On August 7th,2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepted the Biologics License Application for Aducanumab, an investigational treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The application has been granted Priority Review, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date on March 7, 2021, and the FDA has stated that, if possible, it plans to act early on this application under an expedited review. If approved, Aducanumab would become the first therapy to reduce the clinical decline of Alzheimer’s disease.We have been on this road for 5 years and if all goes as planned, Aducanumab will be available in 2021.

What does this mean for the privately owned neurology practice?

-  This would mark the beginning of a new era of potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease that will inspire even more discovery and innovation to bring hope to those affected by this devastating disease

-  An opportunity for greater visibility into the spectrum of your patient’s care

-  Potential new revenue stream by offering in-office infusions

Until recently, Neurology unlike other specialties such as Rheumatology and Oncology have had few infusion treatment options. With the launch of Vyepti in April 2020 and hopes of Aducanumab in 2021, more and more Neurologists have expressed interest in starting an in-office infusion suite.

Have you considered what it takes to set up and operate a successful infusion center?

- Set Up Cost

     The average infusion center costs $10-15K to set up

- Financial Risk Management

      High drug cost, delays in reimbursement due to a NOC Code, and changes to authorization policies can increase the financial risk of managing an infusion center

- Effective Staffing

      Infusion centers require expert staff to manage patients, appointments, billing, insurance authorizations, inventory, and more

- Payor Management

      We can expect push back, delayed payments and at worst denials for Aducanumab since a permanent J code will not be available for at least 6-9 months

 Despite breakthrough treatment options becoming available, obtaining authorizations and receiving payment for these treatments is becoming more and more complicated.

So, what is the solution?

Partnering with a management company, like OI Infusion. OI Infusion helps Neurologists set up and manage infusion suites while removing the risk and confusion with operating the center. If you are interested in learning if an in-office infusion center is right for your practice, or if a management company could be beneficial, please schedule a consultation.

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