TwelveStone Health Partners provides Uplizna® infusion treatment (inebilizumab-cdon) at specialized outpatient infusion centers across Tennessee and the Southeast for eligible adults diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

We offer two pathways to begin care:

  1. Clinicians may submit a patient referral using the Uplizna Enrollment Form.
  2. Patients or caregivers can request scheduling support to begin.

Our staff provides compassionate care at more than 30 locations across Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, and Virginia.

Uplizna® Infusion Care Standards

  • 35+ Years of Clinical Infusion Experience: Specialists in complex clinical infusion therapy.
  • 30+ Regional Centers: Locations across TN, KY, GA, MS, and VA.
  • Private Infusion Suites: Comfortable treatment spaces with Wi-Fi and amenities.
  • Insurance Verification and Prior Authorization Support: Comprehensive benefits verification and prior authorization assistance.
  • Physician Coordination: Direct coordination with referring offices.

Understanding Uplizna® for NMOSD Management

This prescription therapy is used for adults with Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a condition where the immune system attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord.

Administration and Scheduling

Uplizna® Infusion Treatment is administered as an IV infusion in a clinical setting following a standard loading phase. This includes two initial infusions spaced two weeks apart, followed by maintenance infusions every six months.

Your neurologist determines if this medication is appropriate based on your specific clinical profile. TwelveStone clinical specialists coordinate directly with your physician to manage this schedule and provide necessary monitoring during each session. Our centers focus on providing a safe, comfortable environment for these recurring treatments.

Managing NMOSD Symptoms and Relapses

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord. These episodes often cause vision changes, muscle weakness, numbness, pain, or bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Specialist-Led Care Plans

Neurologists manage the diagnosis and overall treatment strategy, with Uplizna® Infusion Treatment serving as one part of a broader care plan to reduce attack frequency. Maintaining a consistent schedule with a reliable provider is essential to protecting long-term mobility and vision health.

Clinical Workflow and Dosing Logistics

TwelveStone provides this treatment as an outpatient service at our regional centers. The administration follows a standard schedule to maintain therapeutic levels in your system.

  1. Initial Loading: Two startup doses administered two weeks apart.
  2. Maintenance Phase: Single infusions administered every six months.

Every appointment includes clinical preparation, IV placement, and the medication administration. Following the infusion, our clinical team monitors you for a set observation period to check for reactions. Plan for several hours on-site to account for both medication delivery and the required monitoring time.

Safety protocols begin before your first visit. We coordinate with your neurologist to verify baseline screenings for hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and immunoglobulin levels. Our staff monitors your vitals during each session and shares results with your physician to maintain treatment continuity.

A Specialized Partner for Outpatient Infusion Care

TwelveStone is a specialized outpatient partner for this Infusion Treatment, supported by experienced nurses and pharmacists. Our regional network of 30+ locations across the Southeast, including Tennessee and Virginia, reduces travel burdens for those on long-term therapy and recurring appointments.

Clinical Coordination and Comfort

Patients often note staff kindness and the comfort of private suites, which offer a less stressful environment than many hospital settings. We ensure operational reliability by coordinating directly with referring providers on orders, scheduling, and clinical updates. This focused approach maintains continuity of care and provides professional support throughout the treatment journey to ensure patient safety.

Who Is Eligible for Uplizna Infusion Treatment?

Uplizna® infusion therapy is prescribed for adults diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who test positive for anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies. A neurologist or prescribing specialist determines eligibility based on clinical history, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing.

Patients referred to TwelveStone typically require specialty infusion care outside of hospital settings. Our clinical team coordinates with the prescribing physician to confirm eligibility, insurance authorization, and infusion scheduling before treatment begins.

Referral and Insurance Coordination

Our team manages administrative requirements for Uplizna® Infusion Treatment to minimize office paperwork. We handle benefits verification and prior authorization support, navigating payer site-of-care mandates. This coordination helps patients with chronic conditions start therapy without delay.

  1. Referral intake and verification
  2. Prior authorization assistance
  3. Patient scheduling and coordination
  4. Treatment reporting to your office

Effective coordination ensures therapy begins without administrative delays. Contact TwelveStone to initiate a referral or discuss a specific patient case.

Your Experience During the Infusion Visit

TwelveStone visits begin with a brief check-in and vitals assessment. A nurse prepares in a private suite featuring a recliner and Wi-Fi.

  1. Clinical check-in and vitals
  2. IV placement and administration
  3. Continuous nursing monitoring
  4. Mandatory post-infusion observation

Caregivers should provide transportation for the first visit as fatigue is possible. Patients may bring personal items to stay comfortable. These preparations help you focus on recovery.

Uplizna® Infusion Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

The medication administration typically takes about 90 minutes. However, patients should plan to spend between three and four hours at our center for their total visit. This extended time allows for clinical preparation, IV placement, and a mandatory one hour observation period after the infusion is complete. Our nursing staff uses this time to monitor your response to the therapy and ensure you are stable before leaving the facility.

Treatment begins with two initial loading doses administered two weeks apart to establish the medication in your system. Following this startup phase, maintenance infusions are generally required only once every six months. All treatment schedules are followed per prescribing specialist guidance to ensure the medication properly manages your NMOSD symptoms. We coordinate with your neurologist to track these semi annual appointments and maintain your long term treatment plan.

Most commercial insurance plans, along with Medicare and Medicaid, provide coverage for this therapy, though specific out of pocket costs vary. Because this is a specialty biologic medication, insurance companies almost always require a prior authorization before treatment can begin. TwelveStone assists with benefits verification and handles the necessary paperwork to help you access your medication. We also help patients identify and enroll in available co pay assistance programs to reduce financial burdens.

Our clinical staff monitors patients continuously during the infusion and throughout the subsequent observation window. We track vital signs and watch for any physical changes that might indicate a reaction to the medication. If a reaction occurs, our nurses are trained to adjust the infusion rate or provide supportive care according to established safety protocols. Patients are encouraged to notify staff immediately if they experience itching, dizziness, or any other unusual symptoms during their visit.

Clinicians can initiate a referral by submitting a prescription and recent clinical notes through our secure portal or fax line. Individuals living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder who have an existing prescription can request scheduling support directly through our website. Once we receive the necessary medical documentation, our intake team will manage the insurance authorization process and contact you to finalize your first appointment at one of our regional centers.