Iron Infusions (No referral required)
No referral is required in order to have an iron infusion - the doctors only need your most recent Iron Studies and Liver Function Test results less than 3 months old to access your eligibility. More than one million Australians are diagnosed with an iron deficiency. Those affected by low iron may suffer from lowered immunity, frequent headaches and other related medical issues. CBD Doctors Melbourne offers Iron Infusions as a service to both patients of the clinic as well as external patients, providing quick and effective treatment by our experienced doctors and nursing team. All the Doctors provide iron infusions to patients with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia who do not tolerate oral iron medications. Special attention is provided to patients that feel tired and have low iron or have medical condition that requires higher ferritin level - for example restless legs or cardiac disease. Please note the Doctor requires your most recent (less than 3 months) Iron Studies and Liver Function Test for your appointment. Once you have booked your appointment please email your Iron Studies and Liver Function Test results to reception@cbddocs.com.au and include your appointment date and time. If you don't any, the doctor can refer you.
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About Iron Infusions
About Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are common conditions treated in general practice. They can be the cause of many symptoms, particularly chronic tiredness. For sufferers of anxiety these symptoms may worsen if an iron deficiency coincides.
Apart from using iron supplements for treatment, there is also a need to investigate the cause of iron deficiency. Women are more likely to be iron deficient than men due to regular blood loss through menstruation. Gastrointestinal diseases and chronic blood loss can also contribute to low iron stores.
Over the course of the last decade, iron infusions have evolved due to the type of iron solution used. There were higher rates of allergic reactions, and as such the procedure was only permitted in hospital day-units under specialist care. The process involved long waiting lists and required patients to take pre medications. Now the procedure is quick and considered low risk.
If you have a referral letter from your General Practitioner you will only need a single appointment.
What we offer
At CBD Doctors Melbourne we provide infusions for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia.
All the doctors are able to assist you with an iron infusion.
It is a short procedure where we inject iron carboxymaltase intravenously over 30 minutes. We not only provide infusions for our patients, but we are happy to take referrals from other general practitioners and specialists.
If you are low in iron and can’t tolerate tablets, please talk to your GP who can refer you to our team. They will talk to you about possible causes and provide your latest blood test results.
Iron infusion appointments with a doctor takes up to one hour including needing to stay 20-30 mins after the infusion. If does not affect driving. In rare cases we may be required to keep our patients longer if there are rare side effects.
Side Effects
Sometimes there are side effects when having an iron infusion. Please clarify any concerns you may have with your doctor before your infusion.
General:
– Common: injection site reactions.
– Uncommon: high temperature, fatigue, peripheral oedema.
Exceptionally rare: although exceptionally rare skin staining at the site of injection due to iron leak may be difficult to treat and could be permanent.
Hypersensitivity: Uncommon: hypersensitivity reactions. Rare: anaphylactoid reactions.
Vascular: Uncommon: low blood pressure, flushing.
Gastrointestinal: Common: nausea. Uncommon: vomiting.
CNS: Common: headache, dizziness.
Musculoskeletal: Uncommon: muscle aches and pains, back pain, arthralgia. This is usually 24-48 h after the infusion and is short
Respiratory: Uncommon: shortness of breath.
Dermatological:
Uncommon: itch, urticaria, rash.
Uncommon: high temperature, fatigue, peripheral oedema.
Common (≥1/100, <1/10), Uncommon (≥1/1,000, <1/100), Rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1,000)
More Information
We have some more information and FAQ’s about iron infusions below. Please read them before your appointment.
Further Information
How long does it take?
Iron infusion appointments with a doctor take a bit more than one hour including having to stay 30 mins after the infusion. If does not affect driving. In rare cases we may be required to keep our patients longer if there are rare side effects.
What should bring to my appointment?
– Email your most recent (less than 3 months) Iron Studies and Liver Function Test before your appointment.
– Your medicare or insurance card
– A book to read while you spend some time in the clinic after your infusions
– Drink water the night before your infusions
Which doctor can I book with?
All the doctors at CBD Doctors Melbourne provide iron infusions. They are all experienced at providing iron infusions. Simply select the doctor your prefer and select “iron infusion” as the reason for seeing the doctor.
How do I book?
– Select your preferred doctor and time. All the doctors can assist you with an iron infusion.
– Then select “iron infusion” as the reason for seeing the doctor. Easy as!
– Please note Hotdoc will require you to confirm your appointment but putting in your card details.
How much does it cost?
Medicare Cardholders $350 (only $232 once medicare rebate is received) which includes:
– Appointment fee: $240 (Medicare rebate of $118)
– Plus the out of pocket depending on iron ampoule. Patient self provided Iron Ampoule:$60 or Practice provided Iron Ampoule: $110
Non-Medicate Cardholders $490 which includes:
– Appointment fee: $240
– Plus below depending on iron ampoule. Patient self provided Iron Ampoule $60 or Practice provided Iron Ampoule $250
(Please note total amount for non-Medicare card holders is $490 including the appointment fee. Some Insurance Companies don’t cover iron, or they cover as little as $50. We strongly recommend that you talk to your insurance prior to making the appointment at CBD Doctors Melbourne)
I don't have iron studies and liver function test results
That’s not a problem. Speak to any doctor at CBD Doctors Melbourne and they cant provide you with a referral to get your blood tests. Once your results are received you come back at a later date to get an iron infusion if eligible.
Request More Information
If you have any questions regarding Iron Infusions please give us a call. Alternatively, please leave your details below and one of our receptionist staff will contact you shortly.