Corinthian Health Services Blog - Page 3 of 4 - Blog for Corinthian Health Services

Mar 14

IVIG Side Effects – Best-Practices to Avoid Them

Adverse drug reactions, commonly referred to as IVIG side effects, are the known, but undesired effects of medications and medical procedures. For example, you might take an analgesic for its intended effect of relieving a headache or sore muscle pain. As a side effect, you might also experience an upset stomach.

Just as with any other type of treatment or medication, there is a possibility of encountering side effects when undergoing IVIG treatment. The good news is that a majority of patients who receive intravenous immunoglobulin therapy don’t experience any side effects at all. It is, however, important for both patient and caregiver(s) to be prepared. If side effects do arise, they are generally easier to control or eliminate if everyone involved plans ahead.

Classification of IVIG Side Effects

IVIG Side Effects

Some side effects of IVIG therapy are more common than others. Overall, side effects are generally categorized as either severe or mild. Severe side effects should be reported immediately to a medical professional and may require extra medical attention. Mild, sometimes called minor, side effects are generally easy to treat and/or control and may even disappear on their own as the body becomes accustomed to the treatment.

Best-practices to Avoid Mild IVIG Side Effects

Mild to moderate side effects of IVIG therapy can often be controlled, or even avoided altogether, with simple, easy to implement treatments. Some of the most common mild side effects include:

Headache
Chills
Myalgia
Increased heart rate/pulse
Nausea
Lower back pain
Hypotension

Headaches and migraines tend to be the most commonly experienced side effects of IVIG. In most cases, patients can control or eliminate these and other side effects through the use of NSAIDS, steroids, and antihistamines before and after an IVIG infusion. In some cases, simply changing IVIG dosage or adjusting the administration schedule can reduce or remove side effects. Additionally, patients have also reported much less discomfort due to side effects when they take steps to make sure they are fully hydrated before, during, and after an infusion.

ivig side effects

Best-practices to Treat Severe IVIG Side Effects

Severe side effects from IVIG therapy are rare. They can often be reduced or avoided by screening patients for factors that would indicate they are predisposed to complications with this type of treatment.

Severe side effects of IVIG therapy can include:

Thrombosis
Acute renal failure
Serum sickness
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Aseptic Meningitis
Anaphylaxis

The patient may experience these conditions as labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, severe headache, tightness in the chest, fatigue or weakness, reddening of the skin, or severe itching, especially on the feet and hands.

Treatment for these side effects usually involves administration of antihistamines, steroids, and NSAIDS. In cases of a severe reaction, epinephrine may also be administered. Doctors have had success in eliminating these kinds of side effects for some patients by switching from an intravenous to a subcutaneous IG infusion method.

The Benefits Often Outweigh the Risks

Even though the possibility of experiencing side effects exists, the benefits of IVIG therapy outweigh the risks in the vast majority of cases. If a patient experiences side effects at all, they are usually easily treatable and end up being nothing more than a mild annoyance.

IVIG infusion treatments can provide significant help to patients with an immune deficiency, allowing their bodies to fight off illness and infections that could otherwise be dangerous or even life-threatening.

It has also been shown to be an effective treatment for many autoimmune diseases — when the immune system attacks some part of the body. It has been successfully used as part of the treatment for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Multifocal Acquired Sensory and Motor Neuropathy, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis and others.

ivig side effects - benefits If you think you might be experiencing side effects as a result of your IVIG therapy, during or after an infusion, let your doctor know right away. Together, you’ll be able to decide the best course of action to help you reduce or eliminate any discomfort and get the best possible benefit from your treatment.

Feb 28

IVIG Patient Information – A Comprehensive Guide to IVIG Treatment

Our IVIG patient information article is designed for you and others who may be in your circle of care. Questions about your IVIG treatment plan should be addressed by your doctor. The IVIG patient information provided on our Website, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What is IVIG?

IVIG stands for Intravenous immune globulin (“IVIG”). It’s a product made up of antibodies that can be given through a vein. It is prepared from the blood donated by thousands of people, to make a super-concentrated collection of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that your body makes to help you fight infections.

Over the course of your life, your body makes thousands of different antibodies. Each antibody made by your body is slightly different because it fits like a lock and key to every foreign substance (such as a virus) that gets into your body. This is why you need a new flu shot every year; each year the flu virus is slightly different, and different antibodies (which the vaccine causes your body to produce) are required to protect you.

Why Do I Need IVIG?

IVIG is used primarily in two situations, Primary Immunodeficiency or autoimmune or immune-mediated syndromes. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have specific questions about your treatment plan.

Primary Immunodeficiency occurs when your body does not make enough antibodies. The IVIG simply provides extra antibodies that your body cannot make on its own. The antibodies usually last for several weeks and help your body fight off a large variety of infections.

A second reason you might need IVIG is if your immune system has started attacking your body’s normal cells. These are conditions known as autoimmune or immune-mediated diseases. Some common autoimmune or immune-mediated diseases include multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

How is IVIG Given?

IVIG is given into a vein (“intravenously”) in a physician monitored infusion suite. The specific dose ordered by your physician, as well as your tolerance to the medication, will determine your length of stay at the infusion center. Infusion rates are unique to each individual.

The amount of IVIG you need for each dose depends on your weight as well as the reason you are getting the IVIG (your diagnosis). The length of time it takes for an IVIG infusion will vary for each person. On average, it is between 4 to 6 hours. Larger doses are often divided over multiple days for patient tolerability.

Why Do I Have to Have Regular Infusions?

IVIG increases the antibody level within your body. Antibodies, whether those produced naturally by your body or those administered through IV, are eventually metabolized and eliminated by your body within 3-4 weeks. Regular infusions are necessary to maintain immune globulin levels within the desired range.

When Will I Notice the Benefits of IVIG?

Your response will vary depending on your diagnosis (Primary Immunodeficiency or autoimmune or immune-mediated syndromes). Every patient is individual, and your response will be just as individualized. It is important to give the IVIG enough time for your nurses and your physician to evaluate your response

If you are experiencing a Primary Immunodeficiency, your response should be fewer infections, particularly bacterial-type infections. If you continue to get infections while on IVIG you should notify your physician immediately. Your dose may need to be adjusted.

If you are experiencing an autoimmune or immune-mediated disease process, your response is usually determined by the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing, such as pain, mobility, and fatigue. Generally, it will take 3-6 months to fully realize the benefits, but some patients may feel better in a shorter period. Sometimes the benefit that you experience is stability. In other words, your no symptoms don’t get worse.

IVIG Side Effects

IVIG is one of the safest biological products available, and many people do not experience side effects. Some patients may experience mild side effects such as chills, fever, flu-like muscle/joint pain, fatigue, headache, and nausea.

The good news is that almost all side effects can be safely controlled and often eliminated. These side effects are easily managed by doing the following:

Hydrate: It’s critical to properly hydrate beginning 3-5 days before your infusion. Just like combatting the flu, you always want to get plenty of fluids to alleviate side effects. These fluids are increased either orally or in some cases, intravenously before or after your IVIG infusion.
Rate of Infusion: Giving the infusion more slowly; each patient tolerates IVIG infusion rates differently, and your nurses will tailor your infusion to your needs and tolerability.
Smaller Doses: Dividing a large dose into several smaller doses that are given over several days
NSAIDS: Taking NSAIDS like Tylenol, Aleve or Motrin to prevent the fever and flu-like symptoms and taking antihistamines like Benadryl, Claritin or Zyrtec to prevent allergic reactions. Some patients may also take medications like Excedrin Migraine if they have a history of headaches.

What Happens If This Treatment Does Not Work for Me?

All forms of IVIG therapy are effective, but an individual may tolerate one better than another. Many forms of IVIG are available. Talk with your doctor and infusion nurse, and together you can try to find a product or different therapy that works best for you.

Will Insurance Cover My IVIG Infusions?

IVIG Patient Information

Most commercial insurance carriers require prior authorization for IVIG, and medical policies outlining how IVIG is approved. If your doctor partners with Corinthian Health Services, An RN Care Manager will contact you to review your benefits and discuss patient financial responsibility before your infusion. Your RN Care Manager can also recommend patient assistance programs that you may qualify for to help with the out-of-pocket expenses.

What’s Unique About Corinthian Health Services?

Corinthian Health Services requires ALL of our IVIG Infusion Nurses to be nationally board certified in Ig therapy. This distinction is unique among infusion providers and is known as the IgCN certification (Immune globulin Certified Nurse). ivig patient information

Your infusion will occur in a physician-supervised setting, within the physician’s office. This ensures the highest level of safety and care in the industry.

Our infusion centers are designed to be a place of relaxation as well as a center of clinical excellence! Corinthian believes that optimal health and the very best infusion experience is realized in a safe and spa-like setting. Corinthian provides healthy snacks and drinks to enjoy during your infusion.

Your infusion experience is also tailored to YOUR needs, whether you need to work on your computer or watch television or just take a nap. We discourage the use of cell phone conversations within the infusion center to provide privacy as well as respecting the relaxing atmosphere we strive to maintain. We do provide areas outside the infusion center where cell phone usage is allowed.

IVIG Patient Information

If your physician has partnered with Corinthian Health Services, your referral is sent to your local Corinthian Infusion Suite. Once the Care Manager has received your paperwork, they will contact you to let you know the approximate time to receive authorization from your insurance carrier (days to weeks depending on insurance provider).

When the Care Manager receives authorization for your IVIG therapy, they will contact you to provide IVIG patient information, discuss benefits, and financial responsibility. Next, you will receive a call from the Corinthian clinical team for scheduling and instruction on how to prepare for your IVIG infusion appointment.

If your physician has not partnered with Corinthian Health Services, your experience will be different. Speak to your physician about your desire to use our services, and he or she may be able to direct you to a local Corinthian Infusion Suite.

Feb 14

14 Tips for a Happy, Healthy Heart

It’s Valentine’s Day! With all of the hearts stocking the store shelves this month, it’s the best time of year to be thinking about your health. Here are 14 tips for a happy, healthy heart.

Say Yes to Healthy Fats, No to Trans Fats

The human body needs fats to function well. It needs saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. What it doesn’t need, however, are trans fats, which increase the risk of a stroke or heart ailments. Trans fats clog the arteries. They are often found in baked goods, junk foods, and fried fast foods. They elevate the body’s bad cholesterol levels and lower the good ones. Cutting trans fats from your diet will significantly improve your blood flow.

14 Tips for a Happy, Healthy Heart

Jan 24

IVIG for MS – An Overview of IVIG Benefits for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

IVIG for MS may help reduce symptoms of the disease and its progression. Always speak with your doctor regarding the best treatment plan for you.

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is the result of the body’s immune system attacking a substance called myelin, which wraps around nerve fibers to protect them. Without myelin, exposed nerves can become damaged, often forming scar tissue, which interferes with nervous system functions. This is where multiple sclerosis gets its name, which means “many scars.”

IVIG for MS Benefits

Intravenous immunoglobulin, commonly referred to as IVIG, is generally used to help the body fight off disease by boosting the immune system. A derivative of donated blood, this medicine is made by filtering antibodies from many donors and pooling them together in a liquid suspension.

ivig for ms

IVIG has been shown to be effective for treating some neurological diseases by increasing the functions of some parts of the immune system while decreasing others. As an off-label treatment for MS, IVIG is used to help slow the progression of the disease as well as reduce the symptoms and disabilities it causes. Doctors also believe that it can lengthen the time between relapses for those suffering from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

MS-Specific Uses for IVIG

Currently, IVIG is not a general treatment for multiple sclerosis at this time. However, it is used in more specific areas where it has been shown to be particularly effective.

Patients who cannot tolerate common therapies: IVIG use is recommended in cases where patients are unable to tolerate currently common MS therapies such as those that use Copaxone, Betaseron, Avonex, and Rebif.
Pregnant women: Some studies have shown that IVIG can reduce the chance of having a relapse during pregnancy.
Postpartum women: In about one-third of all cases, women with MS will experience a relapse after childbirth. IVIG has been shown to be effective in preventing these relapses.
People with primary progressive MS: A European study showed that IVIG could help to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis in people with primary progressive MS.

How Effective is IVIG for MS?

How Effective is IVIG for MS At present, the medical community is fairly well divided on the effectiveness of IVIG for treating multiple sclerosis. Some studies seem to show beneficial effects from IVIG treatments while others report that there is no significant difference between patients treated with IVIG and those given a placebo.

In an article published in 2008, Professor Jeffrey A. Cohen discusses the meaning of some of these conflicting reports and stresses that none of the studies conducted so far are considered to be definitive. However, he has indicated that several studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of IVIG in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. The magnitude of the benefits in terms of reductions in relapse rate and MRI lesion activity seemed to be favorable.

Possible Side Effects of IVIG

ivig for ms As with most medical treatments, someone treated with IVIG may experience side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

Headache
Fever
Joint pain
Chest pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Rash

There are also rare, but serious, side effects such as kidney failure or dysfunction, aseptic meningitis or what are known as thrombotic events which include things like stroke, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or deep vein thrombosis.

For these reasons, IVIG is not to be used on patients with an IgA deficiency or existing kidney problems or failure. For people with heart problems or diabetes, doctors advise using IVIG only with a great deal of caution and careful monitoring.

If you have questions about IVIG for MS or think it might be a good treatment option for you, talk with your doctor. He’ll be able to help you weigh out the potential pros and cons to developing an effective overall MS treatment plan.

Nov 29

IVIG Purchase Reimbursement – Everything You Need to Know

A steady and sustainable stream of revenue is integral to the health of any practice. And often, revenue hinges on the ability to secure timely reimbursements, especially for expensive products like IVIG. If you’re like most physicians, you know all too well how challenging IVIG purchase reimbursement can be.

From payment denials to nuanced processes, unsuccessful IVIG purchase reimbursement efforts can hurt your bottom line. To ensure speedy and accurate IVIG purchase reimbursement, you must be well-versed in MACs, relevant codes, and reimbursement files.

What are Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs)?

Acquiring an in-depth understanding of the role and function of a Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) is critical to managing your practice’s or center’s IVIG purchase reimbursements. MACs essentially acts as intermediaries between healthcare facilities and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). All financial transactions are submitted by healthcare facilities to MACs to be processed for payment. MACs perform a host of time-sensitive and critical tasks including:

Submitting and accounting for Medicare FFS payments
Processing, Medicare FFS claims
Enrolling providers in the Medicare FFS program
Managing provider reimbursement services and provider cost reports
Overseeing and responding to redetermination requests (first stage appeals process)
Responding to provider inquiries and teaching providers about Medicare FFS billing requirements
Establishing and communicating local coverage determinations (LCD’s)
Reviewing medical records relevant to specific claims
Coordinating and communicating with CMS and additional FFS contractors

As you can see, MACs play an essential and decisive role in IVIG reimbursement and process over 1.2 billion Medicare FFS claims each year.

Using the Right Codes

The importance of using the right medical codes when it comes to submitting an IVIG purchase reimbursement claim is often underestimated. Precise medical coding is significant on many levels, among the most notable being its role in helping to maintain accurate patient records reflecting the treatment, care, and medications administered. Proper medical codes are also necessary to guarantee correct payment to physicians for services rendered. Failure to reference the right code may lead to delay or even denial of payment.

Medical coding is a complex and specialized asset for all healthcare organizations, regardless of size or patient population. Simply put, coding is the operational channel between coverage and payment. To ensure favorable and expeditious IVIG purchase reimbursement outcomes, you should employ an experienced medical coding service provider with a proven track record of quality and accuracy.

Estimating Your Reimbursement

When it comes to reimbursement, the only constant is change. In other words, reimbursement for the physician office and hospital outpatient facilities changes all the time. CMS provides reimbursement based on the Average Sales Price (ASP), which is calculated using manufacturer sales data. With fluctuating market conditions, new products emerging, and price shifts, it’s not surprising that reimbursement for some medication increases, while it decreases for others.

In addition to reviewing informative and updated resources such as CMS’s quarterly reimbursement drug file or ASP guides provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Resources, you need a trusted partner to answer your questions and ensure that you get the reimbursement that you deserve.

With so many factors to consider and effectively manage with ROI in mind. As a provider of this service, w, contact us today to learn more. It’s not what you’re paying; it’s what you’re getting paid.