A Wake-Up Call for IV Therapy
Imagine walking into a med spa for a simple vitamin infusion—only for it to turn into a life-threatening emergency. This was the tragic reality for Jenifer Cleveland, 47, who passed away after receiving an IV infusion at The Luxe Medspa in Texas. While the exact cause remains unknown, her case highlights a crucial truth: IV therapy isn’t just a beauty treatment—it’s a medical procedure that requires precision, safety, and expertise.
If you’re expanding your med spa to include IV therapy or compounded medications like GLP-1 agonists, you’re stepping into a world with serious medical and legal responsibilities. Here’s how to do it the right way.
The Business of IV Therapy: More Than Just a Service
Before offering IV infusions or compounded medications, remember: you’re not just running a business—you’re running a medical practice. That means following strict rules on corporate structure, patient care finances, and compliance.
Key Legal & Financial Considerations:
✅ Know your state laws: Some states, like California, require all patient payments to go through a physician-owned professional corporation.
✅ Get the right team: Hire a lawyer, CPA, medical director, and consultant to ensure compliance.
✅ Monitor your money flow: Payments for medical services and purchases for supplies and medications must follow legal guidelines.
Contribution By Dr. Chantal Lunderville, L+A Medical Editor courtesy of AQ Solutions
Dr. Chantal Lunderville is a board-certified physician specializing in skin health, aesthetic medicine, and Women’s health. She attended medical school at UCLA School of Medicine, followed by a residency at UCSF Family Medicine, and on graduating opened her own concierge aesthetics practice in the San Francisco Bay Area focusing on hormone health, skincare, and longevity.
Since then Dr. Lunderville has grown her practice to include overseeing nurses and aestheticians as medical director to over 15 practices across California, and through Dr. C’s Academy helps to launch new practices across the US and Canada through consulting and online courses in business, compliance, aesthetic procedures including neurotoxin, fillers, lasers, microneedling, and lasers. Read Full Bio
6 Factors To Look For in a Reliable IV & GLP-1 Pharmacy
Not all pharmacies are created equal. Some third-party vendors source medications from questionable overseas suppliers, which can put your patients—and your business—at risk.
1. Compliance & Licensing
🔹 Ensure the pharmacy is licensed in your state and follows FDA and DEA regulations.
🔹 If using compounded medications, verify their registration with FDA 503B outsourcing facilities.
🔹 Check state laws on prescribing GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
2. Quality & Safety Standards
🔹 Choose PCAB-accredited pharmacies for top-quality compounding.
🔹 Ask for Certificates of Analysis (COA) and third-party testing for purity and potency.
🔹 Verify proper storage and shipping—especially for medications that require refrigeration.
3. Product Availability & Formulations
🔹 Make sure the pharmacy follows USP <797> and <800> guidelines for sterile and hazardous drug compounding.
🔹 Look for a variety of IV formulations to match your treatment offerings.
4. Pricing & Insurance Considerations
🔹 Compare bulk pricing and minimum order requirements.
🔹 Check if the pharmacy offers direct billing or if patients need to use their own insurance.
🔹 Consider membership-based pricing models for cost savings.
5. Prescription & Ordering Process
🔹 Ensure your medical director can send prescriptions electronically.
🔹 Ask about turnaround times for fulfillment and delivery, some pharmacies may be several weeks, be sure to ask about shortages.
🔹 Look for pharmacies that offer standing orders for high-demand products.
6. Customer Support & Training
🔹 Choose pharmacies that provide training or pharmacist support on dosing, reconstitution, and administration.
🔹 Ensure they have a dedicated account representative for compliance and supply chain support.
🔹 Ask if they offer patient education materials to improve safety and informed consent.
🔹 Nationally trusted options: Olympia and Empower Pharmacy are reputable choices.
Protecting Your Patients & Your Business
Beyond finding the right pharmacy, it’s crucial to:
✅ Work closely with your medical director on protocols.
✅ Ensure your nurses’ licenses and training are up to date.
✅ Follow strict sterile procedures for IV administration.
Need Expert Guidance? Let’s Talk!
Expanding into IV therapy and compounded medications can be a profitable move—but it comes with serious risks. Cutting corners or working with unreliable suppliers can endanger lives. Take the time to set up your med spa the right way by following medical best practices, legal guidelines, and safety protocols.
💡 Bottom line? Do it right, or don’t do it at all. Your patients—and your business—depend on it.
Need expert help? I offer consulting services to ensure your med spa is compliant, safe, and successful. Visit www.drchantallunderville.com or book a call with me here: Schedule a Consultation.
Let’s build your business the right way. 🚀