Exploring Opportunities in Home Infusion Therapy Delivery

In an interview with Healthcare Business Review, Sohail Masood, founder, chairman, and CEO of KabaFusion, sheds light on home infusion practices and how they elevate patient care and experiences.

How did you enter the home infusion industry?

I have been involved in the home infusion industry for nearly 35 years. During my Doctorate of Pharmacy program at the University of Southern California, I developed a deep interest in home infusion while interning at a patient's home. Witnessing the positive impact of home infusion services on individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families inspired me to pursue a career in the field.

I established KabaFusion in 2010 to provide patients with nursing care and intravenous medications in the comfort of their homes. It is currently the largest independently owned, privately held home infusion company in the USA.

How has the home infusion industry evolved over the past few decades?

Home infusion is increasingly gaining popularity as a preferred option for receiving infusions over traditional intravenous methods. Though it still hasn’t reached its full potential, it offers significant cost benefits for both Medicare and commercial payers. We successfully compete with hospitals and doctor's offices that provide in-house infusion services as they require patients to travel to these facilities, while we offer them the same services in the comfort of their homes.

The advancement of technology has led to the development of more sophisticated infusion pumps, further fueling the growth of home infusion. Additionally, the industry is witnessing an expansion due to the emergence of new therapies and injectable drugs, such as intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), which now caters to a wider range of medical conditions compared to three decades ago.

What is your approach to increasing awareness of the benefits of home infusion, especially after COVID?

Home infusion is an established method of administering medications and therapies in a home setting. Despite its decades-long existence, its understanding as an industry remains limited, even among medical professionals. Many pharmacy schools do not include comprehensive education on home infusion in their curriculum.

The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in increasing awareness and utilization of home infusion services. As hospitals scaled back operations during the pandemic, patients who previously received infusions in a hospital setting were transferred to home infusion providers. This shift revealed the benefits of home infusion, leading many patients to prefer receiving their treatments at home rather than returning to hospital-based ambulatory infusion centers.

The advantages of home infusion are manifold. Patients can avoid potential exposure to infectious diseases present in a hospital environment, particularly when they have compromised immune systems. They can enjoy the comfort and convenience of receiving treatments in their own homes, eliminating the need for transportation arrangements. Skilled nurses who visit patients in their homes can ensure their safety, monitor their progress, and promote adherence to medication regimens.

How do you see the industry evolving over the next five years?

A significant influx of injectable drugs is anticipated for various diseases, including Alzheimer's and other previously untreatable conditions. These novel medications offer enhanced efficacy, often requiring less frequent administration such as weekly or monthly infusions. Unlike conventional retail pharmacies, these specialized drugs are obtained from specialty pharmacies, and their administration necessitates a crucial nursing component.

Over the next five years, gene therapy is poised to become the standard of care, potentially administered at home or through the establishment of ambulatory infusion centers. These centers would provide convenient access for patients, akin to urgent care facilities, reducing the need for lengthy travel to main towns.

In anticipation of these advancements, KabaFusion is also looking forward to establishing ambulatory infusion centers that are easily accessible to patients, recognizing the increasing demand for nursing services, specialized injections, and vigilant monitoring that accompany these more sophisticated treatment options.

What is your advice for your peers in the home infusion space?

Patient-centered care and the human element involved in providing healthcare services is highly important. Home infusion can minimize hospital and doctor's office visits, particularly in cases involving newer drugs, by enabling patients to receive therapy in the comfort of their own homes. This approach enhances patient convenience and results in significant cost savings for payers.

Home infusion remains the most economical option for patients, as it eliminates expenses associated with drug administration in hospital or ambulatory infusion center settings. By reducing facility fees and allowing patients to receive treatment at home, the financial benefits are substantial. The home setting promotes a higher level of comfort, eliminating the stress of commuting to infusion centers or doctors’ offices.