The National Home Infusion Association’s Industry-Wide Data Initiative was launched in January of 2010 with an ambitious Phase I Provider Survey, the first step in a multi-phase, multi-year project that aims to address the long-standing need for data about our industry. All providers of home infusion therapy services are encouraged to participate, confidentially responding to the Phase I Provider Survey about the size and scope of their business, and contributing to the foundation of data regarding our industry. This critical Phase I Provider Survey Data will be utilized in a host of important ways, including:

• Educating our legislators about the size, scope and demographics of the home infusion industry, as we work to achieve legislation for an expanded home infusion Medicare benefit;
• Creating a foundation of data upon which future Data Initiative activities will be built, including clinical and operational benchmarking endeavors;
• Educating payers and referral sources about the type and utilization of infusion therapy care currently being provided in the home, potentially opening doors to more patients who are eligible for, but not currently receiving, this site-of-care option.
  

In addition to our internal Data Initiative efforts, we now have an external source of support for the value of infusion treatment in the home. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study was released in June, clearly outlining the potential Medicare cost savings and value to patients who receive home infusion therapy, and calling for a study to examine the benefits of home infusion therapy for Medicare-eligible patients. This is fantastic news that has evolved as a direct result of NHIA’s strategic advocacy! It is exactly the kind of affirmation NHIA needs to strengthen legislative efforts and effectuate change in Medicare accessibility, addressing the gaps in coverage for home infusion therapy.

While this new development is encouraging, it further underscores the importance of NHIA’s Industry-Wide Data Initiative. Ultimately, success can only be attained if a large and broad enough number of providers participates in the Phase I Provider Survey, creating a strong foundation of data on which we can build future quality and operational benchmarking initiatives. Individually, we can work in isolation, watching our legislative efforts falter from our lack of data while our clinical practices continue to be driven by acute care research. Or together, we can join forces, and contribute to the collective information that will begin to fully tell our industry story. Please make participation in NHIA’s Phase I Provider Survey a priority for your organization!

Click here to visit the NHIA Data Initiative website to download tools and resources that will guide you in launching the Phase I Provider Survey, or email Kristen Santaromita, NHIA’s Associate Director of Education & Research, (703-838-2661), if you have any questions about the Data Initiative or Phase I Provider Survey.

Editor's Note:

At D.H.S., we are committed to helping our customers with the NHIA's Data Initiative. Please take our QUICK survey (one question) about NHIA. Thanks!

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Schedules & Synopses
Now Available!

Join us in Orlando, Florida, September 17th – 19th, 2010. This year's FREE conference is taking place at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, just minutes from Downtown Disney. The conference Registration and Room Reservation links are available below:

Click Here to Visit the
2010 User Conference Website

Click Here to Reserve Rooms
at the Hyatt

On the Friday before the Conference begins, we will conduct Fundamentals classes for new users or veterans wanting a refresher for just $149 per person. These classes are designed to get conference attendees prepared for the faster paced courses during the weekend.

Remember, the hotel will fill up fast - so don't delay. Sign up today!

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