ALEXANDRIA, Virginia—The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) has developed a list of medications to serve as a reference when making site of care decisions for patients requiring intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) infusions. The list of medications reflects current U.S. prescribing practices and was compiled from home infusion providers' medication dispensing reports and reviewed by NHIA’s Quality and Standards Committee.
Home infusion therapy is a rapidly expanding care model. In a 2020 Trends Report, NHIA estimated approximately 3.2 million patients were served annually by nearly 1,000 pharmacy-based providers. The NHIA Home Infusion Drug List (the list) includes more than 350 drugs across 37 classes with information on generic and brand name, therapeutic category, hazardous drug designation, biosimilar designation and more. While the list is extensive, approximately 20% (70) of the drugs are the most frequently administered.
The list also identifies which drugs may qualify for coverage under Medicare Part B DMEPOS or Local A/B MAC policies, which have specific criteria for eligibility. Unlike commercial plans, Medicaid programs, and other government payors (e.g., TRICARE), Medicare does not offer a comprehensive home infusion benefit, however, a handful of drugs are covered under Part B. The Medicare prescription drug benefit, Part D, covers additional therapies, but none of the supplies and services associated with administration.
“Home infusion providers have special expertise in the assessment, coordination, and provision of professional services required to safely furnish infused medications in the home and alternate settings,” says NHIA President and CEO Connie Sullivan, BSPharm. “This list can be helpful as they work through the multitude of variables that factor into their decision making.” In addition to clinicians and reimbursement professionals, the list may be useful for other home infusion industry stakeholders, payors, regulators, and policymakers.
“I would like to recognize the work of our Quality and Standards committee in compiling the NHIA List of Medications for Home Administration,” Sullivan adds. “Tools such as this represent a consensus of professional judgment and available evidence that promote consistency across the industry and educate stakeholders.”
NHIA intends to update the list as new products are approved as well as when new data supports moving a drug onto the list. To submit updates, send a message to info@nhia.org.
