Kathy Smith, M.S.N., A.R.N.P, C.W.O.C.N., A.P.R.N, B.C
A native of California, she obtained a B.S.N. from Biola University in La Mirada, California. She graduated from the Harrisburg Hospital School of Enterostomal Therapy Nursing in Harrisburg, PA and has maintained certification as a Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse since 1986. She has served in a variety of nursing clinical and management roles in oncology, urology, orthopedics, pediatrics, home health, wound management and infectious disease. Formerly a member of the United States Naval Reserve; Kathy served as a Lieutenant in the Navy Nurse Cops during the first Persian Gulf War. She obtained her M.S.N. and nurse practitioner education from University of Florida in 2000 and is certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner with subspecialty in infectious disease. Kathy is a member of several nursing organizations and has lectured on wound related topics locally and nationally. She enjoys traveling and is passionate about Travel Medicine. She has been with Florida Infectious Disease group since 2006.

Paulette Fafard, RN; IV Therapy Nurse
Paulette began her career in the medical profession as an LPN in 1993 working as a staff nurse at Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge, Florida. Paulette earned her bachelors degree in nursing from the University of Central Florida at Orlando, Florida in 1996. Upon graduating she joined the staff at Florida Hospital South, where she worked in both inpatient and outpatient environments as a chemotherapy nurse for over ten years. Paulette joined the Florida Infectious Disease Group, P.A., in 2006 and is currently the in charge primary nurse for the infusion clinic.

Understanding Your Treatment

Welcome to the IV Antibiotic Infusion Program at the Florida Infectious Disease Group. Your physician has determined that you require extended intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.  It is usually not possible for patients with this plan of treatment to remain in the hospital for completion of their antibiotic therapy, which is why we have set up our infusion clinic.  Our IV team members have several years of experience and have designed a program to ensure health, safety, and comfort during your treatment.  All of us here at Florida Infectious Disease Group want to ensure your understanding of the treatment plan your physician has prescribed.  Here are answers to some common patient concerns and questions:

Why do I need to receive my antibiotics through IV therapy?
When antibiotics are infused directly into your bloodstream, they are absorbed more rapidly by your body, which enhances the likelihood of killing the bacteria that is making you sick today.

Will I have to be stuck by a needle every day?

No. You will need a special intravenous access line such as: a PICC line or Midline; a Grogshong catheter, or a Port-O-Cath. This line will probably be placed before you leave the hospital.

Will I need to go to FLID Group every day for my infusion?

This depends on your insurance coverage. If you have only Medicare (no supplemental policy), you must receive all of your treatments in our clinic or an outpatient hospital setting, as Medicare does not pay for home IV therapy. If you have a secondary insurance policy, in addition to Medicare, or a PRIMARY insurance other than Medicare, you will receive your therapy in your own home.  However, patients receiving home therapy are REQUIRED to come to FLID Group clinic once each week.

Why will I need to come to FLID Group once a week if I receive IV therapy at home?

We require weekly appointments to assess your progress.  At this weekly appointment, the IV nurse team will draw blood for testing, change the dressing on your IV line, and give you a dose of your medication.  DO NOT INFUSE YOUR MEDICATION BEFORE YOUR WEEKLY APPOINTMENT AT OUR CLINIC!! You will also be seen by your physician at this appointment.

Will my insurance policy cover the cost of my IV antibiotic therapy?

We have an experienced authorization specialist who will contact your insurance company for pre-authorization and specific IV therapy benefits. You will then be notified of any additional co-pays or coinsurance responsibilities, according to your plan. For further or concerns please contact (407) 423-1039 x 316

How do I receive IV therapy in my home?

Depending on your insurance policy and treatment plan, you or a family member will be taught to infuse your antibiotic in the comfort of you home.  You will be provided with all of your weekly antibiotics, written instructions, as well as personal, hands-on instruction from our certified IV nurse staff.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of the treatment plan your physician has designed for you.  If you have any other questions or concerns that need to be addressed, our IV team is available daily at (407) 423-1039 X 307 If you need to schedule your first appointment with us, please call 407.423.1039, and follow the prompt for appointment scheduling or you can request an appointment on this website under contact us.

We look forward to seeing you soon, and more importantly, helping you along the road to recovery!