Infusion Therapy

Look to UC San Diego Health for your infusion therapy.

We offer comprehensive, expert care for diagnostic and therapeutic intravenous (IV) procedures.

Infusion Center Locations

What Is Infusion Therapy?

Infusion therapy is a safe way to take medicines or fluids that can’t be taken by mouth. Instead, they flow through a flexible tube (catheter) or needle that’s usually placed in a vein or just under the skin — most often on your arm or chest. This is called the infusion site.

Conditions Treated by IV Infusion Therapy

Your doctor may prescribe infusion therapy to treat a range of conditions such as autoimmune and immune disorders, blood disorders, cancer, heart disease and microbial infections.

Types of Infusion Therapy

• Antibiotic therapy (See: Outpatient Parental Antibiotic Therapy Program)
• Antiviral therapy 
• Blood transfusions
• Chemotherapy
• Exchange transfusions
• Exchange phlebotomy
• Hydration / electrolyte replacement
• Intravesicular treatments
• Immunotherapy
• Immunosuppression

Fast-Track Infusion Services

To reduce wait times, some infusion services can be administered on a fast track, including:

• Injections
• Central line blood work and dressing changes
• Peripheral blood draw
• Phlebotomy

Ask your infusion center if the care you need qualifies for the fast track.

Infusion Settings: At-Home Infusion Therapy

You can receive infusion therapy:

• At an infusion center or
• At home (See: At-Home Pharmacy Infusion)

Certain services may not be available at all locations and the out-of-pocket costs may also vary depending on where you receive care.

Amenities at Moores Cancer Center

Our main infusion center at Moores Cancer Center in La Jolla features a warm, comfortable and supportive environment for your treatment, complete with personal TVs, free wireless, books, games and puzzles. A complimentary foot massage may be available during infusion to help you relax. A refrigerator and microwave are also available for your use. Guests are welcome to join you in the infusion center, visit our outdoor bamboo healing garden, or dine at one of our cafeterias. 

What to Bring to Infusion Treatment

We recommend you dress in comfortable clothes and bring a sweater or jacket.

Insurance Coverage

Where you get your treatment can affect your out-of-pocket costs. We encourage you to talk to your health insurance company and your provider to determine where you should go for your treatment.

Health plans under UC San Diego Health Managed Care and other commercial insurance plans often prefer the use of community-based or medical-office-based infusion centers, including the UC San Diego Health locations in Vista and Kearny Mesa, when appropriate.

Hospital-licensed infusion centers (such as Moores Cancer Center in La Jolla, Hillcrest Medical Center and UC San Diego Health – Encinitas) may be associated with higher out-of-pocket charges.

Infusion Therapy Locations & Hours