A new infusion center at Hillsdale Hospital will offer patients treatments for disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, allergic asthma, chronic migraines, and infectious diseases.

The new Center for Infusion Care, which opened Sept. 12, will also offer patients IV medications, such as antibiotics, specialty injectables, fluids, and more.

Rachel Lott, the hospital’s director of marketing and development, said in a press release the center will help it “provide the most comprehensive medical services for its patients and community.” 

The new center, on the hospital’s ground floor, will offer services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The center hopes to assist patients accustomed to traveling as far as Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Jackson for their infusion therapy, Director of Ancillary Services Randy Holland said in the press release.

“Having to travel outside of the county to receive this type of care can be a significant burden – especially for patients who need infusions on a recurring or routine basis,” Lott said.

Holland is at the helm of the new project, according to the press release, with longtime Hillsdale Hospital nurse Tammy Evener serving as infusion nurse coordinator.

According to the hospital’s website, most major insurances will cover the treatment. State and federally funded plans will also likely cover the new infusion therapy. 

“Outpatient infusion therapy is a benefit on most insurance policies and can save patients hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses compared to inpatient hospitalization, emergency room services and home health services,” the hospital website reads.

The hospital’s website outlines payment options and insurance verification to help ease patients’ financial concerns.

With recliners, iPads, and Wi-Fi, along with registered nurses and trained pharmacists available, the hospital hopes to make the environment as pleasant and pain-free as possible, according to its website.

The hospital will not immediately offer oncology infusions, according to the press release, but hopes to do so in the future.

“We want patients to have access to IV therapy in a friendly, welcoming environment that is close to home,” Lott said.