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Highmark provides alternative sites of care for infusion therapies

December 12, 2018

Highmark puts patients first. The company is teaming with doctors and hospitals, making the best care more convenient and finding ways to save patients money while keeping people healthy. One area of focus is infusion drug treatment programs, which are historically administered in higher cost settings like the hospital outpatient setting. Starting Tuesday, Jan. 1, Highmark Inc. will expand this option by providing safe and effective alternatives for those currently receiving infusion therapies in higher cost sites of care.                                                                                                 

As part of a newly-introduced site of care program from Highmark’s pharmacy team, members will be able to receive infusion therapies in their home, doctor’s office or at an infusion suite, pending a prior authorization process.

“By receiving infusion therapies at other sites, members can reduce transportation times, see more flexibility in their schedules and receive their treatment in a more comfortable and private environment. However, if a hospital setting is the appropriate option, a member’s care will continue to be covered and uninterrupted,” said Sarah Marché, Pharm. D., vice president of pharmacy services for Highmark Inc. “The bottom line is that we are helping to ensure that drugs are being infused in the most clinically appropriate, cost effective site of care.” 

Site of care currently applies to a subset of the drugs administered, including drugs that treat such issues as rheumatoid arthritis, immune deficiency diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and other chronic diseases, which are often conditions that need lifetime treatment.

“This is the latest milestone in our ongoing vision to make healthcare experiences more accessible, affordable and closer to home. By introducing this policy, we’re confident that more patients with chronic conditions will be able to resume more of their lifestyle and get back into the normalcy of their routines,” Marché said.

For more information, go to www.highmarkhealth.org.

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