Yes, there is a new bar in town and not the kind you think. They are known as IV Drip bars. You can get IV fluids at these trendy concierge IV Drip bars, in the comfort of your own home, at drip parties or almost any location nowadays with the mobile services. Many folks are getting an IV of various vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.
What are the benefits?
As a reminder, you should always consult with your doctor regarding the safety and efficacy of any treatment. IV Drip bars boast about benefits such as hydration, immune support, fatigue, hangovers, anti-aging, pain relief and more.
Is it safe?
There is very little information showing any evidence regarding the safety and/or value of these treatments. However, there are some experts who caution folks with heart disease or kidney problems as they could be at greater risk of harm.[1]
Is it covered by insurance?
Typically it is not covered by insurance unless there is a specific condition that warrants it and deemed medically necessary. Please check your respective plan policies.
What should you look for?
- Look for excessive prescribing of various vitamins and minerals. One example would be Vitamin D3 and NDC 51927103400 (there are many NDCs)
- Look for billing of infusions without a corresponding illness approved by your plans for such infusions
- Look for physician orders and no physician/patient relationship
- No supporting labs in the patient medical history
- Look for the Myers Cocktail[2]
Healthcare Fraud Shield captures this type of behavior in our integrative approach through both our Artificial Intelligence and alerts such as:
[2035-01] – BILLING FOR SERVICES NOT RENDERED: MISSING MEDICATION CODES
[2363-01] – COVID-19, MEDICALLY UNNECESSARY, VITAMIN INFUSIONS
[5269-20] – OUTLIER, NON-MEDICAL IV THERAPY, DRIP BARS
These are just a few of the many behaviors we monitor in this area.
REFERENCES
[1] https://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2022/iv-vitamin-therapy.html
[2] https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/intravenous-vitamin-therapy-myers-cocktail#:~:text=The%20Myers’%20cocktail%20is%20a,calcium)%20mixed%20with