How to Add Ketamine to Your Clinic

While some medical clinics continue to look for ways to thrive or survive since the COVID-19 pandemic, some clinics have chosen a new offering to tack on to their existing niche or specialty that is adding new patients and new revenue to their business model.

Keep reading to see why adding Ketamine infusions to your existing medical practice could be the boost you need to thrive in a struggling medical space while offering patients with mood disorders or neurological pain a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

What Are Ketamine Infusions and What Can They Be Used For?

In short, a ketamine infusion involves the controlled administration of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine through an intravenous (IV) drip. Initially developed for anesthesia purposes, ketamine has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and neuropathic pain. This newer approach is being explored as an alternative for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments, showing promise in certain mental health and pain management contexts.

While the purpose of this blog is education, we want to make sure we are educating on the proper subject.

We have written extensively about ketamine infusions and all the symptoms that they can currently be used for successfully in clinics across the nation.

See our most educational blogs below:

• What The Mayo Clinic Is Saying About Ketamine And Depression
• SSRIs vs Ketamine Infusions: Everything You Need To Know
• Ketamine vs Esketamine (Spravato): What is the difference?

For this blog, we want to educate clinicians on the benefit and ease of adding Ketamine infusions as an offering in their existing clinic model.

Is It Expensive To Start Offering Ketamine In My Clinic?

Surprisingly, no.

The cost of incorporating ketamine infusion therapy into a clinic can vary based on several factors. Factors influencing the expense include the dosage and frequency of treatments, medical supervision, equipment, and facility requirements. Additionally, staff training and certifications, as well as compliance with regulations, may contribute to the overall investment.

Most clinicians and clinic owners can start offering and charging patients for Ketamine infusions for less than a $15,000 up front investment depending on what they are currently offering in their clinic and the types of equipment that is already there. Find out more about the financial aspects of opening a ketamine clinic here.

What Type of Staff Do I Need To Hire To Start Offering Ketamine To My Patients?

To start offering ketamine infusion therapy in your clinic, you'll need a specialized team with the appropriate qualifications and training. Here are key roles to consider:

1. Medical Director/Supervising Physician/Provider: A licensed physician should oversee the ketamine infusion program. This professional may be responsible for patient assessments, treatment planning, and ensuring compliance with medical regulations, among many other things.

2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Registered Nurse (RN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP): Skilled nursing staff is crucial for administering ketamine infusions, monitoring patients during treatments, and managing any potential side effects. They also play a key role in patient education and follow-up care. (Each state and licensing regulatory body will determine what license professionals are required for specific parts of these patient care interactions.)

3. Administrative Staff: Personnel for scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling administrative tasks are essential to the smooth operation of the ketamine infusion program.

4. Mental Health Professional: Depending on your clinic's approach, having a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist may be valuable. They can assist in patient assessments, provide counseling, and collaborate with the medical team.

5. Facility Coordinator or Manager: If ketamine infusion services are provided in a dedicated facility, a manager can oversee the day-to-day operations, facility maintenance, and compliance with safety regulations.

It's important to ensure that all staff members receive appropriate training in administering ketamine, understanding potential side effects, and managing emergencies. Collaboration and communication among team members are critical to delivering safe and effective ketamine infusion therapy. Additionally, compliance with local state and national regulations is essential for a legal and ethical practice.

This question, along with the following, are the top questions we get from clinics calling about how to start offering Ketamine to their patients:

• What types of licenses and insurance coverage do I need to offer Ketamine?
• Where do I purchase my Ketamine and other IV nutrient drip materials?
• Does insurance cover Ketamine? How should I price it?

Click below to download our latest publication and see how easy it is to start helping more patients and ensuring profitability during these uncertain times!

ABOUT NEUROMEND INFUSION CENTER

We are an Evidence-Based Center of Excellence and the leading provider of Ketamine Infusions, IV Infusions and Ketamine Consulting Services for Ketamine Clinics and IV Therapy Clinics.

We Provide Effective Treatment For The Following Conditions: Major Depressive Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Chronic Migraines, Severe Anxiety, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndromes