At I.V. Insights, we realize that many clients fail to get compliant with USP<797> because they feel it is cost-prohibitive. This is unfortunate because improved sterile compounding processes can lead to improved patient outcomes. Further, NOT getting compliant with USP<797> may actually hurt your bottom line depending on where you practice. Payers like Medicare are beginning to focus on pay-for-performance and are scrutinizing data such as infection rates. Many accrediting bodies are requiring compliance with USP<797> as certain payers are requiring accreditation to be reimbursed for services.
The truth is, there are many things that can be done to get compliant that won't 'break the bank'. Getting compliant with USP<797> does not have to be expensive. This is why we offer our USP<797>Gap Analysis Tool at a competitive price. We also offer competitively priced consulting services and a free consultation. There are a number of things you can do right now:
- Figure out where you are at:
- Define your Compounding Risk Level (i.e. 'low risk', 'medium risk', 'high risk', 'immediate use'...etc)
- Perform a Gap Analysis
- Come up with an action plan
- Implement/monitor action plan
- Reach for 'low-hanging fruit' first (i.e. documentation, training, anything that can be easily and quickly accomplished)
- Focus on 'Immediate Use' and 'Low Risk Compounding with 12 hour or Less BUD' meds whenever possible and outsource the rest (i.e. consider using systems such as the Baxter Mini-bag Plus System for most medications and outsourcing complex meds such as TPN and PCA to pharmacies equipped with a full cleanroom)
- Consider using 'Closed System Transfer Devices' (CSTDs) whenever possible for compounding hazardous meds
