More than 3.2 million Americans receive infusion therapy, and that number is growing. These medications are crucial for those who need them to manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or as part of cancer treatment.
Infusion therapy also represents a significant expense. In total, the U.S. spends more than $110 billion on infusion therapy each year. Infusion medications currently represent more than 10% of employers’ total medical spending.
Many infusion therapies are costly because they are complex to manufacture, and people typically take them for an extended period. But where employees receive infusions also has a significant impact on cost—and creates a prime opportunity for reducing spend and improving experiences.
Infusion Therapy Costs and Site of Care
When patients get infusion therapy in a hospital, costs are often marked up 300% above what the same treatment would cost in a different setting. While some patients with complex medical issues may need to be in a hospital for their infusion care in case they require access to additional specialists, many patients can get safe, appropriate care at other sites. By managing site of care for infusion therapy, employers can significantly reduce costs while creating a better member experience.
That’s where Lantern Infusion Care comes in. Lantern negotiates lower rates for infusions either in the home or at ambulatory infusion centers. Through Lantern, employers can save upwards of 50% on infusion care for each member who can be treated outside of a hospital setting.
These substantial savings aren’t the only reason to partner with Lantern. In addition to reducing costs, the Lantern team works to ensure patients are getting care in the most comfortable setting that fits their needs.
The Right Care at the Right Place
One of Lantern’s central tenets is connecting patients with the right care at the right place at the right time. It is at the core of Lantern’s surgery and cancer care programs, and the same is true for our new Infusion Care program.
While a hospital setting may be the best option for some patients, many infusion patients can get the care they need safely in other settings. Getting infusions in a hospital setting can be time-consuming and expensive. It can expose patients with an already compromised immune system to additional diseases. Lantern’s network also has a lower nurse-to-patient ratio than many hospitals, which can lead to more engaged interaction and supportive care for patients.
Finding the right place for care can depend on a variety of factors, including the patients themselves, the type of infusion they need and any comorbidities they face.
For example, patients who need more intense oversight, struggle to manage their day-to-today care, or are unable to manage any reactions are likely not good candidates for at-home care. But these patients might be served well at an ambulatory infusion center.
Lantern includes options for at-home infusion therapy and infusions at centers to meet patients where they are and provide the right care for them.
The Value of At-Home Infusions
For some patients, the at-home infusion option is an excellent choice. Patients can save time and get 1:1 care and support from a nurse in a safe environment where they’re already comfortable. While in the home, nurses can assess the patient’s situation, answer questions about their other medications and assess social determinants of health, which can improve care.
Research suggests that at-home infusions can be a safe, effective way for patients to receive infusion care.
- Patients are often no more likely to experience adverse drug effects, side effects or complications when receiving infusions at home. A study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that 89.54% of patients completed their therapy with no adverse drug reactions.
- Patient satisfaction with in-home infusions remains high or increases compared to hospital settings. A study in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that home infusion patients rated their satisfaction with their care at a 4.69 on a 5-point scale.
- According to a study published in Healthcare, patients often prefer in-home infusion, reporting benefits such as better physical and mental well-being and less disruption of family and personal responsibilities.
The Benefits of Ambulatory Infusion Centers
For some patients, infusion treatment at home isn’t the right choice. This could be because of their clinical profile or because their home lacks required functionality. That shouldn’t mean they need to go to a crowded hospital facility. Instead, an ambulatory infusion center can offer a much better experience — close to home, staffed with a smaller nurse-to-patient ratio and structured to maximize comfort (e.g., private suites, fast Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs and dimmable lights).
Generally, patients report being more satisfied with the care they receive at an infusion center than in a hospital setting. Patients often benefit from seeing the same nurse and receiving consistent attention and care throughout their infusion therapy.
When Are Hospitals the Best Option for Infusion Therapy?
If a patient needs a higher level of care than the ambulatory infusion center can provide, then a hospital-based center could be a better option for them. Some of the reasons patients might need care at a hospital could include comorbidities or a history of adverse reactions.
New patients may also need the first dosage of an infusion in a hospital to monitor for any potential reactions.
A Solution Beyond Savings
The demand for infusion therapies to control and manage conditions is projected to grow as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve. Reach out to us to see how you can get ahead of rising costs and find solutions that work for your employees.
