HCPCS Procedure Supplies for External Non-Insulin Drug Infusion Pump, Syringe Type Cartridge, Sterile, Each (K0552)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name(s): External Drug Infusion Pump Supply
• Technical/Medical Term: External Non-Insulin Drug Infusion Pump, Syringe Type Cartridge, Sterile

Summary

An external non-insulin drug infusion pump, with a syringe type cartridge, is a device designed to deliver precise amounts of medication directly into a patient's bloodstream. This sterile cartridge ensures the safe administration of medications, commonly used for conditions requiring continuous drug delivery.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions/Problems Addressed: Chronic pain management, chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy, and hormone therapy.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To provide consistent and controlled medication delivery, improve therapeutic outcomes, and enhance patient comfort and adherence to long-term treatment plans.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Chronic pain, cancer requiring chemotherapy, infections needing prolonged antibiotic therapy, and hormonal imbalances.
• Patient Criteria/Factors: Patients who require continuous medication delivery, have difficulty with oral medication adherence, or need treatment unachievable through oral or systemic medication routes.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Follow your doctor's guidelines regarding medication adjustments. No fasting required.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments: Routine blood work and the assessment of current medications and allergies to avoid interactions.

Procedure Description

1. Equipment Setup: The healthcare provider assembles the infusion pump and prepares the sterile syringe type cartridge.
2. Medication Preparation: The prescribed medication is loaded into the cartridge under sterile conditions.
3. Pump Attachment: The pump is attached to the patient, typically via an intravenous line.
4. Start Infusion: The healthcare professional programs the pump to deliver the medication at the prescribed rate.
5. Monitoring: Regular checks to ensure the pump operates correctly and the medication is delivered as needed.

Tools/Equipment Used: External drug infusion pump, sterile syringe type cartridge.

Anesthesia/Sedation Details: Typically not required.

Duration

Setting up the infusion pump and initiating the medication can take approximately 30 minutes. Continuous infusion duration varies based on the prescribed treatment.

Setting

• Conducted in: Hospital, outpatient clinic, or at home with appropriate training and support.

Personnel

• Involvement of: Nurses to set up and monitor the pump, potentially a physician or pharmacist for prescribing and supervising the initial setup.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor bleeding, local infections at the catheter site.
• Rare Risks: Severe infections, allergic reactions to the medication.
• Management: Regular site inspection, proper hygiene, and immediate medical attention to any signs of complications.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved medication accuracy and effectiveness, reduced need for frequent hospital visits.
• Realization Time: Benefits can be immediate for symptom relief and long-term for chronic condition management.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Ensure the infusion site is clean and dry. Adhere to follow-up appointments.
• Recovery Time: Generally, minimal if no complications occur.
• Restrictions/Follow-Up Appointments: Monitor for signs of infection or other complications.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Oral medications, transdermal patches, or subcutaneous injections.
• Pros and Cons: Oral medication and patches can be less invasive but may lack the precision and control of an infusion pump. Subcutaneous injections can be more convenient but may require frequent administration.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Some mild discomfort during IV line insertion.
• After the Procedure: Generally painless with continued monitoring and slight inconvenience of the pump's presence.
• Pain Management and Comfort Measures: Over-the-counter pain relief if needed and comfort measures such as proper dressing and support for the pump.