Infusion therapy costs are a major pain point for employers. With prices skyrocketing and specialty drugs driving up healthcare spend, it’s time to take a proactive approach. At Leap, we’ve seen firsthand how small, proactive measures can create big savings. By following the eight practical steps I’ve outlined below, you can start to regain control of your infusion spend, improve care for your employees and build a sustainable, long-term solution.
- Shift to Lower-Cost Care Settings
Why are you paying top dollar for infusions at hospitals when the same care can be provided in outpatient centers or even at home? By redirecting infusions to lower-cost sites of care, you can reduce costs without sacrificing quality. It’s a simple shift with major impact. - Embrace Biosimilars
Biosimilars are the future of affordable care, offering the same therapeutic benefits as their high-priced counterparts at a fraction of the cost. Educating employees and providers on the safety and effectiveness of biosimilars can unlock substantial savings. It's time to make the switch. - Integrate Chronic Care Management
Chronic conditions are among the biggest drivers of infusion therapy costs. By integrating specialized infusion programs into your chronic care management strategy, you can improve coordination, reduce complications and lower overall expenses. It’s a smarter, more holistic way to manage care. - Look Beyond the Drug Price
The cost of infusion therapy isn’t just about the price of the drug—it’s about the total cost of care. Hospital stays, complications and emergency interventions add up quickly. Moving patients to more cost-effective settings like home infusions can dramatically lower these related expenses. - Implement Home Infusion Programs
Home infusion is not only a more convenient option for your employees—it’s a cost-saving powerhouse. By shifting high-cost infusion patients to home care, you can significantly cut facility fees while improving patient satisfaction. The data is clear: home infusion works. - Leverage Data and Analytics
Data is your secret weapon in managing infusion costs. By using predictive analytics, you can identify high-cost cases early and implement strategies to manage them before they escalate. It’s about staying one step ahead and making informed decisions that lead to better outcomes. - Engage and Educate Employees
Cost-saving programs only work if employees are on board. Launch an internal campaign to educate your workforce on the benefits of options like home infusion and biosimilars. When employees understand the value, they’re more likely to make the switch, driving both savings and better health outcomes. - Adopt Value-Based Care Models
Traditional fee-for-service models inflate costs by rewarding volume over outcomes. Value-based care ties payments to the success of the treatment, ensuring you only pay for what works. This model not only reduces waste but ensures that your employees receive effective care.
These eight steps offer a practical starting point for managing the rising costs of infusion therapy. Each strategy is designed to help you cut costs, improve care and stay ahead of the rising tide of specialty drug spending. To dive deeper into these strategies, check out our latest whitepaper, Controlling Infusion Spend: A Strategic Guide For Employers.
