Innovators of Home Infusion: Insights with Karen Martin, MA, RDN, LD, FAND, FASPEN, FNHIA

We are excited to feature Karen Martin, MA, RDN, LD, FAND, FASPEN, FNHIA as part of our "Innovators of Home Infusion" series. Karen is a distinguished member of the National Home Infusion Association's (NHIA) 2025 Fellow Program cohort, recognized for her significant contributions to the home infusion industry. With a passion for patient advocacy and clinical education, Karen has dedicated her career to enhancing access and quality in home infusion services.

Career Inspiration and Achievements

Karen's approach to professional development emphasizes connection and continuous learning. "Connect and be curious about what you can learn from the entire home infusion team," she advises new professionals entering the field. She recognizes that "home infusion is a niche practice area" that has provided her with lasting connections across referral sources, patients, and competitors. Karen highlights a critical knowledge gap in the industry: "Hospital-based clinicians have little to no knowledge of payor requirements for home infusion therapies. Increasing access to safe home care means educating and advocating for patients."

Industry Evolution and Challenges

Karen identifies reimbursement as the most significant challenge facing the home infusion industry today. She observes that "reimbursement challenges have driven leading home infusion companies from complex acute therapies toward high-dollar specialty therapies that require less lifting (monitoring & therapy adjustments) by the pharmacist or dietitian." Despite these challenges, Karen remains optimistic that "this exodus will awaken third-party payers to the fact that the cost of goods and labor has increased, while reimbursement rates have not, spurring better contracts."

Professional Growth and Contributions

Karen's involvement with NHIA committees has been transformative for her professional development. "I greatly enjoy collaborating with infusion colleagues on NHIA committees," she shares. Her first role on the NHIA clinical education committee exemplified the organization's collaborative spirit, where Ryan Garst fostered an environment where "industry competitors partnered for significant projects and programs benefiting all!" Karen emphasizes that "this unique organization provides amazing content and advocacy for our industry."

Research and Technological Advancements

In discussing the role of research in advancing home infusion, Karen points to innovative work being presented at industry conferences. She highlights research involving "nutrition diagnosis and payor trends" and notes the significant potential impact of "the migration of seniors from traditional to managed 'advantage' plans" on the industry. Karen believes that "aside from bench research, digging into this type of data is significant for the home and alternate infusion arenas."

Advocacy and Access

Karen has been actively involved in collaborative advocacy efforts with both ASPEN and NHIA. She was instrumental in updating "the Medicare Guidelines that had been in effect with little change since 1984. They did not reflect the updates in research, practices, and procedures or the evidence base." While acknowledging that "the revised guidelines are better, yet there is room for improvement," Karen continues to actively support "NHIA's efforts for preserving patient access."

Personal Motivation and Goals

What drives Karen in her career is the comprehensive benefit that home infusion therapy provides to patients. "The opportunity to receive safe home infusion therapy affords medical and non-medical benefits," she explains. Beyond avoiding hospital-acquired infections, patients can enjoy "a night of rest without hospital interruptions and sleeping in one's own bed" along with "access to familiar vs. institutional foods, proximity to loved ones (people and pets), and comfortable surroundings that promote health and healing." Karen summarizes her motivation simply: "Helping people navigate HIT is satisfying."

Impact of IMS

Karen recognizes the valuable role that Integrated Medical Systems (IMS) plays in the industry. She notes that "IMS support of NHIA promotes clinical advances and access to industry data in real time," contributing to improved outcomes across the home infusion sector.

Biography

Karen Martin, MA, RDN, LD, FAND, FASPEN, FNHIA serves as the Director of Sales Learning & Development at Amerita Specialty Infusion. She brings extensive experience in patient advocacy, clinical education, and policy development. Her collaborative approach and commitment to improving patient access to home infusion therapy continue to inspire colleagues and advance the field. Through her work with industry organizations and advocacy efforts, Karen plays a vital role in shaping the future of home infusion care while ensuring patients receive the highest quality treatment in the comfort of their own homes.