During this unprecedented time, there is no doubt there are concerns from providers and patients who prescribe or receive infusion therapies. COVID is creating a lot of uncertainty for healthcare providers. Some hospitals and physicians are unfortunately having to close their infusion centers or no longer are accepting new patients. Patients that are receiving infusions are among the most at-risk of contracting COVID-19. However, many providers with in-office infusions centers are left asking; should I keep my infusion center open, and what do I need to do to ensure the safety of my patients and my staff? It is of upmost importance to ensure the safety of all staff and patients while continuing to provide the necessary care needed for these patients.

Here are a few steps to take to maximize safety:

1. Practices are diligently following protocol provided from the CDC and state regulations that are available to ensure they are making the best decisions regarding safety for their staff and patients. Our physician partners are pre-screening each patient before their appointments to ensure their safety and that they are not at risk. They are also requesting that each patient bring them a mask or face covering for their appointment for protection.  

2. All infusions are being conducted in separate rooms or in areas where six feet social distancing policies are strictly enforced. These spaces are sanitized before and after each use as additional precaution. Staff in these facilities are utilizing personal protective equipment and no guests are allowed in the room with patients or in waiting rooms for added safety.  

3. The best option for your practice to ensure safety of all staff and patients during this time is to continue to stay on top of new updates and guidelines published from the CDC as well as your local state guidelines. Check out this link to read up on current CDC recommendations: CDC- COVID 19

There are several important resources to consider

The Center for Disease Control

1. Up-to-date information from the CDC

2. CDC Resource: Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Facility

3. CDC Resource: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

1. Coronavirus Partner Virtual Toolkit

American Rheumatology Network

1. An Operational Resource for Independent Rheumatology Clinics: COVID-19

American Medical Association

1. Tips for keeping your practice in business during the COVID-19 pandemic (updated March 27, 2020)

2. Resources for health care leadership (updated April 15, 2020)

During this difficult time we realize there are many concerns around the best possible options to keep staff and patients safe. OI Infusion is the nation’s leading infusion center management company, helping practices throughout the country to set up and manage their infusion centers. As experts in the industry, OI Infusion helps our physician partners keep patients with chronic illnesses out of the hospital during this time by continuing to keep them on their scheduled infusion therapy and are opening our doors to facilities who may have had to halt infusions due to COVID-19. If you have any questions about how to manage your center during these unprecedented times, or would like to speak to an expert, please schedule a consultation.

Stay Safe!

OI Infusion Team

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