Home health care costs: intravenous immunoglobulin home infusion therapy.

BACKGROUND

Home health care has been touted as a cost-saving option for many immune disorders, especially those requiring intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the costs for home infusions of IVIG, a comparative study of Home Health Agency prices was undertaken.

METHOD

A survey of 25 Home Health Agencies that provide IVIG therapy in northern and central New Jersey was conducted by telephone and office interviews.

RESULTS

Thirteen companies provided price quotations for services and IVIG. The highest-priced companies charge approximately four times more for IVIG infusions than the lowest-priced companies, and many agencies offer the therapy at moderate costs.

CONCLUSION

IVIG can be obtained and administered in the home in more cost-effective ways if comparative pricing is done.