IV therapy clinics range from physician-run medical practices to pop-up lounges. Since you’re letting someone access your bloodstream, it pays to ask a few questions first. Print or screenshot this checklist.
The 12 questions
Medical oversight
- Who is your medical director, and are they actively involved? You want a named, licensed physician — not just a name on a license.
- Who orders my infusion? In Texas, elective IVs in non-traditional settings need an order from a physician, or a PA/NP they delegate to, after an assessment. More on Texas law.
- Who places and monitors the IV? Look for an RN, NP, PA, or physician.
Screening
- Will you take my full health history and check vitals first? If the answer is “just fill out this waiver,” leave.
- Do you screen for G6PD deficiency before high-dose vitamin C?
- How do you decide whether I’m a good candidate if I have heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues — or am pregnant?
Ingredients and sourcing
- Where do your vitamins and medications come from? Ask whether they use FDA-registered outsourcing facilities (503B) or licensed pharmacies for compounded products.
- Can you tell me exactly what’s in my drip and the dose of each ingredient? You should get a clear answer.
Safety and emergencies
- What’s your plan if I have an allergic reaction? Emergency medications (like epinephrine) should be on-site and staff trained to use them.
- Are infusions given in a clean, clinical space with sterile, single-use supplies?
Honesty
- What does the evidence say for the drip you recommend? A trustworthy clinic will tell you hydration is well supported and most “boost” claims aren’t proven. Be wary of claims to cure disease, “detox,” or prevent illness — the FTC has acted against IV marketers for exactly that.
- Do I actually need this, or would a supplement or lab test make more sense? Good clinicians are comfortable saying “you don’t need an IV.”
Red flags
- No vitals, no history, no clinician conversation
- Menu-only ordering (“pick a drip and sit down”)
- Staff who can’t tell you their license type
- Big promises: immunity “boosts,” cures, detox, weight loss from a drip
- High-pressure package or membership sales on your first visit
- Unclear pricing or surprise add-on charges
Green flags
- Physician-led practice with urgent care or primary care capability on site
- Transparent ingredient doses and pricing
- Willingness to talk you out of an IV
- Private, clean infusion space with monitoring
- Lab testing available for suspected deficiencies
Frequently asked questions
Is mobile IV therapy safe?
It can be, if a qualified clinician screens you and an RN or higher administers and monitors the infusion with emergency supplies on hand. Ask the same questions you'd ask a clinic — and in Texas, the same Jenifer's Law requirements apply.
What are red flags at an IV clinic?
No health history or vitals before the IV, no named ordering clinician, staff who aren't RNs placing IVs, claims that drips cure disease or 'detox,' and pressure to buy large packages on the first visit.