Home infusion therapy, continuous or intermittent anti-emetic infusion therapy; administrative services, professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and all necessary supplies and equipment (drugs and visits coded separately), per diem
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Common Name: Home Infusion Therapy for Anti-emetic Treatment
Technical Term: S9351 - Home infusion therapy, continuous or intermittent anti-emetic infusion therapy; administrative services, professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and all necessary supplies and equipment (drugs and visits coded separately), per diem
Summary
Home infusion therapy for anti-emetic treatment involves the delivery of medications that prevent nausea and vomiting directly into the bloodstream. This service is provided at the patient's home, minimizing the need for hospital visits. It includes the administration of the medication, pharmacy services, care coordination, and all necessary supplies and equipment. The actual drugs and any home visits by healthcare professionals are billed separately.
Purpose
Medical Conditions Addressed:
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Postoperative nausea
- Severe gastrointestinal disorders
Goals/Expected Outcomes:
- Alleviate persistent nausea and vomiting
- Improve patient comfort and quality of life
- Allow patients to remain at home while receiving essential treatment
Indications
Symptoms or Conditions:
- Persistent nausea and vomiting unresponsive to oral medications
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy experiencing severe nausea
- Patients with gastrointestinal disorders that limit oral medication effectiveness
Patient Criteria:
- Patients unable to manage oral medications due to severe nausea
- Patients with a stable home environment and reliable caregiver support
- Approval from their healthcare provider for home-based treatment
Preparation
Pre-procedure Instructions:
- Ensure a clean and safe area at home for the infusion setup
- Confirm the availability of a caregiver to assist if necessary
- Follow any dietary or medication adjustments as advised by the healthcare provider
Diagnostic Tests/Assessments:
- Review of medical history and current medications
- Blood tests to determine appropriate anti-emetic dosage and frequency
Procedure Description
- Initial Consultation: Healthcare provider assesses the patient's suitability for home infusion.
- Infusion Setup: A qualified nurse sets up the infusion pump and intravenous (IV) line at the patient's home.
- Medication Administration: Anti-emetic medication is delivered continuously or intermittently through the IV line.
- Monitoring: The provider monitors the patient's response to treatment and adjusts medication as needed.
- Ongoing Care: Professional pharmacy services and care coordination ensure continuity of care.
Tools and Equipment:
- Infusion pump
- IV catheter and tubing
- Anti-emetic medication
- Necessary sterile supplies
Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable for this procedure.
Duration
The therapy duration can vary but typically involves daily treatment lasting several hours. The entire treatment course may extend over days or weeks, depending on the patient's condition.
Setting
This procedure is performed in the patient's home, providing a convenient and comfortable environment.
Personnel
- Nurse: Sets up the equipment, administers medication, and monitors the patient.
- Pharmacist: Compounds the medication and provides professional consultation.
- Care Coordinator: Ensures all aspects of the patient's care are managed effectively.
Risks and Complications
Common Risks:
- Mild discomfort at the IV site
- Dizziness or mild allergic reactions
Rare Risks:
- Infection at the infusion site
- Severe allergic reactions
Management of Complications:
- Prompt response by healthcare professionals
- Adjustment or discontinuation of the therapy if needed
Benefits
- Effective management of severe nausea and vomiting
- Improved patient comfort and adherence to treatment
- Convenience of receiving therapy at home
Recovery
Post-procedure Care:
- Regular monitoring by healthcare providers
- Maintaining the IV site clean and dry
Expected Recovery Time: Varies depending on the underlying condition and patient's response to treatment. Generally, patients experience relief from symptoms within a few days.
Restrictions/Follow-up:
- Limited physical activity to avoid dislodging the IV
- Scheduled follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider
Alternatives
Other Treatment Options:
- Oral anti-emetic medications
- Inpatient hospital care for severe cases
- Non-pharmacological methods such as acupuncture or relaxation techniques
Pros/Cons of Alternatives: Oral Medications:
- Pros: Easy to administer, non-invasive
- Cons: Less effective for severe nausea, possible gastrointestinal side effects
Inpatient Care:
- Pros: Comprehensive monitoring and support
- Cons: Less convenient, higher cost, and potential hospital-related complications
Patient Experience
During the infusion therapy, patients may feel minimal discomfort at the IV site but should experience significant relief from nausea. After the procedure, patients will need to follow care instructions to prevent infection and other complications. Pain management strategies and comfort measures, such as positioning and relaxation techniques, will be advised to enhance the overall experience.