If your healthcare provider has recently prescribed total parenteral nutrition (TPN) therapy, you might be wondering about the cost and what steps can be taken to lower it. Like any medical intervention, TPN costs can be high, which can be a major concern for many patients. Although this is a life-saving method for those who cannot consume food or drink by mouth, it often comes with a hefty price tag.
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This article offers some strategies through which patients can reduce the expenses associated with TPN while ensuring the best care for their health needs.
What Makes TPN Therapy Costly?
TPN is a complex treatment that involves a combination of intravenous nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes. Due to its specialized nature, the total cost of TPN can depend on various factors, including the cost of medical supplies, hospital expenses, sterile solutions, and professional healthcare services.
It is important to be aware of the financial implications of TPN therapy so you can plan accordingly.
How Can You Reduce the Cost of TPN?
There are several strategies that you can follow to lower TPN-related costs.
Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance might cover the total, or at least partial, cost of TPN. Make sure to thoroughly check your health insurance policy to see your options.
Consulting Healthcare Assistance
You can discuss your financial concerns with your healthcare provider by seeking healthcare assistance. They can suggest cost-effective alternatives, such as government assistance programs, non-profit organizations, or charitable foundations that offer financial support to patients in need.
Additionally, many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that provide financial aid or discounts for TPN therapy. Contact us at AmeriPharma if you are interested in receiving financial assistance for TPN. We have specialists who can provide assistance and help you find the right program.
Receiving TPN at Home
In general, receiving TPN at home tends to be less expensive than staying in the hospital for treatment because you’re avoiding things like the cost to have a room in the hospital or hospital personnel costs. If it’s suitable for you, your provider may allow you to administer and receive TPN by yourself at home. Receiving TPN at home instead of in a hospital setting can not only save you a lot of money, but it can also be more convenient for you, leading to fewer hospital visits.
Comparing Prices of TPN Suppliers
The price of TPN products varies depending on the products used by pharmacies and medical suppliers to make the TPN. Thus, it is important to take the time to compare costs when selecting a TPN product supplier. You can manage TPN expenses by choosing more competitive rates or comprehensive packages.
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Optimizing TPN Prescription
You can optimize your TPN prescription by consulting your healthcare team and finding out if your specific TPN prescription can be modified to only include the most necessary ingredients. Your healthcare team will come up with a TPN prescription based on your specific nutritional requirements. Avoiding unnecessary and expensive ingredients in your TPN can help lower the overall cost of TPN therapy.
Exploring Generic TPN Options
When discussing TPN therapy with your healthcare provider, ask about the availability of generic versions of the required solutions and medications that make up the TPN solution, or if you qualify to receive an available pre-mixed TPN product. Generic options can often be more budget-friendly while providing the same essential nutrients and benefits.
At AmeriPharma, we understand that the cost of TPN can be overwhelming for some individuals and families. That’s why we offer help in finding financial assistance. We believe everyone should have access to the medical care they need, regardless of their financial situation. Contact us to see if you qualify for any financial assistance programs.
In conclusion, the cost of TPN can be challenging to deal with, but with some careful planning and support, you can find ways to manage the expenses. Remember to explore insurance coverage, discuss your concerns with your healthcare team, and consider home care options. If you need help finding financial assistance, be sure to get in touch with us at AmeriPharma.
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REFERENCES:
- Liu, F. X., Botteman, M., Patel, D., DeLegge, M. H., Mercaldi, C. J., & Turpin, R. S. (2014). Cost effectiveness analysis of parenteral nutrition therapies among hospitalised patients: multi-chamber bag system vs. compounding. International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 14(3), 176. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijhtm.2014.064246
- Berlana, D., Sabin, P., Gimeno-Ballester, V., Romero-Jimenez, R., Zapata-Rojas, A., Márquez, E. P., Martínez-Cutillas, J., & Schoenenberger-Arnaiz, J. A. (2013). Cost analysis of adult parenteral nutrition systems: three-compartment bag versus customized. DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals). https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2013.28.6.6862
- Alomi, Y. A., Fallatah, A. O., Qahtani, A. a. A., Al-Shubbar, N., Al-Yahya, M. F., & Al-Smail, E. H. (2019). Cost of total parenteral nutrition services at the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.8
- Intravenous nutrition is more costly than feeding by stomach tube, with few added benefits. (2016). https://doi.org/10.3310/signal-000263
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. AmeriPharma Specialty Care assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.
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Dr. Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, was born and raised in Northridge, CA. He received his pharmacy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. The most rewarding part of his job is taking initiative to advance clinical programs that maximize impact on patient care. He has a board certification in critical care (BCCCP), and his areas of expertise are critical care, drug information, general medicine, and cardiology. In his free time, he enjoys traveling.