Ketamine Infusion for You?

1. When choosing a provider, always start by confirming that a physician with advanced medical residency training in the use of IV Ketamine, such as an Anesthesiologist, will be managing your IV Ketamine infusion plan and administration. Historically, Ketamine has been a medication commonly administered in surgical operating room settings. MD Anesthesiologists have the most comprehensive academic medical training, clinical experience, knowledge of Ketamine pharmacology, and training in managing possible serious complications of a Ketamine infusions. So, ask this important question: What is the medical degree, residency training, and clinical experience of the provider who will be present during my ketamine infusion and be managing my infusion care plan?

2. Ask if all clinical personnel involved with your care have the appropriate level of medical training and medical licensing for the level of medical care they will be delivering. Be aware that Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA's) are often utilized in hospitals and outpatient settings. CRNA's are four year degree nurses that have two additional years of training in anesthesia. That anesthesia training is usually under the clinical instruction of an MD Anesthesiologist. The clinical skills of an experienced CRNA are appropriate for administering and the monitoring of a Ketamine infusion. However, CRNA's are not allowed to prescribe medications, such as a Ketamine infusions, as Physicians and Nurse Practitioners do.

3. Ask how the provider decided to start doing Ketamine infusions. By this you can better understand if the provider has a genuine interest in your health and well-being, and not just giving medications. A provider concerned for your overall medical status will consult and work in concert with any other physicians that are part of your medical care team, such as any of your Primary Care, Pain Medicine, and Psychiatry Physicians.

4. Ask the medical managing physician how much experience they have in the administration of Ketamine infusions. Ask questions such as: How many infusions patients do you manage? Who is a good candidate for a Ketamine infusion? How does ketamine work? How do you decide on dosage? How will I be monitored during the infusion? Are the infusions administered with infusion pumps that precisely deliver the dose of Ketamine?

5. You should expect straight forward and clear explanations of what to expect from your infusion. You should be informed about possible side effects and serious complications. Ask: What are the common side effects? What are the possible serious complications? Very importantly: Who is on site and fully trained to manage a serious complication? Expect clear and specific answers about their Ketamine infusion success rate, and what will define a treatment success in your case?

6.The facility should meet a high standard of office and outpatient care. It should be a quiet and comfortable facility providing private rooms and comfortable recliners, reclining procedure beds, or full beds on which to administer the infusion. It should be fully equipped for emergency care.

7. Does the provider allow a companion? This is a more common request with chronic pain patients. Does the facility require a patient escort to home? This is an necessity, since the infusion will result in short term minor impairments of judgement and motor coordination.

8. What is the bathroom policy and accessibility during longer infusions? This needs to be available and easily accessible, particularly with longer infusions.

9. Ask if the a Physician is continuously available for 24 hours post-infusion to answer any questions or manage any problems?

10. Ask to discuss your long term treatment plan and its estimated cost. And, inquire about any other issues that may emerge prior to starting your treatment so that you are fully informed and confident about your treatment plan.