Who needs it?
Enteral Nutrition (EN), also called Tube Feeding, is provided to people who cannot consume enough or absorb enough nutrients to meet their body’s nutritional needs
What is it?
EN provides a nutritionally complete formula directly into the stomach or small intestine through a flexible, hollow tube. Option Care Health’s Registered Dietitians (RDs) can work with you and your Prescriber to determine the best formula for your clinical condition to meet your individual needs.
How is it given?
EN can be given through a tube that is inserted into the nose (nasogastric tube) or a tube that is placed directly into the stomach (PEG or G-tube) or small intestine (J-tube). Your Prescriber will determine the right type of tube for you. Based on your clinical condition, EN can be provided through your tube in one of three ways:
- Bolus: Bolus, or syringe, feeding uses a syringe to push or funnel formula into your tube
- Gravity: Gravity feeding uses the pressure created by gravity to push formula from a feeding bag into your feeding tube
- Pump: Pump-assisted feeding delivers formula at a consistent rate through the feeding tube
**Your Option Care Health RD can obtain orders from your Prescriber and discuss with you how much formula and water you need each day in order to meet your nutritional needs.
How will I learn?
Our Clinical Transition Specialist, who are registered nurses, will work with you and your family until you are confident in knowing exactly how to prepare and administer your feeding. You will also receive detailed written instructions and have access to extensive resources to help you along the way.
When will I receive my formula and supplies?
After your Prescriber sends us your information and we verify everything, your delivery will be sent to your preferred address in a timely, safe and professional manner. We take pride in the quality of our supplies and delivery.
Will my insurance cover it?
Insurance benefits vary according to the individual insurance plan. Our Benefits Coordinator will contact your insurance provider to obtain your benefit information. Financial information and insurance coverage will be discussed with you before your service begins.
What resources are available?
Option Care Health has various resources to help you along the way –whether you are new to EN or have been a long-time patient. Visit our resources at www.optioncarehealth.com for more information, or contact your Option Care Health RD for more individualized education. You may also contact the Oley Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides information and support for nutrition patients. You can visit them at www.oley.org.
Do you have additional questions about your Enteral Nutrition? You can count on our team to have the answers you need. We are here to support you every step of the way.