Name of the Procedure:

Home Infusion Therapy: Antibiotic, Antiviral, or Antifungal (HCPCS Code S9504)

Summary

Home infusion therapy allows patients to receive necessary medications, such as antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals, delivered directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous (IV) line at home, rather than in a hospital. This procedure typically occurs every four hours and includes administrative services, professional pharmacy oversight, care coordination, and all essential supplies and equipment. Note that medications and nursing visits are billed separately.

Purpose

This therapy is designed to treat severe infections and conditions requiring intravenous medications that cannot be sufficiently managed through oral or other routes of administration. Goals include effectively eradicating the infection, improving the patient's health, and allowing the patient to maintain daily activities in the comfort of their home.

Indications

• Severe bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• Patients requiring long-term IV therapy beyond hospital stay
• Conditions resistant to oral medications
• Patients with chronic conditions needing continuous management

Preparation

• Potential adjustment of current medications
• Blood tests or other diagnostic assessments to confirm the need for IV therapy
• Placement of an IV catheter or PICC line by a healthcare professional before starting home therapy
• Education on use and care of IV infusion equipment

Procedure Description

1. Setting Up IV Line: Nursing staff will insert an IV line or use an existing central line.
2. Preparation: Pharmacy services will prepare the prescribed medication.
3. Administration: Infusion is administered via a pump to ensure the correct flow rate, monitored by healthcare professionals.
4. Coordination: Continuous coordination of care involving scheduling, delivery of supplies, and ongoing patient assessments.

Duration

Each infusion session typically lasts about 30-60 minutes and occurs every four hours, followed by consistent monitoring and assessment.

Setting

• Performed at the patient's home

Personnel

• Registered nurses (RNs) for insertion and monitoring
• Pharmacists for medication preparation and management
• Care coordinators for ongoing support and scheduling

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the IV site
• IV line occlusion or dislodgement
• Allergic reactions to medications
• Potential for medication errors or side effects

Benefits

• Enhanced comfort and quality of life by avoiding hospital stays
• Ability to remain more active and engaged in daily activities
• Close medical supervision and quick adjustments as needed

Recovery

• No significant recovery time since this is a therapy rather than a one-time procedure
• Patients need to maintain and care for the IV site
• Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers for monitoring and bloodwork

Alternatives

• Oral antibiotics or antifungals (if suitable)
• Hospital-based IV therapy for complex cases
• Injection-based medications (subcutaneous or intramuscular)

Patient Experience

• Potential initial discomfort with IV line insertion
• Close monitoring and regular nursing visits for re-assessment
• Possible need for arrangements to manage daily activities around infusion schedules
• Measures for pain management and comfort are part of the service