What is specialty infusion therapy?
Specialty infusion is a comprehensive service offering that provides clinical management of drug therapies, nursing support, and care coordination to people with acute and chronic conditions.

It’s prescribed by physicians, preferred by patients, managed by our team of clinical professionals, and results in significant cost savings for payors.

Why are specialty infusion services performed in the home?
Until about 25 years ago, patients needing infusion therapy were required to remain in an inpatient setting until their therapy was completed.  With the advent of new technologies and pharmaceuticals that allow sophisticated therapeutic services to be provided safely and effectively outside of the hospital setting, specialty infusion therapy began to be embraced by patients, payers and physicians alike.

As a result, specialty infusion therapy has emerged as a proven, safe and effective alternative to hospital inpatient care for many diseases that can be treated with intravenous medications.  For most people, receiving treatment at home or in an outpatient clinical setting is preferable to hospital inpatient care, promoting the ability to perform daily activities.  It is also a cost-effective alternative to expensive hospital stays.

Who is eligible for home delivery of specialty infusion therapy?
The health care professionals involved in a particular patient’s care decide who is an appropriate candidate for home care.  Several factors are considered before it is decided that a patient can receive specialty infusion services in the home.  These include the patient’s desire and willingness to comply, and a safe and appropriate home environment.

 
Is the delivery of specialty infusion services in the home a more cost effective approach to that of traditional settings such as hospitals?
Costs associated with the home delivery of pharmaceuticals are estimated to be a 70% cost savings over a traditional inpatient setting such as a hospital.

 
What types of providers deliver specialty infusion services to patients?
The administration of specialty infusion therapy in the home is dependent on a prescription from the primary physician engaged in the care of the patient.  The infusion provider must be a pharmacy and/or nursing agency licensed by the state in which care is being provided.

Critical Care Systems specializes in infusion therapy services, providing a focused offering of high-quality care and customer service.

Providers can range from companies like Critical Care Systems who focus solely on the delivery of specialty infusion therapy and have their own staff, on-site pharmacies and delivery vehicles, to integrated healthcare providers that offer a broad range of healthcare services, or nursing companies that offer infusion therapies as an adjunct to their focus of care.

 
Who administers specialty infusion therapy?
Highly trained professionals such as nurses, pharmacists and clinicians provide the delivery of specialty infusion therapy.  Our experienced clinical professionals care for patients by administering therapy and providing proper education, training and monitoring. 

Critical Care Systems’ nurses and clinicians are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to provide patient support and clinical assistance.

How does one find a specialty infusion therapy provider?
Patients have the autonomy to choose their own specialty infusion therapy provider just as they choose physicians or local hospitals.  However, since a patient must obtain a prescription to begin services, their physician will frequently recommend a provider of choice.  A patient may also be required to work with a specialty infusion providers designated by their insurance provider or payer.

Please feel free to contact one of our local Critical Care Systems’ branches for more information.

 
What types of specialty infusion therapy can be delivered intravenously in the home?
The most common home infusion therapies administered intravenously in the home include:

• Nutrition support (total parenteral nutrition or TPN)
• Anti-infective therapy (antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral)
• Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy
• Hemophilia factor products
• Inotropic therapy
• Pain management
• Hydration therapy
• Chemotherapy
  
  

 
What medical conditions can generally be treated with specialty infusion therapy?
The following complex conditions can be managed in the home with specialty infusion therapies:

• Nutritional disorders
• Infectious diseases
• Cancers and hematological disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Primary immune deficiencies
• Autoimmune disorders
• Pre and Post Transplantation Support
  

Who benefits from receiving specialty infusion therapy services?
Providing specialty infusion therapy in the home has proven to be a beneficial alternative to inpatient care.  Patients benefit by receiving high-touch clinical care in alternate-site locations like the comfort of their own homes or in an ambulatory infusion suite.  Payors benefit because alternate-site specialty infusion services provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional hospital inpatient settings, and physicians can remain confident that their patients are being cared for by a experienced, multidisciplinary team of clinical professionals.

Are specialty infusion therapy services reimbursable?  If so, by whom?
Specialty infusion therapy services are covered by most private insurers, managed care organizations, third-party administrators (TPA) and state Medicaid programs.  Medicare offers limited coverage of infusion services.

What credentialing and accreditation programs are available for specialty infusion providers?  Is accreditation required?
While there are no specific regulations requiring an infusion provider to become accredited, in many instances, private insurers require providers to be accredited to serve their patients and accreditation ensures that the specialty infusion provider meets all industry standards.