Welcome to Beyond the Drip, where we dive into the fascinating world of Infusion Pharmacy, from Home Infusion to Ambulatory Infusion Centers. Expect topical conversations on the latest happenings in Infusion from industry leaders who will bring you the latest news, trends and innovations in the infusion industry, as well as expert insights and stories to keep you informed and inspired.
In episode 15, hosts sit down with Idara Umoh, founder of Echelon Health Partners, to discuss the evolving infusion landscape and the operational realities providers face today. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience across public policy, healthcare strategy and executive leadership, Idara shares how the infusion industry has transformed and what leaders must focus on to stay competitive.
Before launching Echelon Health Partners, Idara built a career spanning federal and state government, think tanks and non-profits. Her work in infusion began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when alternative sites of care became essential for delivering treatment safely. That experience ultimately led her to focus on helping infusion providers strengthen strategy, operations and financial performance in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Throughout the conversation, the group explores the growing complexity of the infusion market. While demand for infusion therapies continues to expand, operators face increasing competition, tighter margins and greater payer scrutiny. Idara emphasizes that success in infusion requires more than identifying high-margin therapies - it requires strong operational discipline, data-driven decision making and careful market strategy.
- The infusion market continues to grow, but increasing competition and tighter margins are creating new operational challenges for providers.
- Market strategy and planning are critical as venture capital and private equity continue entering the infusion space.
- Leaders must closely monitor operational metrics such as cash flow, revenue cycle performance and therapy-level margins to maintain financial stability.
- Payor dynamics, specialty pharmacy policies and site-of-care steerage are reshaping infusion economics across markets.
- Patient experience and strong referral relationships remain essential for sustainable growth and retention.
At its core, this episode highlights a key reality of the infusion industry: growth alone is not enough to ensure success. Providers must balance business strategy with operational excellence and patient-centered care.
Guest Speaker
Idara M. Umoh, MBA, CHFP
Idara Umoh is the Founder and President of Echelon Health Partners, a healthcare advisory firm focused on building, stabilizing, and scaling infusion and specialty service lines across health systems, physician practices, FQHCs, and investor-backed platforms. Her work centers on site-of-care strategy, infusion operations, revenue cycle optimization, and aligning financial performance with patient access.
Prior to founding Echelon Health Partners, she worked for nearly three decades in C-suite growth, strategy, policy, and client success roles within several complex, leading-edge care delivery organizations.
Beyond the Drip Co-hosts
Paula Roth, VP of Pharmacy Services at Prochant
As Vice President of Pharmacy Operations at Prochant, Paula leads an expert team focused on enhancing the home-based care industry through innovative technology and streamlined processes. With more than 20 years of experience in revenue cycle management for alternate sites of care, Paula leverages technology and teams to ensure clients achieve or exceed their financial targets.
Jon Love, President & Chief Growth Officer at MedEdge Solutions
Jon Love joins MedEdge with leadership experience in the infusion and specialty pharmacy industries. He has previously served in sales at WellSky, chief operating officer at Rock-Pond Solutions, and senior VP of pharmacy services at Prochant.
Pamela McIntyre, Founder and Owner of Expert Infusion Nurse Consulting
With 40 years of experience in infusion nursing, Pam founded Expert Infusion Nurse Consulting to advance excellence in infusion and mentor other infusion professionals. Her certifications include CRNI, IgCN, OCN, and VA-BC, and she has an immersive background in home infusion and ambulatory infusion in the fields of acute and chronic care, including oncology nursing.
Brandon Carpenter, President of MedEdge Solutions
Brandon Carpenter is the owner and founder of MedEdge Solutions. With more than 12 years of experience in pharmacy solutions, process improvement, and data analytics, Brandon takes an active role in each of their projects. Prior to forming MedEdge, Brandon was the Director of Products and Professional Services at Rock-Pond Solutions where he worked with over 250 pharmacies nationwide to solve problems ranging from system integrations, financial reporting, 340B, Limited Drug Distribution, and software management. He is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas where he received his bachelor’s in business & information systems, as well as his Master of Business Administration.
Brian O’Sullivan, President of The O’Sullivan Group
Brian O’Sullivan formed The O’Sullivan Group, Inc. in February 1999 to serve health care providers with managed care and provider business development services. Over the years, The O’Sullivan Group has also been sought out by Medicare Advantage and Managed Medicaid plans to assist with network development needs. His vision was to bring real world know-how by offering the same level of service and expertise for both large and small companies that are enjoyed by major Fortune 1000 organizations.
