OptiMed Home Infusion Therapy Keeps Patients on Track With Their Care While Reducing Risk to COVID-19

KALAMAZOO, Mich., April 6, 2020 (Newswire.com) - ​​As COVID-19 cases spread rapidly across the U.S., there is a new call by the National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) to treat patients needing specialty infusions in their homes, offered by OptiMed, a home infusion pharmacy with national capabilities.

NHIA, which is a leading voice on home infusion therapy, issued a statement on March 30 encouraging the utilization of home infusion to help patients stay on track with their therapy while reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Home infusion pharmacies have safely and effectively treated patients in the home for decades.

NHIA, COVID NHIA Commercial Insurers Payer Recommendations PDF

"Home infusion pharmacies have safely and effectively treated patients in the home for decades," the statement reads. "While the demand for these services by commercial payers has been largely focused on the cost-effectiveness of home infusion, this site of care has the additional benefits of freeing up hospital resources to treat those most in need and limiting exposure to pathogens. This makes home infusion a powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19."

Andy Reeves, CEO of Michigan-based OptiMed, said there’s already been an increase in transitioning patients to home infusion therapy in the past two weeks because of COVID-19. He said home infusion not only is safer and more convenient but typically is less costly.

Home infusion involves a nurse providing the patient’s infusion in the comfort of their home. Therapy providers coordinate patient care through a team of highly skilled professionals, including an infusion pharmacist, infusion nurses, care managers, and the prescribing provider, which ensures the patient is receiving optimal treatment.

“Our expertise has always been delivering patient-centered care that is safe, timely, clinically sound, and cost-effective,” said Reeves. “During COVID-19, we are committed to providing an impactful solution for patients, payers, and health systems through our ability to expeditiously transition patients on specialty infusions to receive care safely in their home.”

About OptiMed: OptiMed Health Partners, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an independently owned and operated national health care organization. With over 25 years of experience, OptiMed leverages personalized attention to detail to deliver customized solutions that optimize patient outcomes while partnering with other health care organizations to usher in a new standard of excellence. To learn more about OptiMed’s innovative and personalized care, visit OptiMedHP.com/infusion-services.

If you or someone you know is receiving infused or injected therapies, please contact OptiMed at 877-232-2857 to discuss treatment options and the benefits of in-home services.

Source: OptiMed Health Partners