How it works
- Mandatory prior medical assessment by Dr. Ortega-Arenas at your hotel or home. The physician arrives first and assesses whether IV hydration is indicated.
- If IV hydration is not clinically indicated, it is not given. In that case, only the visit and the materials used in the assessment are charged; neither the $1,800 fee nor the nursing fee is charged.
- If it is indicated, the physician prescribes it in writing2 and you sign the informed consent form.
- The physician calls the nurse, who arrives in about 1 h 30 min, depending on traffic. A licensed nurse places the IV line under the physician’s supervision. The Mexican standard NOM-022-SSA3-2012 states that infusion therapy should preferably be given by licensed health professionals.2
- If you prefer to avoid the wait, you can ask for the nurse to arrive together with the physician. In that case, the nursing fee is charged even if the assessment shows that IV hydration is not indicated.
When it may be indicated
Oral rehydration is the first-choice treatment for mild to moderate dehydration, even when there is vomiting.1 The IV route may be considered when an adequate attempt at oral rehydration fails, as judged at the medical assessment.1 It is not offered for wellness, hangover, energy or performance.
What is included · $1,800 MXN
- Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) given intravenously.1
- If the assessment indicates it, an antiemetic or a pain reliever may be given. Before giving it, the physician explains which one, why, and its possible side effects. Evidence on the benefit of antiemetics in adults is limited, so this is decided case by case.4
- No vitamins, minerals or other supplements are added: there is no high-quality evidence that vitamin infusions benefit people without a specific deficiency or medical condition.5
Total cost
Total = $1,800 + visit fee + nursing fee
Visit fee
The visit is charged at the hotel or house-call rate, by zone and time of day.
| Hotel visit | Zone A | Zone B |
|---|---|---|
| Standard hours | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Special: nights 8:01 pm–8:59 am, Saturdays from 3:01 pm and Sundays | $4,000 | $4,500 |
| Holiday (official or traditional) | $5,500 | $6,000 |
House call: from $1,000 MXN. Hours and zones are detailed in the fees section and on the hotel information page.
Deposit: house calls are confirmed with a bank transfer of 50% of your zone’s standard fee. Hotel visits require no deposit.
Nursing fee
| Schedule | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard | $1,500 |
| Special: nights, traditional holidays, Sundays and Saturdays from 3:01 pm | $2,500 |
| Official public holidays (24 hours) | $3,500 |
Example
IV hydration + hotel visit in Zone A during standard hours + nursing during standard hours: $1,800 + $2,500 + $1,500 = $5,800 MXN.
Risks and limits
IV hydration does not replace drinking fluids when that is possible.1 It carries risks, such as phlebitis, infiltration or extravasation, infection at the insertion site and fluid overload.2,3,6 That is why it is given only if the medical assessment justifies it.
When NOT to book this service
Adults only (18 years and older).
Require prior assessment and may rule out the therapy
- Pregnancy: tell us before the visit.
- Known heart or kidney failure, because of the risk of fluid overload.6
Where and how to book
At your hotel or home in Mexico City. Book on WhatsApp at +52 595 109 3969.
Payment
Card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), Apple Pay, Google Pay, bank transfer or cash in MXN.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription?
You do not need to bring a prescription. Dr. Ortega-Arenas decides whether it is indicated during the mandatory prior medical assessment; without it, IV hydration is not given.
Why are no vitamins included?
Because there is no high-quality evidence that vitamin infusions benefit people without a specific deficiency or medical condition, and high doses may cause harm.5 That is why they are not included.
How long does it take?
If it is indicated, the nurse arrives about 1 h 30 min after the physician calls. The infusion time depends on the volume indicated at the assessment. The physician tells you the estimated time before you sign the informed consent form.
What if it is not right for me?
If the assessment shows that IV hydration is not clinically indicated, it is not given. Only the visit and the materials used in the assessment are charged; neither the $1,800 fee nor the nursing fee is charged, unless you asked for the nurse to arrive together with the physician.
What is the total cost?
$1,800 + visit fee + nursing fee. For example, with a hotel visit in Zone A and nursing during standard hours: $1,800 + $2,500 + $1,500 = $5,800 MXN.
Sources
- Shane AL, Mody RK, Crump JA, et al. 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis. 2017;65(12):e45-e80. PMID 29053792. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Mexican Ministry of Health (Secretaría de Salud). NOM-022-SSA3-2012, que instituye las condiciones para la administración de la terapia de infusión en los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Official Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación), 18/09/2012. dof.gob.mx
- Marsh N, Webster J, Ullman AJ, et al. Peripheral intravenous catheter non-infectious complications in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Adv Nurs. 2020;76(12):3346-3362. PMID 33016412. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Furyk JS, Meek RA, Egerton-Warburton D. Drugs for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in adults in the emergency department setting. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD010106. PMID 26411330. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Intravenous vitamin injections: where is the evidence? Drug Ther Bull. 2023;61(10):151-155. PMID 37640530. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Hospira, Inc. 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (VisIV container): prescribing information. labeling.pfizer.com
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine). Recognizing medical emergencies. medlineplus.gov
- World Health Organization (WHO). Diarrhoeal disease. Fact sheet, 2024. who.int
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine). Dehydration. medlineplus.gov