News Category: Conference

Last week concluded the 2023 National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) Annual Conference, which brings together nearly 1,500 home and alternate site infusion professionals for four days of networking, education, and expo. This year’s event saw significant growth in attendance over prior years and the expo featured more than 125 companies displaying the latest products and services supporting the industry.
Eliminating the inequities in how people access and receive health care can go a long way toward improving health care delivery, outcomes, and population health, according to Christina Ritchey from Optum Infusion Pharmacy. Equity in health care means the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
Attendees gathered for a morning coffee break after an engaging breakfast symposium from IgNS on PANS/PANDAS in Children. The beautiful backdrop overlooking the Potomac played host to some excellent conversations among professionals as everyone fueled up for a jam-packed day of education.

NHIA Releases White Paper on Home Parenteral Nutrition Cost Trends

The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) has released a white paper examining the economic challenges facing home parenteral nutrition (HPN) services. The report, “Ensuring Sustainable Access to Home Parenteral Nutrition (PN): The Cost Crisis and Path Forward,” documents cost trends and reimbursement patterns affecting this therapy.

Read More »

Implementation and Pilot Evaluation of A Pharmacist-Led Optimization Tool for Subcutaneous Immune Globulin Administration in the Home Setting

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/SCYQ3388

Katie Laskin, PharmD, BCSCP, FNHIA, IgCP, CBSC Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion | Jill Yusko, RPh. Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion | Jennifer Bunk, PharmD Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion | Gene B. Decaminada BS Pharm, RPh, FNHIA, FCPA Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion | Nicholas LaRiviere PharmD, MBA, BCGP Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion

This study aimed to develop a standardized method and timeline for home infusion pharmacists to assess subcutaneous immune globulin (SCIG) regimens and perform interventions to optimize infusions based on patient tolerance and preference. A tool was built within the electronic patient management platform at a health system-affiliated home infusion pharmacy to aid in standardizing patient assessments and capturing interventions. This tool was tested over a period of 2 months.

Read More »

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Patient Experience Among Home Infusion Patients Administering Immune Globulin: A Comparison of Satisfaction Between IV and SC Administration

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/XISU1319

Danell Haines, PhD Research Consultant | Michelle C. Simpson, PharmD, BCSCP, MWC National Home Infusion Association

Immune globulin (Ig) preparations are administered to patients to treat a variety of diagnoses. Originally developed to increase and maintain IgG levels in patients with antibody deficiencies, immune globulin preparations are also part of the treatment plan for autoimmune or connective tissue disorders, neurologic diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Due to the growth of Ig therapy in the home, there is a need for more valid and comprehensive patient satisfaction data about the home infusion experience that can be used to improve patient care and outcomes. The objective of this research is to analyze patient satisfaction survey data from the National Home Infusion Foundation and evaluate patient satisfaction similarities and differences between 2 groups: intravenous and subcutaneous administration of immune globulin.

Read More »

Stability of Immune Globulin Intravenous, Human-stwk, 10% Liquid Following Pooling and Storage in Flexible Containers

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/PNTG6835

Stacey Ness PharmD, IgCP, CSP, MSCS, AAHIVP GC Biopharma USA | Alan Huber BSc Pharm, PharmD, MBA GC Biopharma USA | Suzanne Strasters MSN, FNP-C, IgCN GC Biopharma USA | Nari Ji GC Biopharma Yongin-si, South Korea | JaeWoon Son, PhD. GC Biopharma Yongin-si, South Korea

Immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid is indicated for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders associated with defects in humoral immunity. Unopened immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid in its original container may be stored under refrigerated conditions at (2-8°C/36-46°F) for 36 months or may be stored for 24 months at room temperature (25°C/77°F) from the date it was manufactured. However, pooling intravenous immune globulin from several vials into a single container (usually a flexible bag) under aseptic conditions prior to administration is sometimes desirable in clinical practice.

Read More »

HHS Secretary Kennedy Supports Home Infusion at House E&C Hearing

NHIA applauds Secretary Kennedy’s recent statement in support of improving access to home infusion services for Medicare beneficiaries. We agree with his sentiment that commonsense reforms to Medicare – like home infusion – will save taxpayer dollars while improving access to care, especially for rural and elderly patients. We stand ready to work with the Secretary and HHS to remedy the current lack of coverage for home infusion therapies.

Read More »

NHIA Comments on MTF for 2026 and 2027

NHIA commented on CMS’s Information Collection Request (ICR) regarding the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF) that will be used in facilitating negotiated prices under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program.

Read More »

NHIA Announces Greg LoPresti to Lead Board of Directors

The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) is pleased to announce that Greg LoPresti, CEO Upstate HomeCare has been named Chair of its Board of Directors. LoPresti will lead the trade association representing companies that provide medically necessary infusion therapies to patients in alternate sites, as well as companies that manufacture and supply infusion and specialty pharmacy products.

Read More »

NHIA 2025 Features Largest Home Infusion Expo & Builds a Roadmap for Progress

Last week concluded the 2025 National Home Infusion Association Annual Conference (NHIA 2025), which brings together 1,600 home and alternate site infusion professionals for four days of networking, education, and exhibits. This year’s event saw significant growth in individuals investing to attend the event and the expo featured 150 companies displaying the latest products and services supporting the industry.

Read More »

Use of a Lipid Screening Tool to Identify Patients at Greater Risk of Infusion Reactions to Lipids in the Home Setting

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/TMPJ4448

Yoselin Flores, PharmD Option Care Health | Jessica Monczka, RD, CNSC, FASPEN Option Care Health | Maria Giannakos, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, BCSCP, FNHIA Option Care Health | Annemarie Hocking, PharmD Option Care Health | Suzanne Kluge, BSPharm, MBA, BCSCP, FNHIA Option Care Health

The primary objective of this study was to compare the resources utilized when using a lipid risk screening tool versus the resources utilized previously without the use of a lipid risk screening tool. Specifically, this study assessed nursing time and drug costs related to the dispensing of anaphylaxis kits. The secondary objective was to assess the tolerability of ILE first doses in the home. It was hypothesized that ILE first doses in the home would be well tolerated after clinical review of patients using the lipid risk screening tool.

Read More »

NHIF Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award Finalists

Full text | Download pdf

Recognizing Excellence in Home and Specialty Infusion Research: The NHIF Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award

The National Home Infusion Foundation (NHIF) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award, a recognition of groundbreaking research that advances best practices in home and specialty infusion. Each year, this award highlights innovative approaches, quality improvements, and solutions to critical challenges within the field.

Read More »

Preference for Inebilizumab Home Infusion Among People with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/TAMR6122

Gerome Vallejos, MD, Harvard Medical School, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology | Gabriela Romanow, Harvard Medical School, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology | Michael Levy, MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology

To determine whether people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) prefer to receive inebilizumab infusions at home versus in an infusion center or hospital, and to assess how that choice affects their quality of life.

Read More »

Pentec Health and Vital Care Infusion Services to Join NHIA Board of Directors

NHIA announces two new companies will join its 2024-2025 Board of Directors. Board members serve 3-year terms as representatives for their NHIA member organization. Joining the NHIA Board of Directors are Pentec Health, represented by Matthew Deans, CEO and Vital Care Infusion Services, represented by Logan Davis, Executive VP of Trade Relations and Strategy. In addition to the newly installed members, Upstate Home Care, Froedtert Health, and Amerita were elected to additional terms.

Read More »

NHIA Releases White Paper on Home Parenteral Nutrition Cost Trends

The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) has released a white paper examining the economic challenges facing home parenteral nutrition (HPN) services. The report, “Ensuring Sustainable Access to Home Parenteral Nutrition (PN): The Cost Crisis and Path Forward,” documents cost trends and reimbursement patterns affecting this therapy.

Read More »

Implementation and Pilot Evaluation of A Pharmacist-Led Optimization Tool for Subcutaneous Immune Globulin Administration in the Home Setting

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/SCYQ3388

Katie Laskin, PharmD, BCSCP, FNHIA, IgCP, CBSC Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion | Jill Yusko, RPh. Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion | Jennifer Bunk, PharmD Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion | Gene B. Decaminada BS Pharm, RPh, FNHIA, FCPA Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion | Nicholas LaRiviere PharmD, MBA, BCGP Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion

This study aimed to develop a standardized method and timeline for home infusion pharmacists to assess subcutaneous immune globulin (SCIG) regimens and perform interventions to optimize infusions based on patient tolerance and preference. A tool was built within the electronic patient management platform at a health system-affiliated home infusion pharmacy to aid in standardizing patient assessments and capturing interventions. This tool was tested over a period of 2 months.

Read More »

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Patient Experience Among Home Infusion Patients Administering Immune Globulin: A Comparison of Satisfaction Between IV and SC Administration

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/XISU1319

Danell Haines, PhD Research Consultant | Michelle C. Simpson, PharmD, BCSCP, MWC National Home Infusion Association

Immune globulin (Ig) preparations are administered to patients to treat a variety of diagnoses. Originally developed to increase and maintain IgG levels in patients with antibody deficiencies, immune globulin preparations are also part of the treatment plan for autoimmune or connective tissue disorders, neurologic diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Due to the growth of Ig therapy in the home, there is a need for more valid and comprehensive patient satisfaction data about the home infusion experience that can be used to improve patient care and outcomes. The objective of this research is to analyze patient satisfaction survey data from the National Home Infusion Foundation and evaluate patient satisfaction similarities and differences between 2 groups: intravenous and subcutaneous administration of immune globulin.

Read More »

Stability of Immune Globulin Intravenous, Human-stwk, 10% Liquid Following Pooling and Storage in Flexible Containers

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/PNTG6835

Stacey Ness PharmD, IgCP, CSP, MSCS, AAHIVP GC Biopharma USA | Alan Huber BSc Pharm, PharmD, MBA GC Biopharma USA | Suzanne Strasters MSN, FNP-C, IgCN GC Biopharma USA | Nari Ji GC Biopharma Yongin-si, South Korea | JaeWoon Son, PhD. GC Biopharma Yongin-si, South Korea

Immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid is indicated for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders associated with defects in humoral immunity. Unopened immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid in its original container may be stored under refrigerated conditions at (2-8°C/36-46°F) for 36 months or may be stored for 24 months at room temperature (25°C/77°F) from the date it was manufactured. However, pooling intravenous immune globulin from several vials into a single container (usually a flexible bag) under aseptic conditions prior to administration is sometimes desirable in clinical practice.

Read More »

HHS Secretary Kennedy Supports Home Infusion at House E&C Hearing

NHIA applauds Secretary Kennedy’s recent statement in support of improving access to home infusion services for Medicare beneficiaries. We agree with his sentiment that commonsense reforms to Medicare – like home infusion – will save taxpayer dollars while improving access to care, especially for rural and elderly patients. We stand ready to work with the Secretary and HHS to remedy the current lack of coverage for home infusion therapies.

Read More »

NHIA Comments on MTF for 2026 and 2027

NHIA commented on CMS’s Information Collection Request (ICR) regarding the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF) that will be used in facilitating negotiated prices under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program.

Read More »

NHIA Announces Greg LoPresti to Lead Board of Directors

The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) is pleased to announce that Greg LoPresti, CEO Upstate HomeCare has been named Chair of its Board of Directors. LoPresti will lead the trade association representing companies that provide medically necessary infusion therapies to patients in alternate sites, as well as companies that manufacture and supply infusion and specialty pharmacy products.

Read More »

NHIA 2025 Features Largest Home Infusion Expo & Builds a Roadmap for Progress

Last week concluded the 2025 National Home Infusion Association Annual Conference (NHIA 2025), which brings together 1,600 home and alternate site infusion professionals for four days of networking, education, and exhibits. This year’s event saw significant growth in individuals investing to attend the event and the expo featured 150 companies displaying the latest products and services supporting the industry.

Read More »

Use of a Lipid Screening Tool to Identify Patients at Greater Risk of Infusion Reactions to Lipids in the Home Setting

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/TMPJ4448

Yoselin Flores, PharmD Option Care Health | Jessica Monczka, RD, CNSC, FASPEN Option Care Health | Maria Giannakos, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, BCSCP, FNHIA Option Care Health | Annemarie Hocking, PharmD Option Care Health | Suzanne Kluge, BSPharm, MBA, BCSCP, FNHIA Option Care Health

The primary objective of this study was to compare the resources utilized when using a lipid risk screening tool versus the resources utilized previously without the use of a lipid risk screening tool. Specifically, this study assessed nursing time and drug costs related to the dispensing of anaphylaxis kits. The secondary objective was to assess the tolerability of ILE first doses in the home. It was hypothesized that ILE first doses in the home would be well tolerated after clinical review of patients using the lipid risk screening tool.

Read More »

NHIF Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award Finalists

Full text | Download pdf

Recognizing Excellence in Home and Specialty Infusion Research: The NHIF Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award

The National Home Infusion Foundation (NHIF) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award, a recognition of groundbreaking research that advances best practices in home and specialty infusion. Each year, this award highlights innovative approaches, quality improvements, and solutions to critical challenges within the field.

Read More »

Preference for Inebilizumab Home Infusion Among People with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Full text | Download pdf

https://doi.org/10.70776/TAMR6122

Gerome Vallejos, MD, Harvard Medical School, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology | Gabriela Romanow, Harvard Medical School, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology | Michael Levy, MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology

To determine whether people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) prefer to receive inebilizumab infusions at home versus in an infusion center or hospital, and to assess how that choice affects their quality of life.

Read More »

Pentec Health and Vital Care Infusion Services to Join NHIA Board of Directors

NHIA announces two new companies will join its 2024-2025 Board of Directors. Board members serve 3-year terms as representatives for their NHIA member organization. Joining the NHIA Board of Directors are Pentec Health, represented by Matthew Deans, CEO and Vital Care Infusion Services, represented by Logan Davis, Executive VP of Trade Relations and Strategy. In addition to the newly installed members, Upstate Home Care, Froedtert Health, and Amerita were elected to additional terms.

Read More »