Discharge Delays and Costs Associated With Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy for High-Priced Antibiotics

Background Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a widely used, safe, and cost-effective treatment. Most public and private insurance providers require prior authorization (PA) for OPAT, yet the impact of the inpatient PA process is not known. Our aim was to characterize discharge barriers and PA delays associated with high-priced OPAT antibiotics. Methods This was an institutional review board–approved study of adult patients...