Frequently Asked Questions


Hi there! Have some questions about us? Find the answers below. Don't see it answered? Contact us today!

  • How does IV therapy work?

    Traditionally, infusion therapy took place in a medical office under medical supervision, but today you can receive IV therapy in the comfort of your own home, office, or event. IV therapy delivers a hydrating solution with electrolytes (Lactated Ringers) through a small plastic medical tube directly into the bloodstream. The client may choose to just receive the solution itself, or may choose to include a mixture of vitamins and minerals that are customized to their individual needs. During treatment, a Registered Nurse will insert an IV line into an accessible vein. The IV line is attached to the bag of solution, which is hung above the patient’s head. Essential fluids and minerals inside of the IV bag will be carried to the veins over a period of time. The duration of treatment typically lasts between 30 – 45 mins.

  • Is this safe?

    Yes, we use aseptic technique just like in the hospital setting. Our supplies are kept in their sterile packaging until we get ready to use them for an IV/IM service. We require you fill out an intake form prior to services so we can assess for any contraindications to IV/IM therapy, which there are few of. Additionally, our team is made up of a highly trained RN, supervised by our MD and following protocols set forth by our MD and other industry experts. Safety is our top priority and we take it very seriously.

  • Are there any side effects?

    Major side effects are rare. However, any time there is a needle physically entering the skin, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, bruising, and slight pain. Our team takes all necessary precautions to avoid these side effects by including proper preparation, proper needle size, and using vein finders if needed. Occasionally, our clients might report cooling of their arm or a warm sensation as nutrients enter their bloodstream. These are normal, non-medically concerning sensations.

  • What results should I expect?

    Clients receiving IV therapy almost immediately experience a boost of energy and report positive changes by the time the IV is finished infusing. Most people report noticing maximum benefits in about 12 hours. When the body reaches optimal mineral and vitamin levels, it can then support proper metabolism, cortisol levels, cellular health, mood, and good sleep patterns. Our IV drips can also boost the immune system, which is especially beneficial during the cold and allergy season.

  • Who is IV therapy for?

    Optimal balance of nutrients is unique to each clients individual needs. Thus, Thurston For Wellness offers many treatment options to help our clients reach their overall wellness goals. Our services and products are created to meet a wide range of wellness needs, which include but are not limited to: increased energy levels, rapid illness recovery, athletic performance, and more. We can service clients over the age of 16. Clients with varying activity levels, professions, and lifestyles can benefit from IV drip therapy. Our clients safety is our greatest priority; we will review your medical history via the intake form you fill out prior to administering any services and make sure you are a good candidate for our offered therapies. Any questions or concerns will be directed to our MD prior to administering any services.

  • Where are you located?

    We are located inside of Bellissima Spa and Wellness Center at 9100 Gratiot Rd, Saginaw, MI. We are available here Monday through Saturday. Please click anywhere you see a calendar icon, or "Request A Service" to see hours and book a service.


    We also have a wonderful, cozy room at the Hampton's Plaza in Essexville, MI and are available there by appointment as well. Please note that our main location is Bellissima, so availability is not guaranteed, but we do our best to accomodate our clients' needs!


    We also offer Mobile Calls, as able. Please note a Mobile Call fee will apply, based on distance.

  • What is the process to get an infusion?

    Click anywhere you see "Request A Service" or click on any calendar icon you see on this website, and it will take you to our booking link.


    Book your appointment. Then, our system will prompt you to fill out an intake form which includes demographics, health history, medications you may be taking, allergies, etc. Please fill out this form ASAP and thoroughly. 


    After the form is filled out, Melissa RN will contact you via text and send a link to your phone via text to complete a Virtual Exam with one of our affiliated Nurse Practitioners. Simply click the link sent to you and it will put you in the waiting room. One of our Nurse Practitioners will then join and ask you a series of questions. Please have your medical history and medication list handy to provide to them. After the exam, the NP will send Melissa, RN your results and your appointment will either be confirmed or denied. If confirmed, you will receive an email confirming the appointment. If denied, Melissa RN will reach out to you to explain why.  

  • How are you able to give IV therapy and injections?

    Our experienced Registered Nurse is licensed in the state of Michigan. We work closely with our parent company, Spa Start, for contracting with our MD and business purposes. We operate under protocols approved by our Medical Director (Licensed Medical Doctor), Dr. James Hill II, to safely provide our services.


    Dr. Hill is available to us if we have questions or concerns that need to be addressed prior to providing services.


    All intake forms are reviewed thoroughly before receiving an infusion or injection. The head medical director and other industry experts have reviewed all blends, doses, frequency, contraindications, etc. The RN follows strict policies and procedures set forth by the MD. 

  • Why IV therapy instead of oral vitamins/supplements?

    Intravenous (IV) therapy offers a way to safely deliver greater doses of essential fluids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly to the body that would otherwise not be fully dispersed or received through oral ingestion. IV therapy circumvents digestion by pushing the nutrients through the bloodstream straight into the cells. Therefore, an elevated concentration of cellular uptake of nutrients via IV has a more effectual impact.


    Simply put, hydration and nutrients administered by the IV route are 95% available to your body and are much more effective at hydrating and nourishing your body than taking water and vitamins by mouth.

  • How long do results last for?

    All of the vitamins/nutrients have a different half-life in the body and it is influenced by dozens of factors. That being said, you can expect to feel the effects for about 10-14 days, possibly longer if you make sure you stay hydrated.

  • How often should I receive therapy?

    Most of our infusions can be given as frequently as weekly, but we typically recommend one to two times a month for most nutrient IVs.


    Everyone is unique, has different needs, and metabolizes things at different rates. We like to speak to our clients about their specific goals with therapy to create an individualized plan. Most of our regular clients come back for another infusion typically 3-6 weeks after their last infusion. We are excited to discuss your goals and results and make a plan for you!

  • Does IV therapy hurt?

    The wellness and comfort of our clients is one of our greatest priorities. Our RN is highly experienced and skilled with IV insertion and monitoring. We strive to provide the highest quality service to our clients. We use small, delicate needles to provide a virtually pain-free experience. A majority of patients find IV insertion to be painless, whereas others may experience brief discomfort (comparable to a pinch) upon needle insertion. In general, clients find the experience of infusion itself to be relaxing.

  • Does the actual needle stay in my arm/hand?

    No. We retract the needle once we gain access to your vein, and then we leave a small plastic catheter in place for the infusion. Once the infusion is over, we remove the plastic catheter and apply a piece of gauze with a self-adhering wrap along with a little bit of manual pressure to prevent any bleeding.

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept cash, check, Venmo (@thurstonforwellness), Credit/Debit cards and HSA/FSA cards. Please note that processing fees of 4% do apply when using Venmo, Credit/Debit and HSA/FSA cards. HSA/FSA acceptance will be at the discretion of your account provider.

  • Do you accept insurance?

    Unfortunately, we do not. However, you can check with the issuer of your HSA and FSA cards as some clients are able to pay with them for our wellness services.

  • Do you accept HSA or FSA cards?

    We do have the capability to run your HSA and FSA cards, a 4% processing fee will apply. Please note that acceptance of the charge to your card may be at the discretion of your card issuer. If you need an invoice, we are happy to provide one for you. Typically, there aren't issues with acceptance, but occasionally some request more information to be provided, particularly the FSA cards.

  • Why does IV therapy cost as much as it does?

    We understand that paying a hundred to a few hundred dollars for relief may seem a bit steep initially. However, our equipment and ingredients are high-quality and medical grade. Combine this with our highly-trained staff of medical professionals, and you’re getting an experience that can easily cost triple the price (and up!) in any urgent care or emergency room. Our regular clients have referred to our services as a great deal, and after you also experience the benefits, we’re confident that you will, too. :)

  • What ages do you service?

    Ages 16 and up may receive services. Minors will require an authorization form be completed by a parent prior to the appointment.

  • Are the vitamins FDA approved?

    The FDA does not regulate individual vitamins. We make no claims that our IV infusions or IM injections are intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease, illness or condition. Further details of the specific benefits of each vitamin we use can be found on our "Ingredients" page. Our vitamins come from Olympia, a national compounding pharmacy that is highly regulated by the FDA to ensure pharmaceutical quality and purity.

  • Can I resume my normal activities after an IV drip?

    ABSOLUTELY! With your newly renewed energy and optimized health, you can resume your day-to-day activities with even better performance following an IV drip.

  • Can you handle groups?

    Yes! We love a good wellness party! :) We are equipped to come to you to service groups and we specialize in efficiently getting everyone’s needs taken care of. Ask us about our group specials, based on your party size and services desired! Getting married? We offer special discounts to you and your bridal party for bachelor/bachelorette parties and before/after wedding needs!

  • How far will you travel?

    We are based in Saginaw and try to limit our drive times to 30 miles or less one way, however we are happy to make exceptions for special circumstances and group events. Please note that a mobile fee will apply to mobile calls. The fee will depend on distance.

  • What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

    Prior to the appointment, we recommend drinking plenty of water and having a bite to eat for best results. We recommend emptying your bladder prior to our arrival so you can sit/lay back and relax. We want you to be comfortable, don't worry about us, we will adapt to your surroundings once we arrive.

  • Do you work with a Physician?

    Yes! We work very closely with and follow strict protocols and procedures set forth by our Medical Director, Dr. John Armstead, MD.

  • Do you have a loyalty program?

    We are working on implementing a loyalty program for our clients! We appreciate you so much, and we want you to know that!

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