5 Steps to Employers to Implement a Home Infusion Program

In my last post, 8 Ways to Control Infusion Costs for Employers, I discussed several strategies for managing the high costs of infusion therapy at a high level. Now, let’s dig deeper into one of the most effective solutions: transitioning to a home-based infusion model. Home infusion therapy offers a unique opportunity for self-insured employers to manage costs, improve employee satisfaction and ensure better health outcomes. By reducing costly hospital visits and improving care coordination, employers can create a healthier, more productive workforce. Here’s a five-step guide to help you implement a successful home infusion program.

1. Identify High-Cost Patients for Targeted Savings The first step in implementing a home infusion program is to identify high-cost patients who frequently require infusion therapies. Typically, only a small percentage of employees drive a large percentage of healthcare costs due to the high-priced specialty drugs required to treat chronic conditions. By using data analytics to pinpoint these high-cost cases, you can focus on those employees who would benefit from the convenience and flexibility of home infusion. Identifying the right candidates allows you? to target your efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact on both costs and employee satisfaction.

2. Conduct a Comprehensive Cost Analysis Before transitioning employees to home infusion, conduct a cost analysis to fully understand the potential savings. Traditional hospital-based infusions often include significant facility fees and markups that inflate the total cost of care. Compare these with the projected costs of home-based care, which reduces facility overhead and can eliminate some administrative fees. Leap Health, for example, has found that a switch to home infusion can cut costs by up to 40% per treatment—an insight that’s helped numerous employers realize substantial savings across their workforce. A solid cost analysis will make a strong case for transitioning to home care.

3. Ensure Seamless Care Coordination One of the biggest challenges in moving to a home-based model is maintaining seamless care coordination. Home infusion requires a high level of organization, from scheduling appointments to ensuring medication and equipment are ready on time. Look for a provider who can manage these logistics, providing dedicated support staff who liaise with employees, coordinate with healthcare providers and monitor adherence to treatment plans. A well-coordinated program will improve the quality of care while preventing costly complications or interruptions in treatment.

4. Prioritize Employee Education and Engagement A successful transition to home infusion also requires employee buy-in. Many employees may be unfamiliar with home-based care, so it’s crucial to educate them on the benefits—such as avoiding time-consuming trips to infusion centers and gaining the flexibility to receive care in a comfortable environment. Provide clear information on what they can expect and address any concerns about safety or effectiveness. Engaged and informed employees are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans, which not only improves outcomes but also leads to lower absenteeism and higher workplace productivity.

5. Monitor Outcomes and Realize Cost Savings Once your home infusion program is up and running, regularly monitor outcomes and adjust as necessary. Tracking metrics such as patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment and cost per treatment can help you assess the program’s success. Predictive analytics tools can also provide insights into future needs, helping you anticipate high-cost cases before they escalate. A data-driven approach enables continuous improvement, ensuring your program remains cost-effective and delivers high-quality care for employees.

Moving Forward with Home Infusion Transitioning to a home-based infusion program isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about improving the healthcare experience for employees and supporting a healthier, more engaged workforce. By following these steps, employers can unlock significant savings while enhancing the quality of care.

For a deeper dive into the financial and operational benefits of home infusion, explore our latest whitepaper, Controlling Infusion Spend. It offers comprehensive insights and data to help employers make informed decisions about managing infusion therapy costs.