The Rise of Home Infusion Therapy

As healthcare costs continue rising in the United States, more patients and providers are seeking lower-cost treatment options. One model that has gained significant traction in recent years is home infusion therapy. Rather than receiving treatment like antibiotics or hydration in an outpatient clinic or hospital setting, home infusion allows patients to receive these therapies in the comfort of their own homes. Major benefits of home infusion include avoiding high facility fees, greater flexibility and convenience for patients, as well as potential clinical improvements for some conditions.

Cost Savings of Home Infusion

For healthcare payers like insurance companies, a major motivation to support home infusion is the potential for significant cost savings compared to hospital-administered treatment. Drugs and equipment used in home infusion may be similar, but avoiding facility fees for hospitals, surgery centers, or clinics can reduce the overall cost of an episode of care by thousands of dollars in many cases. One study found the average cost for three days of antibiotic treatment via home infusion was around $3,000, compared to over $16,000 if administered in an outpatient hospital setting. Reduced costs are a win for payers and patients who face high deductibles or coinsurance levels for facility-based care.

Improving Access and Outcomes

In addition to financial benefits, home infusion expands access to care for many patients. Not every community has hospitals or clinics with infusion capabilities. Home infusion removes transportation barriers that could prevent treatment, especially in rural areas. It also enables patients who cannot easily leave work or home due to illness to receive longer-term therapies. Some studies also link home infusion to better clinical outcomes. Patients may feel more comfortable and less stressed receiving treatment at home as opposed to a medical facility. This could boost response and compliance rates for things like antibiotic use or hydration support. Patient satisfaction appears higher as well when they can maintain their normal routines during infusion treatment at home versus travelling to an appointment.

Regulatory and Tech Developments Driving Growth

Favorable regulatory changes and technology advancements have helped propel the growth of home infusion therapy in recent decades. Medicare began covering home intravenous antibiotic therapy in 1999, a major milestone that increased payer access. The Affordable Care Act also promoted value-based care models that incentivize lower-cost effective options like home infusion. New infusion pumps are smaller, more portable, and easier for even non-clinical caregivers to operate safely at home. Improved techniques reduce the risk of infection from IV lines compared to older methods.

Role of Home Infusion Pharmacy Providers

To successfully provide home infusion services on a large scale requires specialized pharmacy providers with clinical expertise and resources to properly handle drugs, equipment, nursing support and billing/reimbursement needs. National specialty pharmacy groups have emerged as leaders in the home infusion space. These companies employ physicians and clinical pharmacists experienced in different therapy areas.

In conclusion, the rise of home infusion therapy represents a promising development for healthcare in the United States. By reducing costs while maintaining or potentially improving outcomes compared to facility-based treatment, it helps address mounting financial pressures. As regulatory, technological and clinical expertise factors continue advancing this model, home infusion appears poised for significant future expansion providing vital care to growing patient populations. Meeting strict quality and safety standards remains essential for the providers scaling these services nationally.