Frequently asked questions

Infusion therapy involves the administration of medication through a needle or catheter. It is usually prescribed when a patient’s condition cannot be treated with oral medication.

Option Care specializes in providing infusion therapy to people in their homes and other alternate locations. Our services include the clinical management of drug therapies, nursing support, and care coordination.

Until about 40 years ago, patients needing infusion therapy had to remain in the hospital until their therapy was completed. With the advent of new technologies and pharmaceuticals that allow therapeutic services to be administered safely and effectively outside of the hospital setting, home infusion therapy has become more common.

Home infusion therapy is a proven, safe, and effective alternative to hospital inpatient care.^{1, 2} For most people, receiving treatment at home or in an alternate treatment setting, like an ambulatory infusion suite, is preferable to hospital inpatient care. It can provide comfort and convenience for patients and offers less interruption to their daily activities. It can also be a cost-effective alternative to expensive hospital stays.^{3, 4}

Option Care specializes in providing a wide range of home infusion therapies, including but not limited to:

• AI – Anti-infective home infusion (antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral therapy)
• NS – Nutrition support home therapy (enteral and parenteral nutrition)
• IG – Immunoglobulin home infusion (immunodeficiency and autoimmune therapy)
• HF – Heart failure home infusion therapy (inotropic therapy)
• BD – Bleeding disorders home infusion (factor replacement therapy)

We work closely with doctors and healthcare providers to clinically manage patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including but not limited to:

• Infectious diseases
• Nutritional/gastrointestinal disorders
• Cancer and hematological disorders
• Primary immune deficiencies
• Hemophilia
• Autoimmune disorders
• End-stage heart failure
• Pre- and post-transplantation support

The decision to receive infusion therapy in the home is made between you and your doctor or healthcare provider. Several factors are considered before a patient can receive infusion therapy in the home, including the patient’s and/or caregiver’s desire and willingness to comply with therapy and the presence of a safe and appropriate home environment.

Option Care develops a customized care plan focused on your home infusion therapy needs. Our most important concerns are your safety, comfort, and convenience.

Once you are discharged from the hospital and ready to receive your therapy at home, we will schedule your infusion appointment at your convenience. Your infusion medication is then mixed in a local, accredited Option Care branch pharmacy that meets all industry safety and sterility standards. The medication is delivered to you and is administered by an experienced nurse specifically trained in infusion therapy.

You will also receive support from our local multidisciplinary team of clinicians and support staff who provide:

• 24/7 access to a clinician
• Patient and caregiver education, training, and monitoring
• Reimbursement assistance coordination
• Regular communication with your doctor concerning your treatment
• Professional, friendly, and compassionate support

Option Care regularly cares for patients who travel, work, coach baseball, play basketball, and do just about anything you can think of. We have state-of-the-art infusion devices that are lightweight and portable and require only a backpack, purse, or even a pocket for transport.

Our pharmacies have the capability to support all of your home infusion needs while you travel for work or pleasure within the continental United States.

Home infusion care is covered by most insurance companies. We will work with your insurance company to obtain patient benefit verification and authorization before starting treatment.

There are no specific regulations requiring an infusion provider to become accredited. However, in many instances, insurance companies require providers to be accredited to serve their patients. Accreditation ensures that the specialty infusion provider meets or exceeds all industry standards. All Option Care locations are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).