Therapeutic Phlebotomy Service
Locations in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas
You can have too much of a good thing!
Many patients undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TT) and those diagnosed with Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH) or other blood conditions may need a procedure called therapeutic phlebotomy. These conditions can result in the production of too many red blood cells. Therapeutic phlebotomy is a medical service to help manage certain health conditions like these. During this procedure, blood is collected as part of a pateitn’s prescribed treatment plan under the direction of a healthcare provider.
LifeShare Blood Center provides therapeutic phlebotomy services by appointment Monday through Friday, at our fixed-site locations. If you require this service, please consult your physician to submit a physician’s order form to donate. Depending on the diagnosis, donors may also qualify to be a volunteer donor so the donation can help others even while providing much needed treatment.
We have updated and streamlined our therapeutic phlebotomy order process and form to make it more user friendly. Effective January 2023, all therapeutic phlebotomy physician’s orders must be submitted electronically. LifeShare will no longer accept hard copy order forms by fax, scan, or delivered by the donor. Therapeutic Phlebotomy Services may be subject to a $75.00 processing fee per donation. If you have questions, please contact the Special Donations Department: (844) 370-9879 or [email protected].
After submission, please allow 72 hours for medical review and approval before attempting to donate at your local LifeShare Blood Center location. Upon the completion of order approval, the Special Donations Department will reach out to give further instructions.
FAQ
Where are Therapeutic Phlebotomy Services available?
Therapeutic Phlebotomy Services are offered at LifeShare Blood Center’s fixed donation sites.
Is therapeutic phlebotomy the same as donating blood?
No. Although the procedure involves blood collection, therapeutic phlebotomy is a medical treatment and is different from an allogeneic blood donation. Allogeneic donations are voluntary blood donations collected from eligible donors for transfusion to patients in need.
Am I considered a blood donor if I receive therapeutic phlebotomy?
Individuals receiving therapeutic phlebotomy are considered patients receiving a medical service, rather than blood donors participating in the community blood donation program.
This does not mean your therapeutic phlebotomy procedure is less important. We recognize the importance and care you receive and appreciate the trust you place in us to provide your therapeutic phlebotomy treatment.
Is this blood safe for transfusion?
Yes, in some cases. It depends on if you meet all applicable requirements established by the FDA at the time of donation. Individuals must pass all of the normal screening procedures required of every donor, and their blood is tested to ensure it is medically safe, the same as any other donated blood product. When blood is determined suitable for transfusion, it is made available for patient use.
Can I donate blood as a regular donor instead of receiving therapeutic phlebotomy?
Yes, in some cases. Individuals with certain conditions, such as hereditary hemochromatosis or receiving testosterone therapy, may be eligible to participate in the allogeneic blood donation program if they meet all donor eligibility requirements established by the FDA and applicable blood donation standards.
When an indnvidual meets these requirements and chooses to donate through the regular blood donation program, their donation is considered an allogeneic blood donation–not a therapeutic phlebotomy procedure.
Eligibility depends on meeting all applicable requirmenets at the time of donation. Individuals who do not meet donor eligibility criteria or who require blood removal as part of their medical treatment may instead receive therapeutic phlebotomy as a medical service. Our team will walk through these options with you.
Am I eligible to receive donor promotional items or incentives?
No. Promotional items and donor incentives are reserved for individuals participating in the allogeneic blood donation program. Because therpeutic phlebotomy is a medical service and collected product is not used in transfusion, individuals receiving this service are not eligible for donor promotional items or incentives.
Why are therapeutic phlebotomy patients not eligible for donor incentives?
Donor incentives are intended to recognize individuals who provide blood products for patient transfusion through the community blood donation program. Therapeutic phlebotomy follows a different process and purpose, so those incentives do not apply to patients receiving this medical service.
How often can I receive therapeutic phlebotomy services?
Patients needing therpeutic phlebotomy may give as frequently as prescribed by the physician’s submitted order.
Why is there a fee?
Donors diagnosed with specific blood conditions may require multiple donations as part of their treatment. The $75.00 fee helps cover collection materials, equipment, and staff needed to provide the Therapeutic Phlebotomy Service. The national average cost of therapeutic phlebotomy is $305.
What are accepted methods of payment for therapeutic phlebotomy service fees?
Payment will be accepted onsite using a major credit card after screening and prior to phlebotomy. A receipt is provided. Cash or check are not accepted for this service.
Can I be reimbursed for therapeutic phlebotomy service fees?
Many insurers cover therapeutic phlebotomies. Please contact your insurance company for more information on their reimbursement procedures.
QUESTIONS ABOUT BLOOD DONATION?
One out of every three people will need a blood transfusion during their lifetime. Can you help provide it?
For any inquiries, please contact us at 800-256-5433.