A Managed Care Model for Home Infusion Therapy

Abstract

Home infusion therapy began in response to the medi cal needs of the patients. In the traditional model, prod ucts and services were delivered in the home on a physi cian's prescription. Limitations related to medical quality management and cost were recognized in this model. Because of these limitations, the changes that continue to occur in health care delivery and the in crease in number and acuity of patients requiring non- hospital services, a managed care model was conceived and implemented at the University of Minnesota Medi cal School and Hospital. This model emphasizes physi cian-based case management, total quality management, a point of contact medical information system, out comes assessment and management, and research and education activities designed to evaluate and improve home infusion therapies. The model was implemented through a public-private partnership. This application of managed care to home infusion therapies is described in this communication.