Name of the Procedure:

Home Infusion Therapy, Intermittent Chemotherapy Infusion

Common Name(s): Home Chemotherapy Technical Term: HCPCS Procedure S9331

Summary

Home infusion therapy for chemotherapy involves administering cancer-fighting drugs through an intravenous line at home for less than twenty-four hours. The service includes administrative and professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and all necessary supplies and equipment. Drugs and nursing visits are coded separately.

Purpose

Home infusion therapy is designed to treat cancer by administering chemotherapy drugs directly into the bloodstream. The goal is to effectively deliver cancer treatment while allowing patients to remain in the comfort of their home.

Indications

• Diagnosed cancer requiring chemotherapy
• Patient preference for at-home treatment instead of hospital visits
• Medical necessity for intermittent chemotherapy lasting less than twenty-four hours
• Adequate home environment and support system to safely manage the procedure

Preparation

• Discuss with your oncologist and home infusion team
• Ensure proper vein access (e.g., PICC line or port)
• No specific fasting required, but follow oncologist's guidance on medication adjustments
• Baseline blood tests and diagnostic imaging may be necessary

Procedure Description

1. Setup: A healthcare professional visit the patient's home to set up infusion equipment.
2. Preparation: Sterilize the infusion site, and prepare chemotherapy drugs.
3. Administration: Connect the intravenous line to deliver the specified chemotherapy dosage.
4. Monitoring: Throughout the infusion, vitals and response to the medication are monitored.
5. Completion: Once the infusion is completed, the line is flushed and securely closed.

Tools and Equipment: Intravenous line, infusion pump, chemotherapy drugs, sterilization supplies. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required.

Duration

The infusion process takes less than twenty-four hours, often varying from a few minutes to several hours depending on the specific chemotherapy regimen.

Setting

Performed in the patient's home under the guidance of trained healthcare professionals.

Personnel

• Oncologist
• Registered Nurse
• Pharmacist
• Home Infusion Specialist

Risks and Complications

• Common: Infusion site reactions, mild nausea, headache
• Rare: Severe allergic reactions, infections, extravasation (leakage of drug into surrounding tissue) Management: Immediate medical support and potential adjustments to treatment protocol.

Benefits

• Comfortable, familiar home environment
• Reduced need for frequent hospital visits
• Personalized care with professional oversight

Realization: Benefits can be noticed during the treatment course, maintaining quality of life.

Recovery

• Follow post-infusion care instructions provided by the healthcare team
• Regularly monitor the infusion site for signs of infection
• Recovery time varies depending on the individual chemotherapy regimen and overall health

Restrictions: Minimal; however, specific guidance on activity and diet may be provided.

Alternatives

• In-Hospital Chemotherapy Infusion
• Oral Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Surgical Oncology

Pros and Cons:

• In-Hospital: More immediate medical support but time-consuming.
• Oral Chemotherapy: Convenient but may not be suitable for all patients.
• Radiation Therapy: Different treatment modality with its own risks and benefits.
• Surgical Oncology: Invasive, typically for localized tumors.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Mild discomfort from intravenous line, potential mild side effects like nausea.
• After Procedure: Fatigue, mild soreness at infusion site. The healthcare team will provide guidelines for pain management and comfort measures.

By addressing the cancer treatment needs within the familiar and supportive environment of the home, home infusion therapy aims to enhance patient comfort and overall treatment experience.