HealthQuest Home Health
FAQ
HealthQuest home health nurses are certified infusion therapy practitioners—many of whom have prior hospital nursing experience—who will help make your home treatment as simple and smooth as possible. If your treatment can be self-administered, they will train you or your caretaker in proper IV site maintenance, as well as give instructions on how to use a catheter and infusion pump.
Because we prioritize patient care, our goal will always be to provide comprehensive, compassionate home health solutions throughout the course of your home infusion therapy. This means that your home health nurse will be in constant communication with your care provider, insurance, and HQRX pharmacists to ensure that your treatment needs are met.
While providing treatment, our home health nurse can answer any questions you may have about your medication type or dosage, treatment frequencies, side effects, and provide ongoing care needs. Should you have questions during a time when your home health nurse is not present, you can call our 24/7 hotline to get answers from medically trained staff. Call 832.612.3500 any time, day or night, with questions or concerns.
In the event of a medical emergency, always call 911.
What is infusion therapy?
- Infusion therapy services involve the intravenous (IV) administration of medications that treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. It often means the patient will experience better results, because infusion therapy directly administers medication into the bloodstream. It is usually prescribed when a patient’s condition cannot be treated with oral medication. HealthQuest Infusion & Specialty provides infusion therapy to patients in the comfort of their own home or on-site at our world-class infusion center. Our services include the clinical management of drug therapies, nursing support, and care coordination.
Is it safe to receive home infusion therapy?
- Home infusion therapy is a proven, safe, and effective alternative to hospital inpatient care. It can provide comfort and convenience for patients and offers less interruption to their daily activities. It can also be a cost-effective alternative to expensive hospital stays.
Who should I call if I have a question regarding my home infusion therapy?
- Please call HealthQuest anytime at 832.612.3500 for 24/7 guidance and support regarding the setup, administration, and medication regimen for your home infusion therapy.
What types of treatments can be delivered through intravenous (IV) infusion therapy at home?
- HealthQuest Infusion & Specialty offers a wide range of home infusion therapies, including but not limited to:
What medical conditions can be treated with infusion therapy?- Infusion therapy can be used to treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, including many types of infectious diseases, nutritional/gastrointestinal disorders, cancers, hematological disorders, heart conditions, immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune disorders. HealthQuest offers infusion therapy treatments for all of the following:
Are there side effects of infusion therapy treatment?
While most patients report mild to non-existent side effects, you could experience some of the symptoms listed below following your treatment. If you are currently on medication to control your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it prior to your first infusion therapy treatment.General side effects of infusion therapy treatment should subside within 24 hours, however you could experience:
Am I a candidate for home infusion therapy?
- The decision to receive home infusion therapy is made between you and your physician. Several factors are considered before receiving infusion therapy in the home, including your and/or your caregiver’s desire and willingness to comply with therapy and the presence of a safe and appropriate home environment.
How do I receive home infusion therapy? Who administers it?
- Before you’re discharged from the hospital, a HealthQuest team member will reach out to you to go over details. Some of the questions we’ll ask: Do you prefer your medication delivered to the hospital or to your home? From there, we will schedule delivery, providing you with an arrival time window to make sure you’re prepared. We know it can be stressful getting settled after a stay in the hospital.
- Prior to discharge, you will also receive support from our team of clinicians and/or support staff who will provide patient and caregiver education and training.
- The medication will be delivered to you and will be administered by an experienced infusion therapy nurse 24 hours after discharge. Prior to 24 hours, or if your prescription requires you to have a dose at home, you or the caregiver will then administer.
Can I travel while on home infusion therapy?
- Yes! Our state-of-the-art infusion therapy devices are lightweight and portable, requiring only a backpack, purse, or a pocket for transport. The HealthQuest pharmacy has the capability to support all of your home infusion needs while traveling anywhere within the U.S.
What should I do with discontinued/leftover specialty medications and supplies after I’m done with my infusion therapy?
- HealthQuest is not allowed to take medicine back once it has been dispensed, however discontinued/leftover specialty medications may be brought to a local pharmacy collection program or a hazardous waste collection for proper discarding.
- You may ask your home health nurse if you can donate your leftover supplies to their agency or ask your local veterinarian or animal shelter if they can use any of the leftover supplies.
- You should never pour unused liquid medications down the sink.
Do I need to keep my medicine in the refrigerator?
- Yes. However, fluids for hydration or saline and heparin flush syringes may be kept at room temperature.
What area(s) does HQRx service?
-HealthQuest Infusion & Speciality is licensed to dispense specialty medications within the state of Texas. HealthQuest Home Health has the ability to serve qualified patients in zip codes throughout the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast areas.
Will my home health nurse come to my home to administer every dose of medication?
- Not unless your specific treatment regimen or disease management requires it. In most cases, your HQRx home health nurse will teach you or your caregiver how to administer your home infusion therapy. HealthQuest aims to reduce the cost of healthcare by decreasing inpatient hospital stays and helping patients gain independence through home infusion therapy.
How long will my nurse stay with me?
- Your home health nurse will be at your home upon your release from inpatient care to assist with the setup of your home infusion therapy equipment, educate you on your treatment administration, and depending on your treatment requirements, may stay with you during your first at-home infusion treatment. The process may take anywhere from one to two hours.
How often will my home health nurse be at my residence?
Your home health nurse will conduct weekly visits to ensure proper injection site maintenance and change any dressings as needed.
Can my spouse or family member assist me with home infusions?
Yes. An HQRx home health nurse will train your and/or your caregiver on how to administer ongoing treatments at home, as well as how to maintain infusion equipment and IV site.
What number do I call after business hours?
- Please call HealthQuest anytime at 832.612.3500 for 24/7 guidance and support regarding all aspects of your infusion therapy, including equipment setup, administration, and medication regimen.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
You don’t have to do anything before coming for your appointment. Bring your insurance card and wear comfortable clothes for the appointment.
Do you provide treatment for children?
- Yes. HeathQuest has extensive experience providing infusion therapy for pediatric patients.
What if I don’t have insurance?
- Don’t stress! We work with self-pay patients to make sure they receive the highest quality of care while controlling their costs. Regardless of your coverage, you can expect to be treated with respect, dignity and kindness in a safe and sterile environment.
Why have I received a bill? What is an EOB?
- Reimbursement for infusion therapy services varies depending on a patient’s plan/coverage benefits. Some plans may require a co-pay or payment due to unmet deductible/coinsurance at the time of treatment.- An EOB is an Explanation of Benefits, meaning it is not a bill. It is a description of the coverage your insurance provided for your IV treatment and will detail the amount that you are responsible for paying.
Will a home nursing agency be involved with care at home? If so, who pays for their services?
Yes, home health nursing will be involved in patient care throughout your home infusion treatment. Your health insurance will cover the cost of home health services.
Do I have to pick up my medicine from the pharmacy?
No. HealthQuest offers complimentary 24/7 delivery of specialty medication to your home or doctor’s office.
When will my medicine be delivered?
You or your caregiver will schedule delivery at a time that is convenient for you. HQRx offers 24/7 delivery so that patients always have access to the medications they need.
How do I fill new prescriptions? How do I get additional supplies? How do I check on the status of my prescription?
The HQRx pharmacy will follow up with you and your physician weekly to ensure that orders are filled and delivered on time, and your therapy needs are met. All necessary infusion supplies will be included with your medication delivery. You can check on the status of your prescriptions by calling our 24/7 helpline at 832.612.3500.
How often will I receive a delivery? Do I have to be home to receive my deliveries?
In most cases, you will receive weekly medication delivers. Some medications do require a designated person to accept the delivery, due to the drug’s refrigeration needs.
How do I care for my infusion line and keep it free from infection?
Your HealthQuest home health nurse will monitor the infusion line for infection in weekly visits. If you notice a change in the appearance or sensitivity of the area around the infusion site, alert your home health nurse immediately.
What do I need to do with my PICC during baths or showers?
This varies depending on your specific treatment, however your home health nurse will go over bathing/showering procedures and how to care for your PICC line during their first visit in your home.
How often and how long do I need to do my infusion?
This will be determined by your doctor, depending on your specific health and/or pain management needs. Your home health nurse will ensure that you understand your treatment regimen, including dosages and frequency.
Will I be confined to a pump and an IV pole all day?
No. HealthQuest uses elastomeric pumps that are portable and light-weight.
What should I do with my sharps container/ used needle box?
Never throw used needles into the garbage. When your sharps container is full, contact your home health nurse to coordinate proper disposal.
When do I need to take my medication out of the refrigerator before I dose?
Medications should be brought to room temperature before it is administered, so each dose should be removed from the refrigerator one hour prior to administering.
What should I do if I find something damaged in my box or all listed items on the delivery ticket are not in my box?
Contact HealthQuest immediately at 832.612.3500 so that we can get you all necessary supplies and medications.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
In the event of a medical emergency, always call 911. Your HQRx home health nurse will discuss signs of an emergency or adverse reaction with you before your infusion treatment so you know what symptoms to look out for.
If I have any trouble with my PICC line, who do I call?
If you experience any difficulties with your PICC line, including redness, irritation or sluggishness, contact our 24/7 hotline at 832.612.3500.
How do I handle adverse reactions?
While the risk of adverse reactions is relatively low, your home health nurse will educate you on all possible side effects from your infusion therapy and how to recognize abnormal or negative reactions. If you experience adverse reactions, contact us at 832.612.3500. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.
What if I have a question about my pump?
Your HQRx home health nurse will thoroughly explain how to use and maintain your pump, however, if you have questions you can always contact our staff on the 24/7 hotline at 832.612.3500.
What do I do if I run out of my medicine or accidentally spill some?
If you run out of medications before your infusion therapy end date for any reason, contact 24/7 HQRx hotline at 832.612.3500.
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