Getting Infusions while Wintering in FL

[SPSchaller]

We've been RVing for many years and for the past few, we've wintered in central Florida. Recently, I've developed a medical condition requiring Infusions every 4 weeks. I have been researching how I would go about obtaining these while in FL (we live in Missouri) but haven't found much useful information. I wish to receive the infusions in a hospital setting so as to be covered under Part B.
Any suggestions as to how I go about setting these up?
Thanks in advance...

 

[Utclmjmpr]

Check with your local hospital for the infusion clinic..>>>Dan

 

[darsben]

Are you a veteran? Is it for Crohns?
Where in central Florida?
Do you feel well enough to drive more than a short distance after the infusion or do you have someone to drive you?
Does you hospital in Missouri have an electronic medical Chart such as "MYCHART"

 

[msw3113]

Be aware that clinics often require orders from an in-state physician. Some have physicians, nurse practitioners, or physicians' assistants on staff who will review out of state orders and sign off on them.
Check out Barnes Healthcare. They have several clinics in Florida. Coram is another option.
I too receive infusions and have learned to plan well, well in advance of my next treatment. Not all facilities have competent administrative staff. You have to learn which questions to ask and stay on top of the process if you want to maintain a regular schedule of infusions.
Best of luck to you in navigating our vast, dysfunctional healthcare system.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

You need to make contact with a local physician that handles your medical condition and can order the infusions. Preferably put the Florida doctor in touch with your own physician but we arranged my wife's traveling chemotherapy infusions for 13 years by providing the doctors we selected with copies of her [very extensive] medical records. Some specialists are easy to work with and seem happy to accomodate the needs of a traveler, but a few were difficult and we abandoned them and went elsewhere.

 

[SPSchaller]

I appreciate the replies... wasn't sure I'd actually get any... so Thanks to All.
My healthcare is through BJC/Washington Univ. in St. Louis. I spoke with my PCP who suggested I research area hospitals in central FL with outpatient clinics and then coordinate with my rheumatologist. I suspected I'd need a local MD in the area but have heard finding one may currently be a problem due to availability. As such, I have begun the research. I do use MyChart, which may help with regards to access to medical records, my access at least... We stay in central FL, just south of Lakeland/Winter Haven. There are a few large Hospital systems in the area, so I'll begin with them. I don't mind driving a bit... bound to be easier than flying back to StL every 4 weeks.
Thanks again for the suggestions. I'll update my progress....

 

[darsben]

IF YOU HAVE MYCHART then you will find a list of facilities by state that also use mychart and you can connect them together so the Florida MD sees everything from your other MD.
GO TO Epic | ...With the patient at the heart and scroll down to Florida. Push the button on and below you will see a list of MYCHART participating organizations. In our case they were able to use our NY doctors requistion to get a biopsy done.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Only once did we encounter a demand for a referral from a local PCP and once we explained our traveler status that was bypassed by seeing the oncologist's nurse-practitioner first. The NP quickly established the facts and referred us to the MD. My wife had a rare form of cancer which turned out to be an advantage because it tended to intrigue the doctors. Because of that, the head of the oncology department at a major hospital personally handled her treatment needs on two occasions. That helped open a lot of doors!

 

[Kirk]

It may be helpful to try and arrange for a doctor at the hospital you go to in FL to speak with her primary care physician. Back when we were fulltime our son had an emergency in WA just as we were about to head back to TX for my wife's medical appointment to renew prescriptions. We got it arranged for a doctor in WA to speak with her TX doctor and so arranged for the WA doctor to prescribe a 90 day supply of her medications to get us through until we could return to TX. It isn't the same as an infusion, but some of her medications were controlled.

 

[Rene T]

I would first check with the Winter Haven Hospital. My wife was there on the 13th of August for a back procedure and 3 days later she had to have her gal bladder removed. Very nice hospital. After that Lakeland Regional is probably the best in our area.

 

[NY_Dutch]

I would check with my rheumatologist first and ask about referrals in FL. My wife's NY oncologist had no problem with lining up a highly rated oncologist in FL to manage her treatments several years ago. She still sees him now and then if she has any concerns while we're down there in the winter.