if necessary.”
When treatment is complete, your nurse will clean up the treatment area before leaving.
Rest & Recover
After your treatment, take it easy. Spend the remainder of the day resting and recovering. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Follow-up Treatments
The pharmacist assigned to your care team will order medication about a week before your scheduled treatment. As with your first treatment, they will call you about one week before each scheduled treatment to arrange its delivery to your home.
We’re Here For You
Thank you for entrusting us with your care. Remember, any time you have a question or concern, we are happy to talk with you. Call us at 800-746-9089 (NY) or 866-869-7307 (TX) to speak with a member of our patient care team.
“Every day, our team of specialized infusion nurses and pharmacists see the positive ways home infusion helps people enjoy better health and more,” Vlahopoulos says.
“At AOM, we believe welcome doses of one-on-one care, joy, hope and independence all enhance precious quality of life,” Fouda smiles.
