As the demand for home infusion therapy (HIT) continues to grow, the number of home infusion companies operating worldwide has also increased. Home infusion companies vary in size, scope, expertise, and areas of specialty care. For instance, some offer a broad range of infusion therapies, while others specialize in treating complex and rare chronic conditions.
However, when choosing the right home infusion provider for yourself or someone you care about, finding a trustworthy company that meets your specific needs can be challenging.
This article provides basic criteria for selecting a potential home infusion company based on your medical needs, personal preferences, and lifestyle.
Step-By-Step Guide To Finding the Right Home Infusion Company
1. Talk to Your Doctor or Hospital Team
You can start by asking your healthcare provider or hospital discharge planner if they have recommended infusion companies. Many hospitals partner with trusted home infusion companies and can help you get started with one that meets your needs.
However, if you feel a conflict of interest in your provider’s recommendation, or if your care and outcomes are not prioritized to your satisfaction, it may be better to do your own research.
2. Check for Accreditation and Licensing
After selecting a few companies that align with your requirements, the next step is to verify each company’s credentials. Reputable companies are licensed by your state and accredited by organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), The Joint Commission (JCAHO), or the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC).
Accreditation demonstrates the company’s dedication to meeting high standards of patient safety, cleanliness, and quality of care. You can ask the company directly about its accreditation credentials or check online databases, such as the National Home Infusion Association (NHIA).
3. Evaluate the Company’s Experience and Clinical Expertise
The complexity of home infusion requires specialized knowledge and skills. Therefore, the infusion company you choose must be able to safely manage your condition and therapy. For example, a home infusion company with decades of experience treating cancer patients offers greater stability than emerging competitors.
In order to evaluate a home infusion provider, you may wish to inquire about the following:
- How long has the company been providing home infusion services?
- The company’s experience with your specific type of therapy.
- The qualifications of their clinical staff, including pharmacists and nurses.
- Their training programs for both staff and patients/caregivers.
4. Assess Their Services and Delivery Options
Not all home infusion companies provide the same level of support. However, the best home infusion companies offer a full spectrum of services, including:
- Initial patient assessment
- In-home nurse visits for medication administration
- In-home nurse visits for medication setup and teaching
- Hands-on training for self-administration (if needed)
- Medication preparation and delivery (and also shipping emergency doses if needed)
- Infusion supplies (such as pumps, IV poles, IV catheters, tubing, and dressings, etc.)
- Regular clinical monitoring and follow-up
- 24/7 clinical support
- Coordination with your healthcare team
5. Geographic Availability
It is also important to check whether the home infusion company provides services in your area and can ensure the timely delivery of medications. Because delays in infusion supplies or nurse visits can disrupt your treatment, it is important to ensure they’re available when you need them.
6. Review Patient Feedback
Review online patient feedback for companies you are reviewing for infusion services. You can look at ratings and feedback on sites like Google or Yelp.
If anyone has mentioned missed deliveries, unreturned calls, or unexpected charges, it may be best to choose a different company.
7. Check Insurance Compatibility
Once the companies you’re considering have cleared the previous steps, verify whether the company is in-network with your insurance plan, what out-of-pocket expenses you might incur (e.g., copays, equipment fees), and whether the equipment, supplies, and nursing visits are included.
You may wish to confirm specific coverage details with your insurance provider.
8. Compare Your Top Options
Once you get the details, use the comparison chart below to help you decide. Pick the provider that has the most checked boxes and feels right to you or your loved one.
| Feature | Company A | Company B | Company C |
| In-network with the insurance plan |  | | |
| Accredited | | | |
| Offers nursing support | | | |
| 24/7 clinical access | | | |
| Delivers supplies/equipment | | | |
| Positive patient reviews | | | |
| Dedicated care coordinator | | | |
| Timely delivery of medications | | | |
9. Onboard With Your Selected Home Infusion Company
Once you’ve made the final decision, contact your chosen home infusion company. Here is what usually happens next:
- An intake specialist will collect your insurance information and conduct a benefits check.
- An authorization/financial specialist will review your benefits and discuss out-of-pocket expenses you might incur (e.g., copays, equipment fees), and whether the equipment, supplies, and nursing visits are included.
- A pharmacist will obtain orders from your health care provider.
- A care coordinator schedules your first delivery and nursing visit (if needed).
- You’ll receive instructions or in-person training for safe medication handling.
- You’ll get all the required supplies like flushes, gloves, sharps containers, etc.
- They’ll give you a number to call for clinical or technical issues.
Conclusion
Finding the right home infusion company can feel overwhelming, but the benefits of receiving quality care in the comfort of your own home make the effort worthwhile.