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The U.S. home infusion market
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA. mrmonktu@samford.edu
Summary
Medicare legislation spurred home care growth, leading to industry expansion and competition. Despite slowed growth, the US home infusion market remains strong, with opportunities in alternative sites and long-term care facilities.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Economics
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Medicare legislation initially stimulated home care services, but also caused fragmentation.
- The 1980s saw industry growth due to prospective pricing and reduced inpatient stays.
Observation:
- Home infusion market growth slowed from 64% (1982-86) to 24% (1986-93).
- In 1995, home care constituted 3% of national health expenditures.
- The market is competitive, with national and local providers, and hospitals increasingly offering home care programs.
Findings:
- Managed care may decrease revenue per patient but increased patient numbers will drive market growth.
- Community pharmacists can engage in home infusion through various models.
- Alternative sites like ambulatory infusion centers (AICs) are emerging, and long-term care facilities present growth opportunities.
Implications:
- The home infusion market is adapting to managed care by diversifying services and sites.
- Further research is needed for a more consistent understanding of the home care market.
- Despite challenges, the US home care market demonstrates resilience and continued potential.