More Than Asthma
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Every May for the past 35 years we have celebrated National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.
This year Altus Infusion joins the medical community in raising awareness about how asthma and allergy impacts every aspect of the lives of patients and their caregivers.
It is essential for patients to understand that asthma does not define them. They are valuable members of society, and, with the help of their physicians, can manage their conditions and lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Asthma and Allergy. How Big is the Problem?
Asthma is the leading chronic allergic disease in the world, with a prevalence of over 300 million diagnoses.
The latest morbidity data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that:
- 19 million adults aged 18 and over currently have asthma in the United States
- 6.2 million children under the age of 18 are living with asthma in America
- More than 3,500 people die each year from asthma
The morbidity and mortality rates of asthma have increased during the last three decades. Unfortunately, many of these deaths are a direct result of under-treatment. Therefore, making treatment more widely available and affordable to patients is imperative.
There is a Silver Lining
By partnering with Altus Infusion, private practices can now incorporate in-office biologic therapies into their existing offices.
This will make biologic treatments more accessible and affordable for your patients with severe asthma who are currently under-medicated.
How are Biologics Different?
Biologic therapy works by disrupting the pathways that lead to inflammation of the airways. The therapy does this by selectively targeting antibodies, inflammatory molecules, or cell receptors.
In other words, this class of medication does not simply treat asthma symptoms, it also targets the underlying cellular changes that cause asthma.
Biologics are targeted therapies designed to align with patient-specific diseases. Therefore, asthma endotype, clinical biomarkers, and patient-specific factors must be taken into consideration when selecting a biologic treatment for patients with severe asthma.
Given their unique approach to treatment, biologics have proven to be an effective way for patients with severe asthma to gain long-term control of their asthma symptoms.
Benefits of Asthma Biologic Treatments
The primary benefit of biologics is a significant decrease in the frequency of asthma exacerbations, including emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and the need for oral steroids.
Other benefits include:
- Reduced asthma symptoms
- Reduced dosage of traditional controller medications
- Less missed school and work days
Additionally, biologics have been shown to improve quality of life for patients with asthma, and in some cases, biologics have been found to improve lung function in patients with severe asthma.
Less frequent asthma exacerbations, reduced dosage of controller medications, and fewer missed work days will also provide much-needed financial relief for patients.
What It All Means
Advances in the development of more effective, safer biologic asthma therapies mean most patients have the potential to breathe better.
However, patients cannot achieve their health goals on their own. In order to make biologic treatments more widely accessible and affordable, a team effort is required.
Altus Infusion is the ideal partner for practices who desire to incorporate in-office biologic therapies to their existing practices. As part of our services, we supply necessary equipment, medications, and medical supplies.
Additionally, we provide comprehensive ancillary services, which include:
- Full Revenue Cycle Management
- Verification of Benefits
- Billing and Reimbursement
- Recovery of Funds
For more information on how to provide in-office biologic treatments to your asthma patients, contact us today!
