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IV therapy is a major healthcare trend right now.
From hydration boosts to hangover drips, IV therapy is a favorite among celebrities, fitness enthusiasts, and even clients seeking therapeutic benefits. In fact, in the US alone, over 3.2 million people receive IV treatments each year.
For med spas, IV therapy is a potentially lucrative service. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your services, you’ll need to decide whether to offer:
- Mobile IV therapy
- In-clinic IV therapy
- Or both?
(Spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.)
Each model has its perks and challenges. We’re here to break it all down — no jargon, no fluff, just clear insights to help you choose the best fit for your clinic.
What is mobile IV therapy?
Mobile IV therapy is a service that delivers IV treatment directly to the client’s location — usually their home, but also their office, a hotel, etc.
This on-demand, at-home IV therapy makes it easier for clients to enjoy the health benefits of IV there without the need to travel to a clinic.
Mobile IV therapy services are perfect for clients with busy schedules, those who want to avoid the hassle of busy clinics, or those who feel more comfortable getting intravenous therapy in the comfort of their homes.
How does mobile IV therapy work?
The process of mobile IV therapy is designed to be simple and stress-free.
Clients book an appointment online or over the phone, selecting a time and location, and the type of IV therapy they need, for example:
- IV hydration therapy or rehydration
- Immune system boost
- IV vitamin therapy
- Migraines therapy
- Digestive system treatment
- Jet lag recovery
Once the treatment is confirmed, a licensed medical professional or registered nurse arrives at the location, fully equipped to administer the IV therapy.
The IV treatment is typically short, lasting between 30 minutes and an hour.
Benefits of mobile IV therapy
Here’s why choosing or expanding your services with mobile IV therapy can be a smat move:
- Wider client reach: You can serve clients who would prefer treatment at their home, office, or hotel — without the hassle of visiting a clinic.
- Lower overhead costs: Unlike a brick-and-mortar location, mobile IV services require no rent or major facility expenses, improving profit margins.
- Competitive edge: Stand out from local competitors by offering a flexible, on-demand service that meets modern consumer expectations.
- Scalability and growth: A mobile model allows you to expand your service area, and even attend events, without the cost of opening a second clinic.
- You can go where the money is: Events, bachelor parties, wellness retreats, you name it. You don’t have to wait for the footfall to come to you.
Limitations of mobile IV therapy
While mobile IV therapy offers many advantages for clinic owners, it’s not without certain limitations.
- Logistical challenges: Managing appointment scheduling, travelling between appointments, and supplying inventory across multiple locations can be complex and time-consuming.
- Liability and compliance risks: Without a full medical team on-site, you must implement strict client screening, enforce robust safety protocols, and maintain comprehensive liability insurance.
- Operating costs: Yes, you don’t need to pay rent, but vehicle expenses, fuel, insurance, and storage for medical supplies do all add up.
- Staffing challenges: Finding qualified nurses or providers willing to travel and work in varying conditions can be difficult.
Understanding in-clinic therapy
In-clinic IV therapy is the more traditional method offered in healthcare facilities, clinics, and IV drip clinics. It provides a controlled environment, advanced equipment, and skilled staff.
💉IV clinics vs IV bars: What’s the difference?
IV bars or lounges have also gained popularity in recent years.
These are often more relaxed spa-like settings where you can simply drop in without having a booked appointment. They offer similar services to IV clinics, but often without the same level of medical oversight.
Benefits of in-clinic IV therapy
In-clinic IV therapy gives you greater stability and the ability to provide a higher level of care. Here’s why it can be a strong choice:
- Ability to provide a higher level of patient care: Your clinic has the necessary equipment and resources to handle a wide range of treatments, including complex cases that mobile services may not support.
- Consistent and scalable operations: Unlike mobile services, in-clinic IV therapy doesn’t come with travel and logistical challenges. You’re not having to navigate a new environment every time, it’s familiar and easy.
- More robust compliance and medical oversight: Operating from a fixed location makes it easier to meet regulatory requirements, store medications properly, and maintain quality control.
- Insurance coverage: Many in-clinic IV treatments, such as dehydration therapy, may be covered by insurance, making them more accessible to clients and providing an additional revenue stream.
Limitations of in-clinic IV therapy
Despite offering a more predictable and efficient workflow, and stronger oversight, in-clinic IV therapy has several downsides:
- Limited client reach: Your clinic can only serve clients within a certain distance, which can be a drawback for those who prefer the convenience of home, busy professionals, and individuals with mobility issues.
- Scheduling constraints: Fixed clinic hours may limit the flexibility you provide, requiring clients to adjust to your schedule, which may put some off.
- Higher overhead costs: Operating a physical location requires rent, utilities, staffing, and maintenance expenses, which can cut into profit margins compared to a mobile model.
- Dependent on foot traffic: Unlike a mobile service that can reach high-demand areas, an in-clinic setup relies on people visiting you.
Comparing mobile IV therapy vs. in-clinic
Now that we’ve explored both mobile and in-clinic IV therapy separately, let’s compare them side by side to see how they stack up against several factors.
Convenience and accessibility
Convenience plays a key role in clients’ decisions.
Mobile IV therapy offers unmatched ease and means clients can receive treatment at home, in their hotel, or any location they choose. With flexible scheduling, it’s a favorite for busy individuals who prioritize convenience and control.
In contrast, in-clinic IV therapy shines with its controlled environment, advanced equipment, and on-site medical staff, making it ideal for those who value safety and security over home-based convenience.
Operational logistics
Mobile IV therapy demands careful logistical planning and specialized vans or vehicles to move the staff and equipment. Scheduling also involves factoring in travel time to and from clients’ locations.
Also, transporting IV fluids and IV bags requires specialized equipment, such as insulated coolers, IV bag carriers, portable IV stands, etc.
Logistics are simpler with an in-clinic. You don’t need to worry about transportation. Your staff are on-site and everything is available at the facility.
Client experience
Mobile IV therapy offers a personalized experience.
Having an IV practitioner visit you, wherever you are, is a huge perk for those who value their time. It’s also a great fit for those who wish for privacy, something you won’t get hooked up to a drip in a shared space with other customers.
With that said, a mobile clinic can be a fun group activity for bachelorette parties!
In contrast, in-clinic therapy provides a more traditional, structured setting that many clients find reassuring.
Cost and overhead
Mobile IV services save on rent, utilities, and maintenance since there’s no physical space to manage.
Staffing for mobile services also tend to be leaner, as fewer administrative or on-site support staff are needed. However, mobile IV therapy requires investments in vehicles (costing around $30,000-$80,000) and medical equipment (IV infusions, catheters, IV pumps, etc.), as well as travel costs like fuel and insurance.
Managing a clinic comes with higher fixed costs — rent, utilities, maintenance, and advanced medical tools. Staffing expenses also rise with receptionists, medical assistants, and cleaning crews.
However, as expected, start-up investment costs are generally more affordable for mobile clinics: $6k-$45k compared to $50k-$200k for brick and mortar.
Safety and regulations
Both mobile and in-clinic IV therapy must follow strict safety and regulatory standards to ensure quality care.
Mobile services must focus on:
- Proper transport and storage of IV solutions
- HIPAA compliance for patient records
- OSHA standards for waste disposal
- State health regulations and licensing
- Emergency preparedness outside clinical settings
Clinics operate in a controlled environment, but they must follow stricter protocols and sanitation protocols:
- HIPAA, OSHA, and local health regulations
- IV fluid storage standards
- Emergency response readiness (defibrillators, crash carts)
- Regular facility inspections and staff credential checks
Both in-clinic and mobile IV therapy clinics require medical supervision by an MD/DO (Medical Director/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), at least in most states.
Whether the physician needs to be onsite is another consideration. While being physically present is required in some states for in-clinic care, remote oversight is fine in others. Meanwhile, oversight for mobile IV therapy tends to be remote.
For example:
- In California, a registered nurse (RN) can administer IV therapy under the supervision of either a physician, physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP). The physician doesn’t have to be physically present, but they’re responsible for overseeing the practice and ensuring compliance.
- In New York, RNs can administer IV therapy under the supervision of a physician, PA, or NP. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) may provide IV therapy but must be directly supervised by a physician, PA, NP, or RN and have appropriate training.
- In Texas, only a Texas-licensed physician can administer IV therapy or delegate it to a qualified non-physician, like a licensed nurse, under proper supervision. For home IV therapy, an RN must be available 24/7.
Operational considerations for both models
Choosing between mobile and in-clinic IV therapy comes down to figuring out logistics. Here are some operational considerations to bear in mind.
Scheduling and appointments
Mobile:
Managing appointments in mobile clinics is about optimizing travel time and ensuring providers can reach multiple clients efficiently.
Route planning is key to minimizing downtime between appointments and avoiding delays. Also, planning for clear buffer times between visits can help you manage appointments efficiently and handle unexpected delays.
In-clinic:
In a clinical setting, the focus is on keeping your schedule full without overwhelming your staff or creating long wait times.
Determine your peak hours and adjust staffing accordingly to keep wait times at a minimum and your clients happy.
Staff management
Mobile:
Running a mobile IV therapy business means managing a team that’s always on the go. Since staff work remotely, clear communication and real-time coordination are essential.
It’s important to have a system in place for tracking appointments, handling last-minute changes, and ensuring team members have everything they need before heading out.
In-clinic:
For a clinic, it’s crucial to align staff availability with demand to avoid bottlenecks. Ensure you have more staff on hand during peak hours like weekends and afternoons, while slower periods might allow for a leaner staff.
Use a system that offers access to appointment data and historical trends to help you schedule the right number of practitioners and support staff.
Client communication
You can deliver consistent, professional communications no matter whether you’re an in-clinic business, at an event, or even visiting someone’s home.
Automated confirmations and reminders ensure clients are ready for you, and pre and post-care communications ensure they get the best treatment outcomes. It’s all about keeping clients in the loop and coming back for more!
Mobile IV therapy vs in-clinic: Which model should you choose?
The best solution depends on your goals, budget, and client base.
Mobile IV therapy is convenient for clients and has overhead. However, it comes with its own logistical challenges. Meanwhile, in-clinic services provide a structured, well-equipped environment but require higher upfront costs.
Whatever you choose, Pabau makes running your IV therapy business seamless.
As an all-in-one practice management software, it helps you with booking and scheduling appointments, managing digital client records, taking payments, marketing, and much more. Even better, you can access it from anywhere, on any device, so it’s perfect for both mobile and in-clinic use.
Ready to build your IV therapy practice? Book a demo today — this is the first step. Let Pabau handle the details while you grow!
