Infusion Therapy in Clovis & Fresno, CA
For patients with moderate to severe inflammatory skin diseases, autoimmune conditions, or rheumatologic disorders, some of the most powerful medications available are delivered intravenously — requiring an infusion center equipped with trained clinical staff and proper medical oversight. At Dehesa Dermatology, our on-site infusion therapy center brings this advanced level of care directly to our patients in Clovis, Fresno, and the Central Valley. You receive your IV biologic treatments in the same familiar, comfortable practice where you receive all of your dermatology and rheumatology care — without ever having to travel to a hospital infusion unit.
What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is the delivery of medications, biologics, or other therapeutic agents directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This method of administration bypasses the digestive system entirely, allowing for 100% bioavailability — meaning the full dose reaches the bloodstream immediately and begins working without the absorption variability that can affect oral medications. For certain conditions and certain medications, IV administration is not just an option — it is the most effective and appropriate delivery route available.
At Dehesa Dermatology, infusion therapy is primarily used for advanced dermatologic and rheumatologic conditions where injectable or oral medications have been insufficient, or where the clinical guidelines and pharmacology of the medication require intravenous administration. Our infusion sessions are conducted under close medical supervision with vital sign monitoring, adverse reaction management capability, and a trained clinical team present throughout each treatment.
Conditions Treated with Infusion Therapy
Our infusion therapy center supports the treatment of a variety of complex inflammatory and autoimmune conditions managed by our dermatology and rheumatology teams:
- Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: Biologic medications such as infliximab (Remicade) are administered intravenously and are among the most effective treatments available for psoriasis that has not responded to topicals, phototherapy, or oral systemic agents. Learn more about our full range of psoriasis treatments.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: IV biologic therapy targeting TNF-alpha, IL-12/23, or IL-17 pathways can dramatically reduce both skin and joint inflammation in psoriatic arthritis. Our integrated rheumatology and dermatology team co-manages these patients for optimal outcomes.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Severe Eczema): Patients with severe eczema not controlled by topicals or self-injectable biologics may benefit from IV treatment options, particularly those with complex medical profiles requiring direct IV administration.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: IV medications including belimumab and rituximab are used for moderate to severe lupus not well-controlled on standard oral regimens. Our rheumatology team coordinates lupus management with our infusion center for seamless care.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis with Skin Involvement: IV biologics including infliximab, abatacept, and rituximab are used for RA patients who have not responded adequately to oral DMARDs.
- Dermatomyositis and Other Inflammatory Myopathies: IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) and other IV immunosuppressive agents are cornerstones of treatment for dermatomyositis and related conditions.
- Vasculitis and Other Autoimmune Conditions: Various autoimmune conditions managed by our rheumatology team may require IV cyclophosphamide, rituximab, or other IV agents administered at our infusion center.
- Other Inflammatory Dermatologic Conditions: Conditions requiring IV biologic therapy under direct physician oversight, as determined by Dr. Dehesa or Dr. Cavalcante.
What to Expect During Your Infusion Session
Your comfort, safety, and wellbeing are our top priorities throughout every infusion session at Dehesa Dermatology. Here is what the typical infusion experience looks like at our practice:
- Pre-Infusion Assessment: Before each session, a member of our clinical team reviews your current health status, checks vital signs, and confirms that no contraindications to treatment exist on that day.
- IV Access: A small IV catheter is placed in a vein in your arm by our trained nursing staff. Most patients find this process quick and minimally uncomfortable.
- Treatment Administration: Your medication is administered at a controlled rate over a specified infusion duration — which may range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the medication and protocol. You are free to relax, read, listen to music, or watch something on a device during your session.
- Monitoring: Vital signs are checked regularly throughout the infusion. Our clinical staff remains nearby and available throughout the entire session to address any questions or concerns immediately.
- Post-Infusion Observation: After the infusion is complete, you are observed for a brief period to ensure there are no delayed reactions before you leave.
Infusion session frequency depends on your specific medication and diagnosis. Some medications are given every 4 to 8 weeks; others follow different schedules. Dr. Dehesa or Dr. Cavalcante will outline your complete infusion schedule as part of your personalized treatment plan.
The Advantage of In-Practice Infusion Therapy
Many patients who require IV biologic therapy are referred to hospital-based or standalone infusion centers — environments that are often impersonal, inconvenient, and disconnected from the dermatologist or rheumatologist managing the underlying condition. At Dehesa Dermatology, your infusion therapy is performed in the same practice where you receive all of your specialist care. Your infusion team has direct access to your complete medical records, your prescribing physician is on-site, and any questions about your treatment can be answered on the same day by the same team managing your overall care. This integration is a significant advantage — both for patient experience and for clinical safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infusion Therapy
Who is a candidate for infusion therapy at Dehesa Dermatology?
Candidates for infusion therapy at Dehesa Dermatology are typically patients with moderate to severe skin or joint conditions — including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, dermatomyositis, or eczema — who have not achieved adequate control with oral or self-injectable medications, or whose specific medication requires IV administration. Candidacy is determined through a consultation with Dr. Dehesa or Dr. Cavalcante, including a review of your medical history, current medications, and relevant lab work.
How often will I need infusion treatments?
The frequency of infusion treatments depends entirely on the specific medication and your diagnosis. Infliximab (Remicade), for example, is typically infused at weeks 0, 2, and 6 for induction, then every 8 weeks for maintenance. Other medications may be given every 4, 6, or 12 weeks. Some treatments such as IVIG may be given on a monthly or customized schedule. Your complete treatment calendar will be established at your initial infusion planning appointment.
Is infusion therapy safe? What are the risks?
Infusion therapy with biologic medications is generally safe and well-tolerated in appropriately selected patients. Potential risks include infusion reactions (ranging from mild flushing or chills to rare severe allergic reactions), increased susceptibility to certain infections, and medication-specific considerations that vary by agent. At Dehesa Dermatology, we conduct pre-treatment screening, monitor you closely throughout each session, and have protocols in place to manage any adverse events promptly. The benefits of effective disease control typically far outweigh the risks for patients who have exhausted other treatment options.
Does insurance cover infusion therapy?
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover medically necessary infusion therapy when prescribed for an FDA-approved indication by a specialist. Coverage often requires prior authorization, which our team assists with. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to understand their specific benefits and any out-of-pocket costs. We also work with the pharmaceutical manufacturers’ patient assistance programs to help qualifying patients access medications at reduced or no cost. Call (559) 951-9000 for more information.
Can I drive myself home after an infusion?
In most cases, yes — most patients feel fine after their infusion session and are able to drive themselves home. However, for first-time infusions or when you are starting a new medication, we recommend arranging alternate transportation as a precaution, as first-time reactions — though uncommon — are most likely to occur with the initial dose. Our team will advise you based on your specific medication and health history.
How is your infusion center different from a hospital infusion unit?
Our infusion center is embedded within our specialty dermatology and rheumatology practice — meaning your prescribing physician is on-site, your medical team knows your complete history, and any questions about your treatment can be answered directly and immediately. The environment is more intimate, less clinical, and specifically designed for the patient population we serve. Unlike hospital-based infusion units that manage a broad range of patients and conditions, our infusion center focuses specifically on dermatologic and rheumatologic conditions, giving our staff deep familiarity with the medications we administer.
Do you provide infusion therapy for patients from Fresno?
Yes. Our infusion therapy center at Dehesa Dermatology serves patients from Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and throughout the Central Valley. Having access to in-practice IV biologic therapy in conjunction with integrated dermatology and rheumatology care is a significant advantage for Central Valley patients who would otherwise need to travel to a distant hospital system. Our office is located at 978 N Temperance Ave in Clovis, just minutes from Fresno via Highway 168. Call (559) 951-9000 to discuss whether infusion therapy is right for you.