Nearly 300 patients have been treated in their own setting and out of the ER
Grand Rapids, MICH. (December 13, 2021) – With local ERs at capacity due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, TANDEM365 has expanded their business model over the past year to provide life-saving monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy and treatment to high-risk patients across West Michigan. Not only has the organization helped to save 300 lives from Oceana, Kent to St. Joseph counties, but they are working with facilities to train staff members to administer infusions where their patients are.
“I’m incredibly proud that our team quickly shifted to adopt a new workflow to timely treat the most vulnerable in our West Michigan community,” said Teresa Toland, CEO of TANDEM365. “The critical infusions we are providing are almost exclusively for patients that wouldn’t receive treatment otherwise because they can’t leave their setting. We are working with in-house facilities to train their staff to administer mAb therapy on the spot to rapidly improve symptoms, minimize risk, reduce costs, offer convenience and ultimately save lives.”
The FDA has authorized the use of COVID-19 mAb therapy to be administered to high-risk patients as soon as possible after testing positive for COVID-19 and within 10 days of symptom onset. mAb may improve symptoms and reduce risk of hospitalizations and death. In most cases, antibodies are administered through intravenous (IV) infusion. Regen-COV may also be administered through subcutaneous injection if IV infusion is not possible. Antibody treatment is authorized for people who meet select high-risk criteria, which includes being over 65 years of age, obese, pregnant, diabetic, and having chronic kidney disease.
Through continued partnerships with Spectrum Health, Mercy Health, University of Michigan Health-West, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care facilities, the State of Michigan, and others, TANDEM365 provides critical mAb therapy and staff training to administer the treatment in home, at neighboring infusion sites, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities, homeless shelters, jails, or in the same facility/setting as the patient.
“Providing a safe, healthy and nurturing environment is our top priority,” said Steve Fetyko, President and CEO, United Methodist Retirement Communities and Porter Hills Presbyterian Villages. “TANDEM365 has been a valued partner in training our team to deliver these vital therapies to our residents in their own environment, increasing efficiencies and outcomes, while minimizing stress on residents and their families at a critical time.”
On average the cost of 300 patients transported by ambulance to the ER and admitted is $3 million.
People who test positive should talk to their doctor about whether they should get antibody treatment and where to get it the fastest. Providers or patients in need of assistance locating an infusion site or connecting with a clinical trial, should call the Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Call Center. English: 877-332-6585. Spanish: 877-366-0310. Long-term care facilities should visit Michigan.gov/COVIDtherapy for more information. Skilled Nursing Facilities should contact MDHHS at mdhhs-covid-therapies@michigan.gov. For mAb training inquiries, contact TANDEM365 at 616.588.5290.
About TANDEM365
TANDEM365 is a 24/7 covered benefit health management resource for West Michigan at-risk seniors to remain in the comfort of their homes, while reducing frequent hospital visits. Through customized care from highly skilled nurses, social workers and community paramedics all rallying around a single patient and the personalized care plan designed together called their Life Plan, TANDEM365 aims to improve their patients’ quality of life.