What mobile IV therapy means medically – and what it does not
Mobile intravenous therapy is the insertion of a peripheral venous line and the administration of a solution – crystalloids, electrolytes, medications or iron preparations – outside a practice or hospital. In Berlin, privately insured and self-paying patients use this option when a clinic or office visit is not possible or not reasonable. It is important to distinguish this clearly from so-called vitamin drips or "energy-boost" infusions that some lifestyle providers advertise. We follow evidence-based medicine only: an intravenous therapy requires a medical indication, an exam, an informed consent process and documentation. Without these, an infusion is not medically appropriate.
Concretely: if you wish for a "high-dose vitamin C to support immunity," we first provide a clinical assessment of whether this therapy has a defensible indication for your situation. In most cases oral substitution is equally effective and lower-risk. We deliberately do not advertise effects that are not adequately supported by evidence.
Typical indications for mobile intravenous therapy
Acute dehydration after gastroenteritis
Vomiting or diarrhoea over several days frequently leads to clinically relevant volume loss that cannot be corrected adequately by mouth. Symptoms include orthostatic dizziness, markedly reduced urine output, dry mucous membranes and tachycardia. Administering 500 to 1500 ml of a balanced crystalloid solution (e.g. Ringer's acetate) can stabilise haemodynamics and allow oral rehydration to resume. A clinical examination and a judgment on whether outpatient therapy suffices or inpatient admission is required are prerequisites.
Iron substitution for documented iron-deficiency anaemia
Intravenous iron (e.g. ferric carboxymaltose or ferric derisomaltose) is an established therapy for laboratory-confirmed iron-deficiency anaemia (typically ferritin < 30 µg/L, Hb < 12 g/dL in women / < 13 g/dL in men) with intolerance or failure of oral substitution. The indication is set based on Hb, MCV, ferritin and transferrin saturation – up-to-date laboratory results (ideally ≤ 4 weeks old) are a prerequisite. Informed consent covering risks (rare anaphylactic reactions, hypophosphataemia with certain preparations, skin staining from extravasation) is part of the therapy. We deliver mobile iron substitution only where outpatient resuscitation readiness is ensured (with emergency equipment on site) and an observation period can be scheduled.
Acute migraine with inadequate response to oral therapy
For severe migraine with nausea or vomiting that does not respond adequately to oral triptans or NSAIDs, intravenous therapy with an antiemetic (e.g. metoclopramide), magnesium sulphate and possibly an NSAID can significantly relieve symptoms. Indication and dosing are individualised; for frequent attacks we recommend specialist neurology referral for prophylactic management.
Post-operative rehydration and pain control
After ambulatory procedures, intravenous volume and analgesic therapy may be appropriate in patients with reduced general condition and inadequate oral intake. Consultation with the operating centre, or at minimum knowledge of the procedure, is required.
What we do not offer
- We do not offer wellness or lifestyle infusions such as "vitamin cocktails" without a documented deficiency, or "anti-aging drips." These are not medically defensible and their advertising raises professional-conduct concerns.
- We do not start iron substitution without current laboratory evidence of iron-deficiency anaemia. A clinical suspicion alone is not sufficient.
- We do not treat patients with a known anaphylactic reaction to the planned preparation.
- We do not replace inpatient care when there is a clinical hospital indication (e.g. marked exsiccosis with cardiac decompensation, septic illness, severe electrolyte derangement).
How a mobile infusion at home is delivered
1. Registration and history
In the initial phone call we clarify symptoms, prior conditions, allergies, current medication and – for iron questions – the availability of recent laboratory results. We already decide here whether a mobile infusion is sensible and safe or whether an office or hospital visit is the better option.
2. House call by a physician
On site we conduct a physical exam, measure blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation, and if needed an ECG. The medical informed-consent discussion covers indication, course, alternatives and risks, and is documented in writing. Only after consent is a peripheral cannula placed.
3. Infusion with physician observation
The infusion runs under physician presence. We carry emergency medication and oxygen to manage rare reactions (anaphylaxis, phlebitis, volume overload in heart failure). After completion a short observation period follows; the time on site depends on preparation and clinical situation.
4. Documentation, hand-off and follow-up
You receive written treatment documentation. After iron substitution we recommend follow-up laboratory testing 4 to 12 weeks later depending on the preparation – ideally with your GP. Billing follows the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ); privately insured patients submit the invoice to their insurer.
Risks and informed consent
Every intravenous therapy carries risks that we address transparently:
- Local: pain at the puncture site, haematoma, phlebitis, extravasation.
- Systemic: allergic reactions up to anaphylaxis (rare; higher with iron than with plain saline), nausea, headache.
- Cardiac: volume overload in pre-existing heart failure – clinical examination before therapy is mandatory.
- Metabolic: hypophosphataemia with certain iron preparations (with recommendation for laboratory follow-up in at-risk patients).
We carry emergency equipment, document vital signs and close the treatment with a brief observation phase. Despite preparation, a reaction can occur – anaphylaxis is managed per guideline; we activate the emergency medical service when needed.
Data protection and medical documentation
Vital data and treatment findings are subject to medical confidentiality and the GDPR. We document electronically per applicable data protection rules and forward documentation to the treating GP on request. Storage is in a system tailored to medical practice in accordance with BSI IT-Grundschutz.
When mobile IV therapy is NOT the right choice
- Life-threatening emergencies such as severe breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, suspected heart attack or sepsis – call 112 immediately.
- Cases with a clear indication for inpatient admission (e.g. ongoing vomiting with electrolyte derangement, septic illness).
- Requests for pure wellness or lifestyle effects without a medical indication.
- Known allergy to the planned preparation.
Who provides the treatment?
Treatment is delivered by experienced physicians with specialist expertise in internal medicine, general practice or anaesthesia. They arrive with the necessary diagnostic, emergency and infusion equipment. A calm, evidence-based approach is our standard – without marketing promises, with clear informed consent.
Frequently asked questions on mobile IV therapy at home
How quickly can an appointment be arranged?
For a clearly indicated acute situation (e.g. marked volume depletion after gastroenteritis) we aim for arrival within 60 to 90 minutes in the inner districts. Planned appointments – for instance for iron substitution with laboratory results in hand – can be scheduled in advance.
Do I need recent laboratory results?
For iron therapy yes: Hb, ferritin, transferrin saturation, MCV, ideally no older than 4 weeks. For fluid replacement after gastroenteritis a clinical exam with circulatory assessment is usually sufficient; in unclear cases we recommend blood gas or electrolyte testing in a clinical setting beforehand or on site.
Do you offer vitamin cocktails or lifestyle infusions?
No. We deliberately decline non-evidence-based infusion offerings. If you have an exploratory wish in this area, please talk to us – we will clarify whether there is a medical indication or whether oral measures are the safer, equivalent alternative.
What does a mobile infusion in Berlin cost?
Billing follows the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). The total depends on travel, scope of examination, the preparation used and time of day. Treatment typically starts from €150; iron substitution adds the cost of the preparation. Privately insured patients receive an invoice for submission to their insurer; statutorily insured patients pay as self-payers.
How long does the visit take?
History, informed consent and examination need 20 to 30 minutes. The infusion itself runs from 30 minutes to around 2 hours (e.g. iron substitution depending on preparation and dose). Plus observation time. Plan 1.5 to 3 hours overall.
Can pregnant patients receive an infusion?
Iron substitution in pregnancy is possible after the first trimester with a clear medical indication, but requires additional informed consent and careful judgment. Fluid therapy for hyperemesis gravidarum is conceivable after consultation with the treating obstetrician – in this constellation we assess individually and refer to inpatient care if needed.
Is the treatment documented?
Yes. You receive a written record of indication, informed consent, preparation, dose, vital signs and recommendations. We forward the documentation to your GP on request.
Related guides
For further context on our care model: house-call doctor in Berlin, the medical on-call service and on-call duty, house-call cost and process and private medical care in Berlin. A German version of this article is available at mobile Infusion IV Berlin.
When to call us
If a clear medical indication for intravenous therapy exists and you would like safe, physician-led treatment at home, we are available daily from 6 am to midnight on +49 30 550 77 870. Request an appointment online · Contact. For life-threatening emergencies always call 112.