Challenges in enteral nutrition access and management: Safeguarding life-sustaining nutrition

An estimated 500,000 people in the United States require enteral nutrition. However, in 2023 a study revealed that a quarter of Home Medical Equipment (HME) providers may stop providing enteral nutrition because of the costs associated. The American Association for Homecare and the Global Enteral Device Supplier Association (GEDSA) released a white paper discussing the challenges facing enteral nutrition access along with some recommendations.

Certain components of a patient’s enteral nutrition therapy are categorized into a “feeding kit”. This kit will fall into one of three billing codes, syringe fed, pump fed, or gravity fed. The items in each kit can differ between patients, and they can also change over time as the patient’s enteral nutrition needs change. The kits can include, but are not limited to, dressings, tape, syringes, and various connectors and adapters. Some components such as extension sets, valve bags, or de-clogging devices are often ineligible for billing unless specifically authorized. HME providers can spend a considerable amount of time gathering required documentation to submit claims for enteral patients and any required enteral nutrition supplies. 89% of HME providers have reported increased labor and costs with providing enteral nutrition.

Patients who do not have adequate access to enteral feeding and the necessary supplies are at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is linked to an increase in hospital readmission rate and longer hospital stays. An estimated $147 billion per year is spent on malnutrition in the United States.

Please use the link below to view this white paper and the proposed solutions for better access to enteral nutrition:

*Enteral White Paper FINAL 12 09 23 (aahomecare.org)