OPAT is predominantly administered intravenously via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC or PICC line), which must remain in place over several days or weeks. Although effective, this approach requires extensive coordination of care and can result in multiple medical complications including PICC line site infections, bloodstream infections, PICC line occlusions and blood clots, that may require unscheduled ER and medical visits.3, 4, 5
Outpatient infusion services require labor-intensive coordination, professionally trained medical personnel and significant associated resources. Additionally, home infusion of OPAT is not covered for most Medicare patients, so these services can be cost prohibitive and logistically problematic. As a result, Medicare patients that require OPAT are often dependent on infusion centers, clinics, or nursing homes for care.