To IV or not to IV? Home intravenous service is safe,practical,and economical

Abstract

This article is an attempt to advance a proven medical regimen—intravenous antibiotic therapy in a nontraditional arena, the home. We use statistics gathered in a small experimental program to suggest that this treatment is medically feasible and surprisingly efficient in terms of cost reduction to the overall medical system in the macro sense. The article points out obstacles such as Medicare and insurance industry restrictions standing in the way of the therapy's broader use and acceptance and holds out the hope that this therapy will eventually come to be standard practice in the medical profession. Key words: cost reduction, home IV antibiotic therapy, ob stacles and restrictions