$Unique_ID{BRK00751}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{I.V. Antibiotic Medication at Home}
$Subject{home I.V. medication}
$Volume{P}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


I.V. Antibiotic Medication at Home


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QUESTION:  Is it all right for my mother's doctor to discharge her from the
hospital, while she is still in need of medications, and continue to prescribe
an I.V. antibiotic medication for her at home?  He has assured us that this is
done frequently to day, and will provide all the care my mother needs at home.
What is your opinion?

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ANSWER:  With the development of new and very effective and safe antibiotics
that can be administered by a parenteral route (through an intravenous tube)
the idea of discharging patients from the hospital to continue their
medications as out patients (outpatient intravenous therapy or OIT) has begun
to catch on.  There are some restrictions of course, and this method of
therapy can never be used for patients with life threatening infections.
However, when the infecting bacteria has been identified, and the proper
medication selected, and when there is evidence that the antibiotic is working
well, transferring the patient to their own home surroundings can be
considered.  It requires that both patient and family thoroughly understand
the requirements for this procedure, and that the family is able to assist and
support the patient.  A refrigerator to store the medications must be
available, as well as a telephone to assure communications in the event of an
emergency.  Nursing care and home health services can be provided, but there
is a catch to this scheme.  While it is most certainly less expensive to care
for a patient at home than in the hospital, many insurance plans (including
Medicare) do not pay for self administered drugs.  You would be well advised
to check your insurance coverage, and assess your financial obligations before
considering this method of treatment, even if the scientific aspects and
medical outcomes all do make sense.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
