Did you know that antibiotic therapy at home is almost always less expensive than inpatient therapy? This is good news because the cost of a hospital stay can be significantly reduced, thus providing substantial cost savings to the patient and the insurer.

What is Antibiotic Therapy?

Antibiotic therapy generally is the use of antibiotics to treat, prevent or improve illness. An outpatient approach to therapy allows some patients to return home and resume their daily activities days or weeks before completing therapy. Antibiotic therapy also can begin as soon as the diagnosis is made, and hospitalization can be completely avoided. Some of the most common infections that may be treated with antibiotic therapy include:

• Bronchitis
• Cellulitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Pneumonia
• Staph infections
• Serious cases of Sinusitis

Carmichael’s can provide antibiotic therapy to fully facilitate the patient’s healing process. A referral is required from the patient’s doctor or the hospital caseworker in order to deliver the proper medications and application equipment. Carmichael’s will deliver the medication, delivery system and the IV site maintenance supplies. Carmichael’s also will coordinate patient education with the home health agency that will be attending the patient in order that the patient understands everything about the medication and how to utilize the delivery system. All patients are monitored for the duration of the therapy.

The delivery system for antibiotic therapy includes one of the following:

• An ambulatory pump that allows the patient to move around;
• A stationary pump that hangs from a pole and is immobile; or,
• An elastomeric pump – a disposable, automated infusion system.

Please contact a Carmichael’s representative to discuss any antibiotic therapy needs, to request additional information or to check your insurance or other available coverage.