Name of the Procedure:

Infusion Supplies for External Drug Infusion Pump, Per Cassette or Bag
Common names: Drug infusion supplies, Infusion pump supplies
Technical/medical terms: Infusion set, Infusion cassette, Infusion bag, HCPCS Code A4222

Summary

This procedure involves providing the necessary supplies for an external drug infusion pump, specifically the infusion cassette or bag. These supplies are essential for the continuous delivery of medication through the pump to treat various medical conditions. The drugs themselves are listed separately and not included in this specific supply code.

Purpose

The procedure aims to ensure the continuous and precise administration of medication through an external infusion pump. It addresses conditions requiring consistent medication delivery over a prolonged period, such as chronic pain, diabetes (insulin delivery), and certain types of infections treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Indications

• Chronic pain management
• Diabetes (insulin infusion)
• Infections requiring long-term antibiotic therapy
• Chemotherapy or other medications necessitating continuous infusion
• Patients with conditions requiring precise dosing over time

Preparation

• No specific fasting or dietary restrictions typically required.
• Patients should be instructed on how to use and care for the infusion pump and supplies.
• Initial assessment to determine the appropriate infusion pump settings.
• Regular monitoring and follow-up to adjust medication dosages if needed.

Procedure Description

1. Gather Supplies: Infusion cassettes or bags, necessary medications, infusion pump.
2. Loading Medication: Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional to load the medication into the infusion cassette or bag.
3. Attach to Pump: Connect the loaded cassette or bag to the external infusion pump.
4. Program Pump: Ensure the pump is programmed correctly based on the prescribed medication dosage and flow rate.
5. Insert/Change Infusion Set: If it's the first-time setup or changeover, insert the infusion set into the appropriate site on the body if needed.
6. Monitor: Regularly check the pump to ensure it functions properly, and observe for signs of complications or issues at the infusion site.

Duration

The time taken to load the medication and set up the infusion pump is typically around 10-30 minutes. The infusion itself can last several hours to days depending on the medication regimen.

Setting

The procedure is often performed in an outpatient setting but can also be done at home by the patient or a caregiver after proper training.

Personnel

• Nurses
• Pharmacists (for medication preparation)
• Patient or caregiver (for home settings)

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the infusion site
• Blockage or dislodgement of the infusion set
• Malfunction of the infusion pump
• Air bubbles in the infusion line, leading to air embolism
• Allergic reaction to the adhesive or material of the infusion set

Benefits

• Accurate and constant delivery of medication.
• Convenience for patients requiring long-term therapy.
• Improved medication management and adherence.
• Reduced need for frequent hospital visits.

Recovery

• Patients should follow instructions for infusion site care.
• Regularly check and troubleshoot the infusion pump as advised.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as needed to review therapy and adjust dosages.

Alternatives

• Oral medications or injections, depending on the condition being treated.
• Other types of infusion devices, such as implantable infusion pumps.
• Pros: Non-invasive alternatives might be less risky.
• Cons: They may not provide the same level of efficacy or convenience for continuous medication delivery.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel a slight discomfort during the insertion of the infusion set.
• Ensuring the infusion site remains clean and monitored frequently is crucial.
• Pain management and comfort measures, such as using topical analgesics, can be discussed with the healthcare team.

By providing these infusion supplies and ensuring their correct usage, patients can experience more effective and efficient treatment for their conditions requiring continuous medication delivery.