Reasons Why Patients Prefer In-Office Infusions
Watch the video: 4 Reasons Why Patients Prefer In-Office Infusions
Health care in America is increasingly becoming a value-based system. As such, in recent years, patient engagement and efforts to understand patient preferences have taken center stage.
Improved patient outcomes and treatment compliance are intrinsically associated with a positive patient experience. For chronic disease patients, positive patient experiences provide added value for them and their families and caregivers.
This value often translates into better doctor-patient communication and increased treatment compliance, improving long-term results.
Millions of chronic disease patients require intravenous biologic therapy. The question then becomes where do patients prefer to receive their intravenous treatments, at a hospital or an in-office infusion center?
When given a choice, evidence suggests many patients prefer smaller, more convenient, and personalized health care settings over hospital infusion centers. Let us explore some valid reasons why patients prefer in-office infusions.
What Patients Are Looking For
In-office infusion suites often exceed expectations for high-quality and cost-effective infusion therapy. Furthermore, patients with chronic autoimmune disease are increasingly encouraged to seek treatment in smaller facilities to help lower their exposure to pathogens.
Given these factors, understanding patient preferences is crucial for practices that are considering opening an in-office infusion suite.
Here are the top four features patients are looking for:
Here are the top four reasons why patients prefer in-office infusions:
Location and Convenience
Many chronic disease patients have mobility limitations, therefore receiving treatment at a facility that is close to them and that offers ease of parking is important.
Individualized Care
Physician office infusion suites are more patient-oriented, offering high-quality personalized care with fewer hassles.
In-office infusion centers provide smaller, more intimate settings that are less overwhelming for patients. Individuals living with chronic disease often suffer emotional and mental stress associated with their illness. Having a place where they feel comfortable and cared for can help reduce their stress and anxiety.
Treatment Accessibility
One of the main reasons for low treatment compliance is cost. A study from The American Journal of Pharmacy Benefits discovered a correlation between the cost of biologic drug therapies and patient compliance. The study revealed that when the cost of treatment was higher, the compliance rate decreased.
The provider’s in-office infusion suite model has proven to be more economical than hospital-based infusion centers, which can lead to increased patient compliance and better long-term results.
Shorter Wait Times
Many hospital outpatient settings are multispecialty infusion centers and therefore handle a large volume of patients per day, week, and month.
More patients mean longer wait times. Having to wait for treatment is not only inconvenient for chronic disease patients, but it can compromise their treatment management.
In-office infusion suites treat fewer patients, resulting in faster treatment deliveries and better patient experience.
Managing an In-Office Infusion Center
The task of managing an in-office infusion suite is no small feat. It requires dedicated personnel to handle patient scheduling, administer treatment, process insurance claims, and manage drug and supply inventories.
All of this comes at a cost. Cost is the most significant deterrent for physicians who would like to provide biologic infusion treatments in the convenience of their existing practice.
Partnering with an in-office biologics therapy management company like Altus Biologics can reinforce your path to success.
We assist in setting up equipment, hiring nursing staff, and manage the administrative aspects of the business, including the purchase of drugs and supplies, scheduling patient appointments, submitting claims, and seeking reimbursement for services rendered.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you grow your business and take care of your patients.
