At-home intravenous (IV) therapy, often called mobile or concierge hydration, delivers fluids, vitamins, and minerals directly to an individual’s location, such as a home or office. This service provides a convenient method for wellness support, often targeting issues like dehydration, fatigue, or immune system enhancement. Since this IV therapy is elective and not considered medically necessary, it is typically not reimbursed by health insurance plans. Understanding the cost structure requires recognizing the service’s nature as a premium, on-demand wellness option.
Standard Pricing for Mobile IV Therapy
The cost of mobile IV therapy is structured around the contents of the infusion, reflecting the complexity and expense of the included ingredients. A basic hydration package, usually consisting of a saline solution and essential electrolytes, represents the most affordable option. The general price range for this foundational service is between $140 and $300 per session.
Packages containing common vitamin cocktails aimed at general wellness or specific issues, like a hangover or cold, fall into a mid-tier price bracket. For example, a Myers’ Cocktail—a popular blend of B vitamins, magnesium, and Vitamin C—or an immune boost drip, typically costs between $150 and $350. These infusions deliver nutrients with 100% bioavailability, bypassing the digestive system for rapid effect.
More specialized and high-dose treatments, such as anti-aging or neurological support formulas, command the highest prices due to the cost of their specific compounds. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) infusions, sought after for their role in cellular energy production, can range from $300 to over $1,000 per session. The difference in cost is driven by the expensive nature of the pharmaceutical-grade nutrients and the extended time required for infusion.
Key Factors Driving Cost Variation
While package pricing provides a baseline, several variables cause the final price to fluctuate. Geographical location is a significant factor, as providers operating in major metropolitan areas or regions with a high cost of living generally charge higher rates to cover increased operating expenses. This is similar to how other concierge services adjust pricing based on the local economic environment.
Travel fees also affect the final bill, especially if the service location falls outside the provider’s standard service radius. Although some companies advertise all-inclusive pricing, others may add a separate travel fee that can range from $50 to $100 for the convenience of at-home service. Consumers should confirm whether the quoted package price includes the travel component upfront.
Customization and add-ons are a primary source of cost variation, allowing clients to enhance a standard drip with specific medications or extra nutrients. Common add-ons include anti-nausea medication like Zofran, or individual vitamin boosts such as Vitamin B12 or Glutathione, with each addition costing between $20 and $100. These à la carte items enable personalized therapy but can quickly increase the total session price.
Providers often incentivize repeat business or group bookings through discounted rates. Multi-session packages or monthly membership programs can offer significant savings compared to a single session. Group rates are also common, providing a discount per person when multiple individuals at the same location book an infusion concurrently.
Scheduling and Administration Logistics
The process of receiving at-home IV therapy begins with a straightforward booking, completed online or via a phone call with the provider. Once a time is selected, a mandatory pre-screening process is initiated to ensure the therapy is appropriate for the client’s health status. This involves completing a brief health questionnaire regarding symptoms, medical history, and current medications.
Many mobile services utilize a supervising physician who reviews the client’s information, often through telemedicine or standing medical orders, to clear the treatment and prescribe the fluids. This medical oversight confirms the selected infusion is safe and suitable for the individual’s needs before the practitioner is dispatched. Following clearance, the client finalizes the consent forms for the elective procedure.
On the day of the appointment, a licensed healthcare professional, usually a Registered Nurse, arrives at the designated location with the required sterile equipment and IV fluids. The client is asked to relax in a comfortable and private space, such as a couch or chair, for the duration of the infusion. The practitioner performs a quick health check before administering the IV.
The actual infusion time varies depending on the volume of fluid and the specific compounds being delivered. Most standard hydration or vitamin drips take 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Specialized treatments, particularly those involving compounds like NAD+, require a slower infusion rate, often extending the session duration to 90 minutes or even several hours.
Understanding Safety and Provider Credentials
The safety of at-home IV therapy relies on the qualifications of the personnel and the oversight structure of the provider company. The IV line must be started and monitored by a licensed medical professional, most commonly a Registered Nurse (RN). Paramedics, Nurse Practitioners (NPs), or Physician Assistants (PAs) may also administer the treatment depending on state regulations. These professionals possess the training to ensure sterile technique and manage potential complications.
Every legitimate mobile IV company must operate under the direction of a supervising Medical Director, who is a licensed physician. This Medical Director is responsible for the clinical oversight of the operation, including approving all IV formulations and establishing the medical protocols and standing orders used by the administering staff. This structure ensures the elective service adheres to clinical standards, even outside a traditional clinic setting.
The integrity of the treatment depends on the use of pharmaceutical-grade vitamins and sterile, quality components. Companies must maintain strict infection control measures during the preparation and administration of the infusion to minimize health risks. Choosing a provider who clearly outlines their medical oversight and only employs licensed staff is the most reliable way to ensure a safe experience.