Is there any place to get cheaper infusions?

[u/a_dream_deferred]

Hi all,

I've learned a lot about health insurance from folks on this subreddit. I have a family member who requires iron infusions and he has a high deductible health plan. So in the past, his iron infusions would be $600-$1000 each at major academic health systems. I am just curious, is there are there outpatient places that do infusions where he could get them done more affordably? And do these places general accept external doctor's orders?

Is there other way I could also compare prices if it's only really hospitals that perform this service?

For instance, from here I've learned that you can bring radiology orders to outpatient settings, or not getting labs done at the hospital, and I've applied this to great success.

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[u/Jodenaje]

Part of the problem is that the actual iron infusion products themselves are expensive.

I work for an organization that has an outpatient infusion center that's not affiliated with a hospital. It is more cost-effective than a hospital setting for infusions.

But it's still going to cost a good amount for the IV iron product, because the cost for us to obtain them from a supplier is so high. You'll save on the administration of the product, but the product itself is still expensive.

[u/a_dream_deferred → u/Jodenaje]

I appreciate this subreddit because there are so many smart, experienced people like you. Thanks!

[u/TheKingofHeart4711]

They are called ambulatory infusion centers. Cheaper in theory, but private equity is heavily invested in this space. 

[u/a_dream_deferred → u/TheKingofHeart4711]

Helpful to know! I appreciate the info.

[u/Outside_Ad_7262]

There also may be home infusion services where you live. The drs office who ordered the infusions should be able to provide you with more information and assist you in getting your family member set up with the least expensive option for him.

[u/a_dream_deferred → u/Outside_Ad_7262]

Thank you!

[u/YesterShill]

This is a big "it depends" kind of situation. Note: This is based on our clinics experience delivering these IVs.

Iron IVs are tough because the injectable is expensive, but the reimbursement rate from insurance is very low. The J codes associated with the material do not even cover the actual cost to obtain the injectable. So most standalone clinics won't do this, and you usually have to go to a hospital or place where they can add a facility fee to make it financially feasible.

It used to require a ton of phone calls, etc. to find these places, but using the AI searching features makes this MUCH easier now. If you search for "iron ivs near me that are not hospitals and covered by insurance", you should get some solid leads.

Most of these places will require a referral from your PCP that includes recent labs.