To get a referral for infusion therapy, start by discussing your condition and treatment needs with your healthcare provider, who will determine whether infusion therapy is appropriate and complete the necessary referral forms to send to an infusion center, such as Northridge Pharmacy Specialty & Infusion. This process involves your doctor evaluating whether oral medications have been ineffective or if your condition requires direct delivery of medication into your bloodstream, followed by coordination between your provider’s office and the infusion center to schedule treatment.
Navigating the path to infusion therapy can feel overwhelming, but understanding the referral process is the first step toward accessing the care you need. This guide breaks down each step and explains what you can expect along the way.
Infusion therapy delivers medications directly into your bloodstream through intravenous (IV) administration or injection. This method is used when oral medications are ineffective, cannot be tolerated, or are unavailable for specific conditions.
By bypassing the digestive system, infusion therapy allows for 100% medication absorption and faster therapeutic results. At Northridge Pharmacy Specialty & Infusion, treatments are provided in a licensed outpatient clinic with continuous physician coordination throughout your care journey.
Our fully integrated infusion center and specialty pharmacy treat a comprehensive range of conditions:
Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis treated with infused biologic medications
Autoimmune disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus managed with specialized rheumatology infusions
Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Therapy: For primary immunodeficiencies and autoimmune neurological disorders
IV Antibiotics: Serious infections resistant to oral antibiotics requiring powerful IV antibiotics
Oncology Therapies: Supportive care for cancer patients, including side effect management and nutrition support
Heart Failure: Advanced heart failure medications administered intravenously
Bleeding Disorders: Hemophilia and other conditions requiring clotting factor infusions
Nutrition Support: Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) for patients unable to absorb nutrients orally
Neurological Conditions: Multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis treatments
Women’s Health: Hyperemesis gravidarum and other pregnancy-related conditions
Our center’s specialized therapies span multiple medical specialties, including neurology and hematology.
A referral is mandatory for infusion therapy for several critical reasons. These medications are potent prescription drugs requiring physician orders and ongoing medical oversight to ensure patient safety.
The referral serves as formal communication between your prescribing doctor and the infusion center, confirming medical necessity and including:
Official diagnosis and relevant medical history
Specific medication to be infused
Exact dosage, frequency, and treatment duration
Recent lab work and clinical notes
Required pre-medications or supportive care
Without proper referral documentation, infusion centers cannot legally or safely administer prescription therapy. The referral also establishes the framework for insurance coverage, as insurers require prior authorization to demonstrate medical necessity.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or the specialist managing your condition (e.g., a rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, or neurologist). During this visit, be prepared to discuss:
Severity and frequency of your symptoms
All medications tried and their effectiveness
Side effects or adverse reactions to oral medications
Impact on work, family, and daily activities
Your treatment goals and expectations
Your provider will review your medical history and recent lab results. They may order additional tests to confirm your diagnosis or assess your readiness for infusion therapy.
Your provider will conduct a thorough evaluation examining factors that might affect treatment safety or effectiveness. This assessment includes reviewing:
Current and past medical conditions
Medication allergies or previous infusion reactions
Active infections or immunosuppression status
Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
Recent vaccinations or planned surgeries
Current medications and potential drug interactions
Common laboratory tests ordered include complete blood counts, liver and kidney function panels, hepatitis and tuberculosis screening, and disease-specific markers.
Once eligibility is confirmed, your provider’s office completes the necessary paperwork. Northridge provides comprehensive infusion forms organized by medical specialty, including:
Rheumatology forms
Neurological disorders forms
Bleeding disorders forms
General forms for other conditions
Your provider’s office sends the complete referral packet to your chosen infusion center. Our center offers multiple submission methods through our refer-a-patient portal:
Direct fax
Secure electronic transmission through EMR systems
Hand delivery for urgent situations
Online provider portal
The intake team reviews referrals within 24-48 hours, with urgent cases receiving priority processing.
Once we receive and process your referral, a care coordinator contacts you directly to schedule your first appointment. They’ll discuss:
Available appointment times
Expected duration of infusion visits
What to bring to your appointment
Parking and facility location details
Preparation instructions specific to your medication
Our infusion suites are designed for comfort during treatments that may last several hours, reflecting the center’s 98.8% overall patient satisfaction rate.
Our team manages every part of the care journey, including:
Verifying benefits and understanding coverage
Submitting required clinical documentation
Managing prior authorization from start to finish
Ordering and preparing medications
Exploring financial assistance programs if needed
Coordinating required lab work
Scheduling follow-up appointments
This integrated approach, combining specialty pharmacy and infusion center services under one roof, ensures seamless communication throughout your treatment.
Can I refer myself for infusion therapy?
No. A referral from a licensed healthcare provider is always required due to the prescription nature of these medications.
Who can provide a referral?
Any licensed provider managing your condition, including primary care physicians, specialists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
How long does the referral process take?
Timeline varies based on provider submission speed and insurance authorization. Simple referrals may be scheduled within a week, while complex cases requiring peer reviews might take 2-4 weeks.
What information does my doctor need to provide?
A complete referral packet including signed order forms, demographic and insurance information, clinical notes supporting diagnosis, and relevant lab results.
What if my doctor is unfamiliar with the referral process?
Our team assists providers through our Inquiry Form or by calling (818) 882-8929.
What if insurance denies the referral?
Our experienced staff manages appeals, works with providers to submit additional documentation, and explores alternative medications or financial assistance programs.
Do I need a new referral for each infusion?
Most referrals cover a treatment series over a specified period, though some insurance plans require periodic reauthorization.
Successfully obtaining a referral opens the door to treatment that can significantly improve your quality of life. The integrated model at Northridge Pharmacy Specialty & Infusion ensures coordinated care from prescription receipt through treatment completion.
Your referring provider remains involved throughout, receiving regular updates about progress and laboratory results. This continuous communication ensures your care plan remains coordinated, with adjustments based on treatment response.
Our facility at 19331 Business Center Drive in Los Angeles operates Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time, serving patients throughout the region.
Understanding how to get a referral for infusion therapy empowers you to advocate for your health when oral medications fall short. The process begins with a discussion of your symptoms and treatment goals with your healthcare provider, followed by a thorough evaluation and completion of detailed referral forms. Once documents are submitted to an infusion center, such as Northridge Pharmacy Specialty & Infusion, specialists handle insurance verification, medication ordering, and appointment scheduling.
With a 98.8% patient satisfaction rate and comprehensive coordination among providers, the pharmacy, and insurance companies, our center transforms the complex referral process into a streamlined pathway to better health outcomes.
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Northridge Pharmacy Specialty & Infusion
