High tech home care: surviving and prospering in a changing environment.

ABSTRACT

Managed care plans are expanding rapidly into new marketplaces. Reimbursement for home infusion therapy, including parenteral and enteral nutrition, is significantly affected under managed care, especially when capitated payment mechanisms are used. Home care companies have experienced downsizing, mergers, acquisitions, and fierce competition in the managed care environment. Clinicians who are entering the home care setting may find that, in addition to clinical expertise, their marketability depends on a set of new skills and abilities in order to prosper in this new environment.