When you’re dehydrated or recovering from illness, your body may need more than just a glass of water. Intravenous (IV) therapy delivers fluids—and sometimes nutrients—directly into your bloodstream for faster absorption than oral intake.
At Suncoast Family Urgent Care & Wellness Center, our IV therapies are medically supervised, meaning your treatment is overseen by healthcare professionals who know your health history and current needs.
Medical Uses of IV Therapy
IV therapy is commonly used to support:
- Dehydration from illness, heat exposure, or exertion
- Recovery from certain viral or gastrointestinal illnesses (when appropriate)
- Electrolyte imbalance, under close medical guidance
- Certain nutrient deficiencies, when oral intake isn’t effective or possible
We only recommend IV therapy when it’s safe and likely to provide real benefit.
What Happens During an IV Therapy Session?
- Evaluation
A provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications, and, if needed, lab results to determine if IV therapy is appropriate. - IV Placement
A small catheter is placed into a vein, usually in your arm or hand. - Infusion
Your custom IV solution—fluids and possibly electrolytes or nutrients—is administered over a set period. - Monitoring
Our staff monitors you for comfort and safety during the infusion. - Completion & Follow-Up
After the therapy, the IV is removed, and you may be given instructions for rest, hydration, or follow-up care.
Most sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the infusion.
Potential Benefits and Limitations
IV therapy can:
- Rapidly correct dehydration
- Provide quick repletion of certain nutrients or electrolytes (when medically indicated)
- Support short-term energy and recovery in select situations
However, IV therapy is not a cure-all and does not replace:
- A healthy diet
- Adequate sleep
- Long-term lifestyle changes
- Appropriate medical treatments
We focus on using IV therapy thoughtfully, not as a trendy quick fix.
Q&A: IV Therapies at Suncoast Family Urgent Care & Wellness Center
Q: Is IV therapy safe?
A: When performed in a medical setting with proper screening and monitoring, IV therapy is generally safe. As with any procedure, there are small risks such as bruising, infection at the insertion site, or vein irritation, which we work to minimize.
Q: Will I feel better immediately?
A: Some patients feel improved energy and hydration fairly quickly; others may notice more gradual changes. It depends on why you’re receiving IV therapy and your overall health.
Q: How often can I get IV therapy?
A: Frequency depends on your medical needs and the type of infusion. We’ll recommend a schedule that is safe and appropriate.
Q: Do I need lab work beforehand?
A: For certain infusions or if you have underlying conditions (such as kidney issues or heart failure), lab work may be required to ensure safety.
Q: Can I request IV therapy just for general wellness?
A: We evaluate all requests on a case-by-case basis, focusing on safety and medical appropriateness. We’ll discuss your goals and determine whether IV therapy is right for you.
Q: Is IV therapy covered by insurance?
A: IV therapy for medically necessary reasons (such as dehydration from illness) is more likely to be covered than purely wellness-focused infusions. Our team can help clarify coverage.
Contact Suncoast Family Urgent Care & Wellness Center
Phone: (941) 867-2560
Website: suncoastfamilywellness.com
Appointments: CLICK HERE
