Hematology/Iron Transfusions

[Anonymous]

I recently had a blood draw for a general wellness check up. The results read that I am anemic. My PCP suggested iron transfusions instead of an oral vitamin. Has any had a iron transfusion before? I do plan on calling/checking my insurance on Monday AM for more details. But would like to hear your experiences.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I had them weekly for about a month, due to severe anemia (when the labs from my annual well check came back, my PCP actually called and told me to go to the ER because I needed a blood transfusion ASAP). My insurance did cover them less my office visit copay. Combined with B12 injections they got my anemia under control. My issue is related to absorption issues, so oral supplements do nothing for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had them weekly for about a month, due to severe anemia (when the labs from my annual well check came back, my PCP actually called and told me to go to the ER because I needed a blood transfusion ASAP). My insurance did cover them less my office visit copay. Combined with B12 injections they got my anemia under control. My issue is related to absorption issues, so oral supplements do nothing for me.

Thanks for your reply. Do you still continue with the infusions or was it only a 1x thing? Same with B12 shots was this a weekly/monthly thing? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

It’s a bit off for a pcp to manage anemia that would require infusions. Most insurances also require steps prior to infusions as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a bit off for a pcp to manage anemia that would require infusions. Most insurances also require steps prior to infusions as well.

DH got routine bloodwork done with his GW PCP. I received a call from the lab at 1 am to take him immediately to the ER to get a blood transfusion. So, if the level is low enough, there are no extra steps.

[Anonymous]

What were your levels?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently had a blood draw for a general wellness check up. The results read that I am anemic. My PCP suggested iron transfusions instead of an oral vitamin. Has any had a iron transfusion before? I do plan on calling/checking my insurance on Monday AM for more details. But would like to hear your experiences.

Thank you.

Iron infusions work amazingly well but generally your ferritin level needs to 30 or lower to get it approved by insurance. And the infusions are really expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had them weekly for about a month, due to severe anemia (when the labs from my annual well check came back, my PCP actually called and told me to go to the ER because I needed a blood transfusion ASAP). My insurance did cover them less my office visit copay. Combined with B12 injections they got my anemia under control. My issue is related to absorption issues, so oral supplements do nothing for me.

Thanks for your reply. Do you still continue with the infusions or was it only a 1x thing? Same with B12 shots was this a weekly/monthly thing? Thank you.

The iron infusions were only for about a month. The B12 injections are lifelong…weekly until my bloodwork stabilized, now monthly.

FWIW, my PCP did not manage any of this beyond sending me to the ER for a blood transfusion. While I was hospitalized, I was referred to a hematologist (iron) and a gastroenterologist (B12).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a bit off for a pcp to manage anemia that would require infusions. Most insurances also require steps prior to infusions as well.

DH got routine bloodwork done with his GW PCP. I received a call from the lab at 1 am to take him immediately to the ER to get a blood transfusion. So, if the level is low enough, there are no extra steps.

Sure, and I’m guessing he’s managed by a hematologist now if it’s an on going concern. What op is describing is not an emergency.

[Anonymous]

I had 5 iron infusions and they worked great to get my levels up quickly. I am now managing on an oral supplement.

[Anonymous]

It's weird that they wouldn't have you try oral supplements first. Transfusions have some significant risks. But they do work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's weird that they wouldn't have you try oral supplements first. Transfusions have some significant risks. But they do work.

Depends on what the iron levels are whether transfusions or supplements would be indicated. I had iron transfusions. When I got them, the transfusion center was saying it would take at least 365 days of steak, spinach and supplements to get my blood where it needed to be. I was also borderline for a blood transfusion. BTW - it was my ob/gyn who ordered them