Hospital in the Home Iron Infusion (IV Ferric Carboxymaltose)

This Hospital in the Home program offers IV iron infusions for people who are iron deficient and meet a number of clinical criteria.

About 

Adult Hospital in the Home (HITH) offers IV Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM, otherwise known as Ferinject®) for patients who are iron deficient and meet a number of clinical criteria. 

Cost 

No charge for Medicare eligible patients. 

Eligibility criteria 

Clients within Monash Health’s primary catchment.  

Adult HITH provide IV FCM for patients: 

• Iron deficient serum ferritin ≤30 µg/L​ 

• Iron deficiency in the setting of CKD or chronic inflammation 

Adult HITH does not investigate the cause of iron deficiency or provide ongoing management of iron deficiency. Patients requiring investigation and follow-up should be referred to Haematology. 

A referral guideline is available which provides guidance for GPs on referral. 

Adult HITH does not provide iron infusions for: 

• Patients who are not iron deficient (i.e. have serum ferritin > 30 µg/L) ​ 

• Patients who have a serum ferritin >30ug/L and no history of heart failure, chronic kidney disease or other chronic inflammatory condition.  

• Patients under 18 years of age.​ 

• Requirement for other forms of Iron Infusions e.g.Iron polymaltose​ 

• Known history of severe allergic reaction to Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) 

Alternative services available: 

• Patients under 18 years of age should be referred to the Paediatric Haematology team. 

• Patients with severe allergy or who are not suitable for FCM should be referred to a specialist for treatment by Day Therapy Unit or the Medical Infusion Unit. 

• For investigation of anaemia please refer to Haematology.  

External referral process 

From 30 June 2024 all GP referrals will need to be made via HealthLink. 

GP investigations to be performed 

Referrals will not be accepted without the relevant pathology results, including a full blood examination and iron studies completed within the last four weeks. 

Internal referral process 

Internal referral process is via SMR. 

 Referrals will only be received from medical professionals including GPs. 

When 

Iron Infusions are completed onsite at one of the Adult HITH clinics, with appointments 7 days a week generally between 8:30am and 3:30pm. 

 Where 

• Casey Hospital Berwick 

• Dandenong Hospital 

• Monash Medical Centre Clayton 

• Moorabbin Hospital