Rise in home infusion therapy leads to questions on safety, cost

Patient demand, specialty drug availability and workforce shortages have driven increases in home infusion therapy. Health systems and specialty companies can administer prescription drugs intravenously in a home setting to sidestep overhead fees on brick-and-mortar operations and to reserve clinical space for more acute cases. Payers also tout potential savings.

As the practice grows, however, industry watchers are raising questions about whether cost and safety considerations could undermine its possible advantages.