Medibank has reported a 78 per cent increase in customers opting to receive their chemotherapy treatment at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The insurer has been trialling the option of its customers receiving their chemotherapy at home rather than a hospital. The service, which is delivered by View Health Chemo@Home, is administered by an oncology nurse in the customer’s home.
Medibank chief medical officer Dr Linda Swan said more customers are wanting to avoid a hospital visit during the pandemic.
“Understandably, going to hospital for chemotherapy during this time could be worrying. It has been positive to see more oncologists referring patients to the trial, as well as an increase in enquiries from Medibank customers regarding the program. We hope our customers using Chemotherapy at Home feel assured they’re receiving safe care right now,” said Dr Swan.
The chemotherapy at home program is currently available for customers in metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, and surrounding areas.
Dr Swan said customers have provided positive feedback during the four-year trial.
“It’s imperative that immunosuppressed patients are not exposed to any viruses at all. Our nurses have always been aware of this and we have implemented strict infection control procedures to protect staff and patients to prevent transmission of coronavirus,” added Dr Swan.