If you’re fitting an IV drip into a lunch break or between errands in Long Beach, the first thing you want to know is simple: how long does an IV drip take, and how long will I be in the chair? Here is the answer for a visit at K Wellness, step by step, so you can plan your day.
In short
- At K Wellness, a drip takes about 20 to 45 minutes. It varies from person to person.
- An IV push takes about 5 to 10 minutes, not counting prep time.
- For a first visit, plan on about 45 to 60 minutes in total, including paperwork, paying and any questions for the nurse.
- You don’t need to choose a drip before you arrive. We go over the menu with you.
How long does an IV drip take?
The drip is only one part of your visit. Before it starts, our medical assistant asks about your health conditions and anything you’re taking, and a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) places a small IV line, usually in your arm. After it ends, we remove the IV and place a small bandage.
So there are two numbers worth knowing: how long the drip runs, and how long the whole visit takes. The second one is the number to plan your day around.
Your visit at a glance
Here is what happens during your visit.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Paperwork | On your first visit, you fill out new patient forms and a consent form. |
| Choosing a drip | We go over the IV menu with you when you arrive. |
| Questions | Our medical assistant asks about your health conditions and anything you’re taking. Tell us about any medications, supplements, allergies or recent surgery. |
| Placing the IV | A licensed vocational nurse places a small IV line, usually in your arm. You’ll feel a quick pinch. |
| The drip | You sit back and relax while the drip runs. |
| Finishing up | We remove the IV and place a small bandage. |
The drip itself takes about 20 to 45 minutes. All together, plan on about 45 to 60 minutes for a first visit. That includes filling out new patient and consent forms, paying for your visit, and any questions you have for the nurse. Prices are confirmed with you before your visit.
IV drip or IV push
An IV push gives vitamins through the IV line as a push, instead of as a drip. On our menu, drips start at $150 and an IV push (two vitamins) is $100. If you’re short on time, ask us about the push when you call. More in IV push vs IV drip.
See the full menu, with what each drip contains, on our IV therapy in Long Beach page. Curious what goes into the most common drip? Read what’s in a Myers’ cocktail.
A few things that help
- Bring your list. A list of your medications and supplements, and any allergies.
- Tell us about past IVs. If you’ve had problems with IVs or blood draws before, let us know.
- Speak up during the drip. Tell us right away if something doesn’t feel right.
Before you come in
IV therapy isn’t right for everyone, and it isn’t a substitute for care from your own doctor. Before treatment, our medical assistant asks about your health conditions, so tell us about any conditions, medications or recent surgery. It isn’t a medical evaluation — if you’re unsure whether this is safe for you, ask your doctor first.
Tell us if any of these apply:
- You have kidney, heart or liver conditions, or high blood pressure.
- You are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- You have allergies, including to any medication.
- You take any medications or supplements, including blood thinners.
- You have stomach ulcers, a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or a bleeding disorder.
- You are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs, or take them regularly.
- You have surgery coming up.
- You have had problems with IVs or blood draws before.
Your visit
K Wellness is inside Kim Holistic Foot & Ankle Center at 701 E 28th St #111, Long Beach, CA 90806. The two have the same owner and share the same office.
- Parking: park in our parking structure.
- Finding us: there’s a K Wellness sign outside our door, so you don’t need to go through the main lobby.
- What to bring: a list of your medications and supplements, and any allergies.
- Booking: call (562) 269-0300, or request a visit online and we’ll call you to confirm a time.
Common questions
How long does an IV drip take at K Wellness?
A drip takes about 20 to 45 minutes, and it varies from person to person. For a first visit, plan on about 45 to 60 minutes in total, including new patient and consent forms, paying, and any questions for the nurse.
How long does an IV push take?
An IV push takes about 5 to 10 minutes, not counting prep time. It gives vitamins through the IV line as a push, instead of as a drip.
Do I need to choose a drip before I come in?
No. We go over the menu with you when you arrive. You don’t need to decide beforehand.
Does it hurt?
You’ll feel a quick pinch when the IV is placed. After that, most people feel little more than a cool sensation in the arm.
This article is general information, not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with your own doctor about your health. In an emergency, call 911.