Community Health Options has expanded its voluntary outpatient infusion program through a partnership with Local Infusion, which recently opened its first infusion center in Central Maine. This newest addition to the company's Site of Care Incentive Program gives Members access to preferred infusion providers and reduces out-of-pocket costs, along with offering an incentive of up to $1,000 to those who use the program.
LEWISTON, Maine, May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Community Health Options has expanded its outpatient infusion Site of Care program through a preferred provider partnership with Local Infusion—giving Members in Central Maine a new option for affordable infusion therapy, the company announced today.
Local Infusion recently opened in Augusta—its first infusion center in Maine—and will soon open a center in South Portland. Local Infusion also has locations in Concord and Bedford, New Hampshire. Nurse practitioners provide all care at the centers, which offer private suites, a dedicated infusion guide to assist patients with scheduling and financial guidance, flexible hours including nights and weekends, and convenient parking.
"Managing through an illness can be very hard but being able to receive treatment in these centers ensures our Members will be truly safe and supported as they navigate their busy lives," said Dr. Lori Tishler, Community Health Options' chief medical officer. "We're excited to work with a provider who shares our mission to make treatment more affordable while improving health outcomes for the people of Maine."
Local Infusion is the newest addition to Community Health Options' voluntary Site of Care Incentive Program, which gives Members access to preferred infusion providers at a fraction of the cost of non-preferred providers, yielding savings of as much as 50%. Along with reducing out-of-pocket costs, the program pays Members incentives of up to $1,000 a year to use the program.
"For too long, patients in Central Maine have been without options for affordable infusion therapy," said Woody Baum, CEO & founder of Local Infusion. "Local Infusion changes that by offering a care model with the highest patient satisfaction in the country. When you combine our focus on patient experience with Community Health Options' innovative approach to plan and network design, you get a recipe to materially drive savings for Mainers while elevating their satisfaction and health outcomes."
Community Health Options' Members are already taking advantage of the new service. One of the first Members to use Local Infusion said, "This was my first time getting an infusion, and I had originally tried to go to a different place. I waited months, and they never called me back. I just kept getting the answering machine—it was horrible! Local Infusion—they texted me back right away and I got an appointment the very next week. The nurse was amazing; it was an incredible experience."
The Community Health Options' Utilization Management Team tries to reach Members within two business days of a pre-authorization approval for infusion therapy to help them determine the best site of care—perhaps even in their home—based on the Member's location and medication being prescribed. Members in need of infusion treatment may also call Community Health Options' Maine-based Member Services team at (855) 624-6463.
About Local Infusion
Local Infusion is setting a new standard for infusion therapy—because patients deserve better. It aims to improve outcomes for patients, save time for physicians and make it all more affordable for everyone involved. Through a blend of human-centered design and a people-first culture, Local Infusion puts the "local feel" of community, comfort and connection back into the patient and provider experience. Local Infusion operates in the Northeast U.S., with the goal of improving patient care and outcomes, while saving time and lowering costs for patients, physicians and payers. To learn more, visit mylocalinfusion.com.
Follow Local Infusion on LinkedIn and Facebook.
About Community Health Options
Community Health Options is the only Maine‐based, nonprofit, Member‐led health insurer, providing comprehensive health plans for individuals, families and businesses. Community Health Options offers a robust network of 48,000 healthcare providers in New England, along with plans with U.S. national coverage for individuals and businesses.
Follow Community Health Options on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.
Media Contact
Theresa Miller, Community Health Options, 1 207-521-6772, [email protected]
Kamiu Lee, Local Infusion, 347-612-6056, [email protected]
SOURCE Community Health Options
Share this article