Name of the Procedure:

Common Name: Tamiflu
Technical/Medical Term: Oseltamivir phosphate, oral, per 75 mg (for use in a Medicare-approved demonstration project) (G9019)

Summary

Oseltamivir phosphate, commonly known as Tamiflu, is an oral antiviral medication prescribed to treat and prevent influenza (the flu). This specific HCPCS code (G9019) pertains to its use in a Medicare-approved demonstration project.

Purpose

Oseltamivir phosphate is used to:

• Treat acute, uncomplicated influenza in patients who have had symptoms for no more than two days.
• Prevent influenza in individuals who have been exposed to the virus.

The primary goal is to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms and to prevent infection after exposure.

Indications

Treatment:

• Symptoms of influenza such as fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. ##### Prevention:
• Individuals who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with influenza.

Preparation

Pre-Treatment:

• No specific preparation is typically required.
• Ensure the patient has a confirmed diagnosis of influenza or has been exposed to the virus.
• Obtain patient’s medical history to check for any contraindications or allergies.

Procedure Description

1. Prescription and Dosing:
   • The healthcare provider prescribes oseltamivir phosphate according to the patient’s age, weight, health condition, and severity of symptoms.
   • The standard dose for an adult is 75 mg taken orally twice daily for 5 days for treatment, or once daily for at least 10 days for prevention.
2. Administration:
   • It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce the potential for stomach upset.

Duration

• Treatment course: 5 days.
• Prevention course: At least 10 days.

Setting

• Administered at home following prescription by a healthcare provider.

Personnel

• Prescribed by a healthcare provider such as a physician or nurse practitioner.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea ##### Rare Complications:
• Severe allergic reactions
• Neuropsychiatric events (e.g., confusion, abnormal behavior)

Management of these complications involves supportive care and discontinuation of the medication if severe reactions occur.

Benefits

• Can reduce flu symptom severity and duration.
• Prevents the flu if taken prophylactically after exposure.
• Patients often feel relief from symptoms within a couple of days of starting the medication.

Recovery

• Patients should continue to monitor their symptoms and maintain good hydration.
• Follow-up with the healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve after the treatment course.
• Normal activities can usually be resumed progressively based on symptom resolution.

Alternatives

Other Antivirals:

• Zanamivir (Relenza) – inhalational form.
• Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) – single oral dose. ##### Pros and Cons:
• Zanamivir may be less convenient due to inhalation.
• Baloxavir is convenient but may not be suitable for all patients.

Patient Experience

• During the course of treatment, patients may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Pain management isn't typically required, but over-the-counter remedies can be used for associated symptoms such as headaches.
• Most patients experience gradual improvement in symptoms within 1-2 days of beginning treatment.

This markdown provides a comprehensive overview of the usage of Oseltamivir phosphate, specifically tailored for a Medicare-approved demonstration project.