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Home infusion therapy, hydration therapy; one liter per day, 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:

Common Name(s): Home Hydration Therapy
Technical or Medical Term: Home Infusion Therapy, Hydration Therapy; S9374

Summary

Home Hydration Therapy involves the administration of fluids directly into the bloodstream to ensure proper hydration. This service includes not only the physical infusion of one liter of fluid per day but also the administrative, professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and necessary supplies and equipment. Note that drugs and nursing visits are coded separately.

Purpose

Medical Conditions/Problems Addressed:

  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Conditions requiring supplemental fluids, such as gastrointestinal disorders, severe infections, and certain chronic diseases.

Goals/Expected Outcomes:

  • Restoration of optimal hydration status
  • Maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance
  • Support of overall health and recovery

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

  • Chronic dehydration
  • Severe diarrhea or vomiting
  • Post-surgical recovery requiring fluid replenishment
  • Chronic illnesses requiring sustained hydration

Patient Criteria/Factors:

  • Patients who cannot maintain adequate oral hydration
  • Patients with stable medical conditions who can safely receive home-based care

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

  • No fasting required
  • Continue regular medications unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider

Diagnostic Tests/Assessments:

  • Blood tests to check electrolyte levels
  • Baseline vital sign assessment
  • Health history review

Procedure Description

Step-by-Step Explanation:

  1. Initial Assessment: Healthcare provider evaluates patient's hydration status and medical history.
  2. Setup: A trained clinician sets up the infusion equipment at the patient's home.
  3. IV Insertion: A sterile intravenous (IV) line is inserted into a vein.
  4. Infusion: One liter of sterile fluid is administered over a specified period.
  5. Monitoring: Vital signs and patient well-being are monitored during and after infusion.
  6. Completion: IV line is removed; post-infusion instructions are given.

Tools and Equipment:

  • IV fluid bag
  • IV administration set
  • Sterile gloves and antiseptic wipes
  • Infusion pump (if required)

Anesthesia or Sedation:

  • Not typically required

Duration

  • Typically, the infusion of one liter of fluid takes approximately 2-4 hours.

Setting

  • Performed in the patient's home with the support of home healthcare services.

Personnel

  • Registered Nurse (RN) or trained home infusion therapist
  • Pharmacist (for compounding and preparing solutions)
  • Care coordinator

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

  • Minor pain or discomfort at IV site
  • Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein)

Rare Risks:

  • Infection at the injection site
  • Air embolism
  • Fluid overload

Possible Complications:

  • Managed by adjusting the infusion rate, using aseptic technique, and monitoring the patient's condition.

Benefits

  • Improved hydration and overall health
  • Convenience of receiving care at home
  • Reduced need for hospital visits

Realization Timeline:

  • Benefits can often be seen within a few hours to a day after infusion.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care:

  • Keep the IV site clean and dry
  • Monitor for signs of infection or complications
  • Follow any additional healthcare provider recommendations

Expected Recovery Time:

  • Generally immediate, with some patients feeling better within hours.

Restrictions and Follow-up:

  • No major restrictions; follow-up as needed or as symptoms indicate.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

  • Oral rehydration solutions
  • Hydration via hospital outpatient services

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

  • Oral rehydration is less invasive but may not be sufficient for severe cases.
  • Hospital services offer quick access to medical intervention but are less convenient and more costly than home therapy.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

  • Mild discomfort from the IV insertion
  • Generally painless fluid infusion

After the Procedure:

  • Monitoring for any side effects or complications
  • Patients usually feel more energetic and hydrated

Pain Management and Comfort Measures:

  • Topical anesthetic creams for IV insertion site if needed
  • Ensuring a comfortable home environment during infusion

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Home infusion therapy, hydration therapy; one liter per day, administrative services, professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and all necessary supplies and equipment (drugs and nursing visits coded separately), per diem

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