New study highlights quality and effectiveness of non-hospital treatment settings for specialty medications

Specialty medications used to treat rare, chronic, and complex diseases are often administered via injection or infusion. While some patients need to receive these medications in a hospital setting, most patients can use options that are more affordable and more convenient. These include infusion centers not affiliated with hospitals, qualified physician’s offices, or administration in the patient’s home by a trained nurse. When appropriate, guiding patients to these non-hospital settings can make specialty treatment easier to access while reducing health care costs.

Although some treating physicians have concerns about the quality and safety of alternative sites, new research published in the Journal of Clinical Pathways found that patients who received specialty medication treatments at non-hospital outpatient settings are less likely to experience adverse reactions or seek care at the emergency room than those treated at hospital outpatient settings. They are also less likely to be hospitalized within a week following treatment. These findings are based on a retrospective analysis of Cigna Healthcare claims data from more than 122,000 patients who received nearly 1 million injections or infusions of 72 specialty drugs between January 1, 2021, and October 31, 2023.

“This research clearly demonstrates that administering specialty medications in non-hospital settings is safe and effective,” said Dr. Jeff Langsam, national director of oncology and senior medical director of specialty pharmacy at Cigna Healthcare. “The convenience and comfort of these less intensive care settings also enhance the patient’s experience.”

Fewer adverse reactions

The study found that patients treated with specialty medications outside hospitals had a lower risk of adverse reactions than those treated in hospital outpatient departments.

Fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions

In most cases, these patients also were less likely to need emergency or inpatient care after treatment.

Ensuring safe and appropriate care

The research indicates that non-hospital settings are safe and effective alternatives for administering specialty medications. This supports Cigna Healthcare’s site-of-care optimization strategies to identify patients who might benefit from these less intensive and more affordable treatment sites. These strategies play a key part in Cigna Healthcare’s Pathwell Specialty benefit, which offers access to over 28,000 quality specialty treatment providers, including home infusion nurses, physician offices, and infusion centers. Clinical experts from Cigna Healthcare collaborate closely with treating practitioners and patients to determine the most appropriate site of care, considering factors including the patient’s medical condition, location and treatment plan. Cigna Healthcare also monitors patient progress to ensure positive outcomes.

“Guiding patients in specialty treatment to less intensive yet clinically appropriate settings can substantially lower costs for patients and their plan sponsors, without compromising the quality of care,” Langsam said.

This article was created with the assistance of AI tools. It was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Cigna Healthcare’s editorial team and subject matter experts.