Transitioning Site of Care in Infusion Therapy: A Path Toward Optimization

As managing the costs of specialty healthcare continues to be a core focus for patients, providers, and payers, transitioning site of care delivery for patients requiring infusion therapy has become a topic of increasing interest. The expenses associated with specialty medications continue to rise, making it imperative for payers and providers to find more cost-efficient ways to deliver care. This article explores how to effectively transition care from high-cost hospital environments to alternative sites, such as home-based infusions, and Ambulatory Infusion Centers (AICs) and while keeping patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction at the forefront.

As reported in the Infusion Therapy Market Overview by Harris Williams (2023), the infusion therapy market is valued at over $100 billion and is experiencing rapid growth, a trend expected to continue as new infusible and specialty drugs gain approval and treatment options expand. Currently, more than 3.2 million Americans receive infusion therapy, contributing to over $110 billion in annual spending within the sector. This significant growth highlights the increasing demand for innovative advancements in patient care.

One of the primary concerns for healthcare stakeholders in utilizing alternative sites of care is ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted transition of care for patients. The high costs of specialty drugs and the logistical complexities of coordinating care add increased friction to the process. To maintain the continuity of treatment, it's vital to effectively engage all parties involved, as the most significant challenges include not just the financial aspects but also the need for collaboration between patients, providers, and prescribers to ensure that the shift to an alternate site of care is handled smoothly.

The Role of Alternate Care Settings in Optimizing Site of Care Treatment

Embracing alternate care settings, such as AICs or home infusion therapy, can yield remarkable cost savings and improved patient experiences. Infusions administered in hospital outpatient departments can be up to 70% more expensive than treatments performed in a home-based setting or AIC. While shifting sites does generate significant cost savings, it also ensures the patient remains safe, comfortable, and fully supported throughout the treatment process. This approach increases satisfaction and engagement by ensuring patients receive consistent and personalized care throughout their treatment journey.

Additionally, alternate sites of care offer patients a more convenient environment in which to receive treatment, thus enhancing their experience and boosting overall satisfaction. For instance, studies have shown that home infusion therapy can lead to similar or better clinical outcomes than traditional settings. Patients receiving infusions at home report higher levels of comfort and less disruption to their daily lives, while their caregivers also experience reduced burdens.

Key Considerations to Support Smooth Site of Care Transitions

1. Collaboration with Providers: A smooth transition to an alternative site of care depends heavily on strong collaboration among healthcare stakeholders. Providers must be equipped to shift care settings without compromising treatment quality or continuity. Open, efficient communication between clinicians, pharmacists, and payers is essential for coordinating care, addressing clinical concerns, and managing the necessary authorizations.

2. Maintaining Control: Providers may be hesitant to transition patients if they feel it means losing control over their patients' care. Establishing clear protocols for managing transitions and monitoring patients with proactive support systems—like AscellaHealth's Patient Care Teams—can alleviate these concerns. This level of support is vital in facilitating the transition process, ensuring both providers and patients feel secure every step of the way.

3. Prioritizing Patient Comfort and Safety: A significant concern for patients is whether they will be comfortable switching to an alternate site of care. Transparency in the approach, thorough patient education, and personalized support will help build trust while dedicated care coordinators, providing ongoing check-ins and assistance, can significantly improve a patient’s comfort and confidence in the new care setting.

4. Leveraging Specialized Expertise: Partnering with experienced specialty pharmacy networks like AscellaHealth's can provide the necessary expertise in managing complex therapies. With extensive industry knowledge and hands-on experience, these networks fill the gaps in supporting alternate care sites, addressing challenges promptly and effectively.

Realizing Cost Efficiency

The promise of greater cost efficiency lies in the optimization of site of care. With the continued commercialization of new specialty drugs and infusible therapies, illustrated by the 137 novel infused drugs approved by the FDA in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), the opportunity to deliver savings is clear. AscellaHealth collaborates with various health plans, captives, self-insured companies, and payers to implement site-of-care optimization strategies that have not only proven to reduce costs but also enhance access to care and improve patient satisfaction.

The recent expansion of standard of care policies at various healthcare providers highlights a growing trend within the industry: in just the past five years, the number of infusible drugs included in these policies has surged significantly. This trend reflects a widespread recognition of the financial and clinical benefits associated with alternate sites of care and home-based infusion therapies.

Conclusion

Transitioning care for infusion therapy goes beyond simply moving patients from one setting to another; it involves orchestrating a comprehensive and supportive process that prioritizes patient needs while also addressing financial concerns. By leveraging partnerships with specialized providers, utilizing innovative support systems, and fostering collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, AscellaHealth helps our partners achieve a smoother transition of care that optimizes resources and enhances patient outcomes.

To discover how AscellaHealth can support your organization in optimizing infusion therapy, focusing on quality, cost-efficiency, and patient satisfaction, please contact us or reach out directly at businessdevelopment@ascellahealth.com.