Introduction to IV Therapy
IV therapy clinics are springing up around the country, touting quick ways to recover from a hangover or a hard workout. But doctors and regulators preach caution. The services have been on a growth spurt since the COVID-19 pandemic, offering drips that promise to boost energy, gird immune systems or relieve joint pain. This is done from bags of intravenous fluids normally seen hanging next to hospital beds.
The Cost and Effectiveness of IV Therapy
Customers must be willing to fork over as much as a couple hundred dollars for each session — in some cases for a mixture of vitamins and supplements that would be considerably cheaper in pill form. Proponents say this approach helps customers hydrate faster and absorb more of a vitamin or supplement than they would by swallowing pills. But Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, says the therapy mostly helps people create “expensive urine,” with the body clearing what it doesn’t use.
How Many IV Clinics Are There?
They’re hard to count, partly because some businesses just provide IV therapy while others offer it as part of a medical spa. The practice grew popular during COVID-19, when access to doctors became limited and people grew more concerned about their immune system health, according to the American IV Association, an industry group. Regulators in Ohio are following the trend closely in their state, which now has around 200 clinics. These businesses were largely unheard of there before the pandemic, said Cameron McNamee, a spokesman for the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.
What Should Customers Know About IV Therapy Clinics?
Doctors say there are some good questions to pose before any treatment starts. Customers should ask the person starting the IV how long they have been doing their job and what sort of training they have, said Torbati. They also should know what’s in the IV drip. For instance, “Wonder Juice” treatment offered by the Restore Hyper Wellness franchise combines six vitamins and supplements that are available, in oral form, on the pharmacy store shelves. Knowing all the ingredients comes in handy if someone has an allergic reaction. Also, ask where the company gets its drugs, if any are used. The answer should be a licensed pharmaceutical wholesaler, according to McNamee.
Why Are Regulators Concerned?
They don’t like that a nurse or a paramedic often helps a customer decide on an IV therapy and then delivers the treatment. Rules can vary, but many state regulators say a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner should be involved. The clinics often run on standing orders, which are issued by a doctor with the idea that they give the nurse or paramedic permission to treat patients according to certain protocols. Hospital emergency rooms regularly operate on the same kind of orders, according to Dr. Chris Seitz, an emergency physician and chairman of the American IV Association’s scientific advisory board.
Is There Too Much Patient Involvement?
Regulators also worry about the role customers play in picking their own treatments. “A patient cannot enter a doctor’s office or hospital and demand an IV any more than a patient can direct his or her own appendectomy,” Kentucky officials said in a March statement. But Seitz says there should be a partnership between any care provider and the patient, with the provider helping the patient make the right decision. “Patients have a requirement and a need to be the CEO of their own health,” he said.
What’s the Big Picture?
IV therapy clinics do provide some care. They can help cancer patients or pregnant women stay hydrated. Some treatments offer relief from migraine pain. But many drips require the creation of a sterile, soluble vitamin or supplement that is safe to put into someone’s veins. That’s more expensive to make than a vitamin that may cost a few cents a pill, Torbati noted. Customers will need to determine whether the added expense is worth it. “Usually within eight hours, all that expensive therapy (is) peed out,” he said.
Conclusion
IV therapy has become increasingly popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it may offer some benefits, customers should be cautious and do their research before undergoing any treatment. It is essential to ask questions about the qualifications of the person administering the treatment, the ingredients used, and the cleanliness of the clinic. Regulators are also concerned about the involvement of medical professionals in the decision-making process and the potential risks associated with patient-driven treatments.
FAQs
- Q: What is IV therapy?
A: IV therapy involves the administration of vitamins, supplements, or medications through an intravenous drip. - Q: How much does IV therapy cost?
A: The cost of IV therapy can range from $100 to $200 per session, depending on the type of treatment and the location. - Q: Is IV therapy effective?
A: The effectiveness of IV therapy varies depending on the individual and the specific treatment. Some people may experience benefits, while others may not. - Q: Are IV therapy clinics regulated?
A: Yes, IV therapy clinics are regulated by state and local authorities. However, the level of regulation can vary depending on the location. - Q: What are the potential risks associated with IV therapy?
A: Potential risks include allergic reactions, infections, and the use of counterfeit or substandard ingredients.By TOM MURPHY, Associated Press
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
