pace5ddc7387

New Year, New Benefits, New Site of Care

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:22:52 GMT

How to get the best care in the new year.

New Year, New Care: Empowering Your Specialty Infusion Journey in 2026

As we step into 2026, many patients managing chronic conditions with biologic and IV therapies find themselves evaluating their health goals. If you have been considering a change in where you receive your care, now is the perfect time to explore how transitioning to a specialized setting like Pace can enhance your experience and financial well-being.

Overcoming the "Doctor Discussion" Hesitancy

It is natural to feel hesitant about moving your care, especially if you have a long-standing relationship with your current specialist. However, it is important to remember that you have the right to choose the site of care that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Choosing a specialized infusion center does not mean you are leaving your doctor; it simply means you are selecting a focused environment for your treatments. We bridge this gap by handling the logistics for you. Once you decide to move, our team will contact your prescription-ordering physician directly to coordinate the transition, ensuring they remain the lead in your clinical journey.

Financial Support and Savings

Navigating the costs of specialty medications can be overwhelming. In 2026, insurance landscapes continue to shift, and we are here to ensure you aren't left behind.

Copay Assistance & Free Medications: We actively help patients apply for manufacturer copay assistance and patient assistance programs (PAPs) that provide free or low-cost medications to those with limited income.
Insurance Verification: Our team handles the verification of coverage and securing prior authorizations, so you don't have to worry about "hidden or surprise costs".
Saving Your Employer Money: Infusion centers operate with lower overhead than hospital systems. By choosing a specialized outpatient setting, you are helping to lower the overall cost of care for your employer’s health plan, which can lead to better long-term benefits for everyone.

The Benefits of a Specialized Setting

Transitioning your care often brings immediate quality-of-life improvements:

Personalized Comfort: Enjoy private rooms with amenities like Wi-Fi, snacks, and comfortable reclining chairs.
Efficiency: Smaller centers typically offer shorter wait times and easier parking compared to large hospital complexes.
Expert Monitoring: Receive care from specialized nurses who focus exclusively on infusion therapy, ensuring a high standard of safety and adherence.

Take the First Step

Making the switch is simpler than you think. You don't have to manage the paperwork alone—we take care of the transfer.

How to get started:

Call us at Pace.
Provide the name of your IV-ordering physician.
We will contact them to handle the referral and clinical details.

Let 2026 be the year you take full control of your infusion care experience. Contact us today to see how we can support your health and your wallet.

How can I keep getting my care during my snowbird stay?

khostetler@paceinfusion.com (Keith Hostetler) — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 14:03:31 GMT

Traveling or wintering in another state

Many of our patients travel out of town to escape the cold realities of cold Ohio winters. Several of our patients have jokingly asked that we set up an office in Florida. While we love the idea, we cannot make it work with credentialing, contracting, logistics etc. and we kind of like the cold dreary days of Ohio winters.

When they ask us what to do so that they don't miss doses, we have several options for them. The one we like the best is where we had a patient jump on a plane, fly to Akron and return the next day. That option is not reasonable for most so what we recommend is planning ahead. If you mention to the staff at Pace that you will be out of town for your regularly scheduled visit, we can work with you to find an independent infusion center close to where you are staying. For example we have coordinated care with infusion centers in Sarasota as well as in The Villages. We have one patient that regularly switches care from his ranch out west and Ohio.

How can you find a good infusion center? We like to use the National Infusion Center Association location finder here https://locator.infusioncenter.org - It will show you most of the infusion centers that are near your location and those that have verified their center. A good tip would be to call the center and see if they provide infusions for your specific medications, if they accept your insurance, also confirm that they are in network by talking with your insurance carrier and then call them for their process of transferring the care. They will most likely need a new prior authorization from your insurance company (except for traditional Medicare) and will likely need to get that from your prescribing physician.

If you run into any difficulty or have questions, our staff will be happy to help you.

Is IV Care Right for You? Understanding the Facts

khostetler@paceinfusion.com (Keith Hostetler) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:17:59 GMT

At Pace Healthcare in Wooster, Ohio, we sometimes get asked questions like, “Is IV care real medicine?” It’s an important question, and one we’re always happy to answer.

The short answer? Yes. The IV treatments we provide are prescribed by licensed physicians, regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and administered in a safe, accredited medical setting.

What IV Therapy Really Is

IV (intravenous) therapy has been a trusted part of medical care for decades. In hospitals, outpatient clinics, and emergency rooms, it’s a standard way to deliver fluids, nutrients, and medications directly into the bloodstream. This approach is especially helpful when:

You can’t take medications orally
You need rapid hydration
You require immediate delivery of certain medications

Our patients often come to us when their doctor is managing chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or immune deficiencies that require specialized IV medications.

Clearing Up Common Confusion

Some people associate IV treatments with wellness spas or alternative therapy providers, where infusions might include vitamins or herbal blends. While those services may have their place, they are very different from the care we provide at Pace Healthcare.

Here’s the key difference: our IV treatments involve prescription medications ordered by your physician to treat specific, diagnosed medical conditions. They’re not “boosters” or “feel-good” drips, they’re part of an established medical treatment plan.

Why Patients Choose Pace Healthcare

Located right here in Wooster, we’re proud to serve patients across Wayne County and surrounding areas. When you choose Pace Healthcare, you can expect:

Accredited, licensed care – We follow the same strict standards as hospitals and major healthcare systems.
Insurance-friendly service - We are credentialed and contracted with most major insurance providers.
Comfortable, private setting - Our treatment rooms are quiet and designed to make your visits as stress-free as possible.
Local convenience - Many of our patients used to travel to Cleveland, Akron, or Columbus for the same treatments they can now receive close to home.

Your Health and Safety Come First

We believe patients should always feel informed and comfortable about their care. That’s why we take the time to answer every question, whether it’s about how a medication works, what to expect during your visit, or how your insurance will cover treatment. Our goal is simple: to make sure you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

If you live in Wooster or the surrounding areas and need IV therapy for a chronic condition, you don’t have to face long drives or crowded hospital settings. Pace Healthcare offers the same high-quality, medically supervised care right here in your community.

Have questions about IV therapy? Call us today or stop by our Wooster office. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.

What is Whitebagging?

khostetler@paceinfusion.com (Keith Hostetler) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:14:31 GMT

Efficiency or added administrative burden?

White bagging is a pharmacy distribution model where insurers require patients to obtain provider-administered medications from a designated specialty pharmacy, which then ships the drugs to the infusion center for administration. While this may appear cost-effective on the surface, it often results in hidden expenses for employers and payers. A recent Avalere Health study found that white bagging leads to significant drug waste and insider self-payments to insurance company owned specialty pharmacies.

Infusion centers incur unreimbursed administrative costs for handling and disposing of these drugs. These inefficiencies undermine the anticipated savings and can ultimately increase the total cost of care for employers.

When white bagging is mandated, infusion centers lose control over drug sourcing and delivery making it harder to maintain quality care and timely treatment. Moreover, patients may face delays and increased out-of-pocket costs due to insurance restrictions and logistical challenges.

For these reasons, many infusion centers and hospitals advocate against white bagging and support legislation that protects provider autonomy and ensures equitable reimbursement. Pace will allow whitebagging in certain situations but patients may incur additional administrative fees not covered by insurance.

Why do I have to go to Pace for a simple injection?

khostetler@paceinfusion.com (Keith Hostetler) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:05:27 GMT

Why cant my regular doctor give me the shot?

At Pace Healthcare, we specialize in administering high-cost injectable medications such as Prolia®, Evenity®, and Leqvio®—in a safe, controlled environment designed specifically for these treatments.

Many physician offices are understandably reluctant to provide these injections due to the complexity and financial risk of stocking such expensive medications. That’s where we come in.

Why Choose In-Office Injection at Pace Healthcare?

1. Covered Under Medical Benefits

When injections are administered at a certified infusion or injection center like ours, they are typically billed under the medical benefit of your insurance plan. This can result in lower out-of-pocket costs for patients, compared to using pharmacy benefits and receiving the medication via “white bagging.”

2. No Hassle with Medication Handling

When medications are “white bagged” (shipped to the physician from a specialty pharmacy), the patient or the office is often responsible for tracking, storing, and ensuring the medication arrives correctly and on time. This can lead to delays or treatment interruptions. At Pace, we handle procurement, storage, and preparation—so you don’t have to.

3. Expert Clinical Oversight

Our clinic is staffed by experienced nurses and providers who specialize in injectable therapies. We monitor for side effects and ensure each dose is administered safely and accurately.

4. Improved Continuity of Care

We work directly with your referring physician and provide timely updates so that your care team is always informed. There’s no gap between your treatment and your medical record.

Ask your doctor for a referral to Pace Healthcare and let us take care of the rest. Our team is here to ensure your treatment is as smooth, safe, and cost-effective as possible.

When Medication Costs Feel Overwhelming: How Pace Healthcare Can Help

khostetler@paceinfusion.com (Keith Hostetler) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:45:15 GMT

What to do when your patient portion is too much

For many patients in Wayne, Holmes and Ashland Counties in Ohio , infusion therapy can be life-changing. But we also know it can come with a tough challenge such as copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses that sometimes feel impossible to manage.

At Pace Healthcare , we never want cost to be the reason someone in our community has to stop or delay treatment. That’s why we make it a priority to help patients in Wooster, Orrville, Smithville, Rittman, Dalton and throughout all of Wayne and Holmes Counties to explore every possible resource for financial assistance.

You’re Not Alone in This

It’s not uncommon for insurance to leave patients with a large portion of their medication cost. For some, this creates a real barrier to continuing therapy. We’ve seen how stressful this can be, not just physically, but emotionally.

The good news? There are charitable foundations and assistance programs designed specifically to help people with chronic and rare conditions pay for their treatments. These programs can help cover copays, premiums, deductibles, and other medication-related costs. There are also copay assistance plans that can help cover patient portions.

While funding is often limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, getting on a program’s waiting list can make all the difference when funds become available.

Patient Assistance Programs Worth Exploring

Here are some trusted national programs that some of our patients in Wayne County have successfully used:

HealthWell Foundation

Assists with copays, premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses for essential treatments.

The Assistance Fund (TAF)

Provides financial assistance to help underinsured patients access critical medications.

PAN Foundation

Supports people with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases in affording their treatments.

Good Days

Offers resources for life-saving and life-extending treatments, with support for eligible patients nationwide.

Each program has its own eligibility requirements, covered conditions, and application process. Some open new funding throughout the year, so being prepared and applying early can improve your chances.

How Pace Healthcare Supports Patients in Wayne County and Beyond

Our Wooster-based team is here to walk you through every step. Whether it’s gathering the right documentation, helping with applications, or keeping track of deadlines. We work closely with your physician and insurance provider to make sure no opportunity for assistance is missed.

We believe healthcare should be centered on your well-being, not your wallet. That’s why we take time to help you understand your options and connect you to the right resources.

Don’t Delay the Care You Need

If you live in Wayne County, Ohio or surrounding areas and you’re worried about the cost of your infusion therapy, we can help. We’ll guide you through patient assistance programs and work with you to keep your treatment on track.

Your health is too important to let cost be the deciding factor. At Pace Healthcare, we’re committed to helping our neighbors in Wooster, Orrville, Rittman, and all across Wayne County receive the care they need close to home, in a safe and comfortable setting.

Call our Wooster office today to learn more about patient assistance programs and how we can help you continue your therapy without unnecessary stress.

Transferring care to Pace

khostetler@paceinfusion.com (Keith Hostetler) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:34:51 GMT

New Title

Making the Switch: How to Transfer Your Infusion Care to Pace

You've discovered Pace—an infusion center that's closer to home, more convenient than driving to the big city, and preferred by your insurance company. The benefits are clear, but now you're wondering: how do you make the transition without creating tension with your current healthcare team?

Navigating the Conversation with Your Doctor

It's natural to worry about potentially offending your physician, especially if they initially recommended their own infusion center or the local hospital. However, most healthcare providers genuinely prioritize what's best for their patients and won't object to you receiving care at a more convenient location.

While some employed physicians may have institutional incentives to direct patients to specific facilities, the ultimate choice of where to receive your treatment remains yours as the patient. Your comfort, convenience, and insurance preferences are valid factors in this decision.

Making the Transition Smooth for Everyone

The key to a seamless transition is open communication and letting Pace handle the logistics. Here's our recommended approach:

Step 1: Talk to Your Physician

Simply mention to your current physician that you'd like to change infusion centers. Most providers will understand and support your decision, especially when you explain the practical benefits.

Step 2: Contact Pace

Reach out to us and ask us to coordinate directly with your physician's office. We'll handle:

Prior authorizations
Insurance verifications
All necessary paperwork and transfers

Step 3: Schedule Your First Appointment

Once your insurance approves the transfer, we'll call you to schedule your first infusion appointment at Pace.

Maintaining Continuity of Care

Your physician will continue to receive comprehensive reports of your infusion treatments, ensuring they stay informed about your care. We can also coordinate lab draws prior to your IV treatments if your provider requests them, maintaining the same level of monitoring you're accustomed to.

Supporting Your Healthcare Team

We understand that transferring care involves more than just the patient and physician. We work collaboratively with:

Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners to ensure seamless clinical communication
Office staff who often struggle with prior authorization processes and medication ordering

Most medical offices appreciate this support, as it reduces their administrative burden while ensuring their patients receive excellent care.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Whether you're currently receiving infusions at a main hospital campus, an oncology center, or a small treatment room in your physician's office, transferring to Pace is straightforward. We're designed to make the process as simple as possible for both you and your healthcare team.

When you're ready to experience the convenience and personalized care that Pace offers, give us a call. We'll take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most—your health and well-being.

Questions about transferring your care? Contact Pace today to speak with our team about making your transition seamless and stress-free.

Copay Programs

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:22:30 GMT

Are they ethical, should you use one?

Navigating High-Cost Autoimmune Treatments: A Guide to Copay Cards

Receiving news that your autoimmune condition has progressed to requiring injectable or IV treatments can feel overwhelming. Beyond coordinating a regular treatment schedule, you're now facing the financial reality of potentially maxing out your insurance deductible. When treatment costs can reach $100,000 per year, the question becomes: how can anyone afford this?

Exploring Your Financial Options

While reaching out to charities, local churches, or generous family members are all viable options for financial assistance, these resources aren't always accessible or preferred by every patient. Fortunately, many pharmaceutical manufacturers recognize these cost barriers and offer an often-overlooked solution: copay assistance cards.

Understanding Copay Cards

A copay card is a manufacturer-provided benefit that significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs for specific medications. Here's how it works:

You present the card to your healthcare provider alongside your insurance
Instead of paying hundreds or thousands of dollars per dose, you pay only $5-$50
The manufacturer covers the difference through a virtual payment system
Your insurance deductible is still credited with the full treatment cost, just as if a benefactor had paid on your behalf

The key advantage? You meet your deductible requirements without the financial burden of paying the full amount yourself.

Addressing Ethical Concerns

Some question whether manufacturer copay assistance is ethical. We believe it's as legitimate as any other form of financial aid, whether from charities or private donors. The treatment cost remains the same, and your insurance processes the claim normally—the only difference is the funding source.

However, some insurance companies have introduced "copay accumulators" that don't count manufacturer assistance toward your deductible. In extreme cases, insurers have retroactively demanded additional deductible payments months after treatment, claiming the original assistance "didn't count." This practice of requiring patients to pay multiple deductibles for the same coverage period raises serious ethical questions about fair insurance practices.

Getting Help with the Process

Navigating copay card applications can be confusing, which is why the staff at Pace is ready to guide you through the entire process. We recommend having your copay card approved and on file before your first infusion to ensure smooth payment processing and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Unlike some providers who require upfront payment with later reimbursement, Pace works directly with copay assistance programs. We're willing to wait for payment from your copay plan, making the process more convenient for you.

Your Role in the Process

While we're here to help, remember that ensuring your copay assistance is properly set up remains your responsibility. When we work together to establish these programs, everyone benefits from achieving truly affordable care.

Taking the Next Step

Don't let the cost of necessary treatments delay your care. Copay assistance cards can make expensive autoimmune treatments financially manageable. Contact our team to learn more about available programs and how we can help you navigate the application process.

Remember: Every patient's insurance situation is unique. Always verify coverage details and copay assistance eligibility with both your insurance provider and the manufacturer's program.

Biosimilars - Mirror Image Meds?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:01:55 GMT

Are they the same and do they work?

Understanding Biosimilars: A New Era in Biologic Therapy

Biosimilars are transforming the landscape of biologic treatments, offering patients more accessible options for managing chronic and complex conditions. But what exactly are biosimilars, and how do they differ from traditional generics?

What Are Biosimilars?

Biosimilars are FDA-approved medications that are highly similar to already approved biologic drugs, known as "reference products." While they are not exact copies—due to the complex nature of biologic medications—they have no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and effectiveness

Think of biosimilars as the "generic" version of biologics, but with a twist. Unlike generic drugs, which are chemically identical to their brand-name counterparts, biosimilars are made from living cells and are nearly—but not exactly—the same as the original biologic

Benefits of Biosimilars

Cost Savings : Biosimilars are typically 20–30% less expensive than their reference products, helping reduce healthcare costs for both patients and providers so insurance companies sometimes mandate their use. 1 .
Increased Access : Lower costs can allow some patients that might not otherwise been able to afford medications to now get life-saving treatments.
Proven Safety and Efficacy : Biosimilars undergo rigorous testing and must meet strict FDA standards to ensure they perform just as well as the original biologic.

Concerns to Consider

Complex Manufacturing : Because biosimilars are made from living organisms, slight variations can occur, which may affect how the drug works in some individuals 2 .
Insurance and Reimbursement : Some insurance plans may still favor brand-name biologics due to rebate agreements, potentially limiting patient access to biosimilars 1 .
Patient and Provider Confidence : Education is key to ensuring both patients and healthcare providers feel confident in switching to or starting with a biosimilar.

At Pace, we are committed to offering safe, effective, and affordable treatment options. If you have questions about biosimilars and whether they’re right for you, our team is here to help.

What's in a name

khostetler@paceinfusion.com (Keith Hostetler) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:52:30 GMT

A different speed of care

Starting a new business is full of exciting challenges—but few are as deceptively tricky as choosing the right name. A name isn’t just a label; it’s a reflection of your values, your vision, and the experience you want to create. For me, with over 30 years in healthcare and a background in pharmacy, I knew I wanted our new medical infusion center to stand for something deeper.

Healthcare today can feel overwhelming—fast-paced, impersonal, and often stressful. But I envisioned something different. I wanted to create a space that felt calm, grounded, and close to home. A place where patients could receive high-quality care without the chaos. A place that felt… peaceful.

Peace has always been a guiding principle in my life, rooted in my Mennonite heritage. It’s a value that has shaped how I live and how I care for others. So naturally, I wanted that same spirit to be reflected in our business. But naming a healthcare center “Peace” felt a bit too on-the-nose—and, as it turns out, it’s been done before.

So I started exploring. I looked up translations of the word “peace” in different languages, hoping something would resonate. That’s when I discovered something beautiful: in Latin, “peace” is translated as "pace". Think Dona nobis pacem.

It was a perfect fit.

Not only does pace mean peace in Latin, but in English, it also suggests movement—walking, running, progressing. It speaks to the rhythm of care we aim to provide: steady, thoughtful, and always moving forward. At Pace Healthcare, we’re committed to staying current with medical advancements, but we’re equally committed to delivering care at a human pace—never rushed, always intentional.

So that’s how Pace Healthcare was born. A name that honors our roots, reflects our mission, and invites patients to experience a different kind of care—one that’s both modern and mindful.

Whether you’re receiving treatment at home or in a hospital, we believe everyone deserves a better pace of care.