Payer White-Bagging Requirements for Infusion Care

This guide presents findings from a study commissioned by the National Infusion Center Association, Infusion Providers Alliance, and The US Oncology Network, conducted by Avalere to investigate the financial implications of white bagging in the context of infusion care. The research aims to assess the impact of specialty pharmacy acquisition models on the economics of infusion practices, payers, and patients. It details the costs associated with discarded vials due to white bagging, which can range from $35,000 to $652,000 per site annually, depending on patient volume and drug types. The guide outlines how white bagging alters reimbursement structures, potentially leading to unreimbursed costs for providers. It highlights the administrative burdens and out-of-pocket expenses faced by patients, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to evaluate the hidden costs of white bagging. The document also discusses the broader implications for patient care and provider sustainability amidst evolving payer policies.