Home infusion therapy, chelation therapy; administrative services, professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and all necessary supplies and equipment (drugs and nursing visits coded separately), per diem
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Home Infusion Therapy, Chelation Therapy
Technical Names: Home infusion therapy, Chelation therapy; administrative services, professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and all necessary supplies and equipment (drugs and nursing visits coded separately), per diem (HCPCS Code S9355).
Summary
Home infusion therapy for chelation involves the administration of medication through a vein to remove heavy metals from the body. This service includes not just the drug infusion, but also administrative and professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and all required supplies and equipment. Nursing visits and drug costs are billed separately.
Purpose
Chelation therapy is used to treat heavy metal poisoning (e.g., lead, mercury). The primary goal is to detoxify the body by binding heavy metals and facilitating their excretion. Expected outcomes include the reduction of heavy metal levels in the blood and mitigation of associated symptoms.
Indications
- Elevated levels of heavy metals in the body.
- Diagnosed cases of heavy metal poisoning.
- Symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, memory issues, and abdominal pain associated with heavy metal exposure.
Preparation
- Follow any dietary or medication adjustments as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Blood tests to measure current heavy metal levels.
- Medical evaluation to confirm suitability for home-based treatment.
Procedure Description
- Pre-procedure: Patient receives initial evaluation by a healthcare provider.
- Setup: A nurse sets up the IV line and infusion pump at the patient's home.
- Infusion: Chelation agents are administered intravenously over a specified period.
- Monitoring: Vital signs and potential side effects are monitored throughout the infusion.
- Completion: IV line is removed and post-infusion care instructions are provided.
Tools and equipment include an IV line, infusion pump, chelation drugs, and necessary medical supplies. Anesthesia is not generally required.
Duration
Each infusion session typically lasts several hours. Frequency and total duration depend on the severity of heavy metal poisoning.
Setting
The procedure is performed at the patient's home, allowing for convenience and comfort.
Personnel
- Registered nurses
- Pharmacists
- Primary healthcare provider or specialist
- Care coordinator
Risks and Complications
- Common: Discomfort at the IV site, nausea, headache, dizziness.
- Rare: Severe allergic reactions, kidney damage, electrolyte imbalance. Management may involve adjusting the infusion rate or providing medication for symptom relief.
Benefits
- Effective removal of heavy metals.
- Reduction in symptoms related to heavy metal poisoning.
- Convenience of receiving treatment at home.
Recovery
- Follow any post-infusion care instructions provided by the healthcare team.
- Drink plenty of fluids to aid in the elimination of chelated metals.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.
- Recovery can vary, with some patients noticing improvements within a few treatments.
Alternatives
- Oral chelation therapy: Less invasive but less effective for severe poisoning.
- Inpatient chelation therapy: Suitable for severe cases but involves hospital stay.
- Pros and cons vary based on patient condition and convenience.
Patient Experience
During the procedure, the patient may feel a mild discomfort from the IV insertion but is otherwise able to rest at home. After infusion, patients might feel tired or experience some mild side effects. Pain management and comfort measures include local anesthetics for IV site discomfort and medications for nausea or headache.