Patient Information – Home Infusion

If you are considering or just starting home infusion, you probably have questions about how it differs from traditional infusion, safety and other matters.

Remember, the UMMS Home Infusion Pharmacy Team is available 24/7. Call us at 443-462-5850 (option #3) if you have questions or need assistance with an urgent matter.

Here are some commonly asked questions — and answers — about home infusion:

What are the benefits of home infusion therapy?

Home infusion therapy, as the name suggests, allows patients — namely those who need ongoing treatment, are fighting infections or are recovering from surgery — to receive treatment at home and thereby avoid a prolonged hospital stay.

The comfortability, convenience and independence home infusion offers help improve your quality of life and health outcomes. Some patients benefit from “infusion backpacks” that allow them to discreetly and comfortably carry around their pump and solution bag while continuing their normal activities. For others, just receiving treatment at home is enough to feel a sense of normalcy.

How can I get information about my infusion treatment?

If you have questions about your treatment or infusion equipment/supplies, call us at 443-462-5850.

How will I know if my insurance covers home infusion therapy?

Our home infusion team will contact your insurance company regarding your coverage. We will let you know if you have out-of-pocket costs before starting your treatment. We will bill your insurance company directly.

What is TPN, and how will I know if my insurance covers it?

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) involves giving patients the nutrients they need through a solution inserted into a vein via a tube (IV). TPN is needed when there are problems with the patient’s digestive system.

TPN solution contains nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fat, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and water. UMMS’ registered dietitians work with you and your prescriber to determine your nutritional needs. Our home infusion team will contact your insurance company to find out if it covers TPN.

When will I receive my medications and supplies?

Medication delivery times vary. Our pharmacy team will let you know when your medication(s) and supplies are on the way. 

Medications and supplies usually are delivered once weekly, but factors such as your medication’s expiration date, lab results or changes in your doctor’s orders can affect delivery frequency. Urgent needs should be communicated via phone. If you lose or run out of supplies, call our pharmacy during normal business hours or our on-call after-hours pharmacist at 443-462-5850 (option #3).

How do I properly dispose of my medications?

You must properly dispose of unused or expired medications to prevent misuse and accidental ingestion. See FDA recommendations for properly disposing of medications.

If your medication isn't listed by the FDA, check the handout on medication disposal that is included in your UMMS home infusion welcome packet. If you have questions about medication disposal or properly storing medication at home, call us at 443-462-5850.

How must "filled" sharps containers be disposed?

Place a lid on the sharps container, then put the container in your trash bin.

When should I call my physician or the pharmacist?

The UM Home Infusion Pharmacy is not an emergency care provider. If you have an emergency, call 911 right away.

Call your doctor if you notice:

• Skin reactions (like hives, flushed skin or paleness)
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or stomach pain
• Fever greater than 100° F

Contact an UMMS Home Infusion pharmacist if:

• You can’t flush your IV catheter
• There is swelling, redness or drainage at the IV catheter site
• There is any unusual occurrence that would cause the infusion therapy to stop
• The IV catheter site dressing is wet or falling off
• Your infusion pump is beeping or has an error message
• You have questions about your medication