Frequently Asked Questions regarding Home Oxygen
Do I need a doctor’s prescription to receive oxygen therapy?
Oxygen concentrators are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a prescription from a physician must be issued to receive oxygen therapy. Your physician will order a blood test or oximetry test to determine what your oxygen level is. The prescription will indicate the flow rate of how much oxygen you need per minute to bring your Oxygen saturation levels up to a healthy level (liters per minute or LPM) and when you need to use oxygen.
What is Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is usually delivered as a gas via an oxygen source such as a cylinder or oxygen concentrator. The oxygen is breathed in by the patient through a nasal cannula or through a mask that covers the mouth and nose. A nasal cannula is a two-pronged device inserted in the nostrils and is connected to the tubing carrying the oxygen.
Will Medicare or private insurance cover some or all of my oxygen concentrator costs?
If your physician has prescribed oxygen therapy and you are eligible for Part B coverage, Medicare will cover your rental. Medicare’s coverage policies vary slightly from region to region, but generally Medicare Part B provides benefits at 80% of allowable charges. The patient is responsible for the remaining 20%, either directly or through their private secondary health insurance policy. Medicare will help pay for systems that furnish oxygen, oxygen storage containers, tubing and related supplies and oxygen contents.
Private insurance carriers vary even more. Call your insurance agent to clarify exactly what your policy pays towards home oxygen therapy.
Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator in my car?
Yes, there are newly designed portable oxygen concentrators on the market like the Simply Go Mini or Inogen G4 that are perfect for automobile travel. You can simply plug the unit into the car’s accessory outlet to maintain the charge of these units. The Simply Go Mini or Inogen portable oxygen concentrators can be placed out of the way, behind the front seat, allowing you to travel freely.
Can I take a portable oxygen concentrator on an airplane?
Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a select group of portable oxygen concentrators for air travel. Be certain to check with your air carrier first because not all airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators onboard. Check with your airlines website to see if they allow these units and what their requirements are. Most air carriers have a form that must be filled out prior to departure and must include your physician’s prescription.
Visit the travel page for medical oxygen that will direct you to each airline regarding oxygen on airplanes.
If Oxygen Is Prescribed with CPAP?
If your doctor has prescribed oxygen to use with your CPAP, instructions will be given to you on where to place the oxygen tubing on your CPAP circuit.
Have more questions about Oxygen use and the benefit you may have?
Please call and make an appointment with one of our friend Respiratory Therapists on staff. They will be happy to answer any questions you or your family may have.
Oxygen concentrators are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a prescription from a physician must be issued to receive oxygen therapy. Your physician will order a blood test or oximetry test to determine what your oxygen level is. The prescription will indicate the flow rate of how much oxygen you need per minute to bring your Oxygen saturation levels up to a healthy level (liters per minute or LPM) and when you need to use oxygen.
What is Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is usually delivered as a gas via an oxygen source such as a cylinder or oxygen concentrator. The oxygen is breathed in by the patient through a nasal cannula or through a mask that covers the mouth and nose. A nasal cannula is a two-pronged device inserted in the nostrils and is connected to the tubing carrying the oxygen.
Will Medicare or private insurance cover some or all of my oxygen concentrator costs?
If your physician has prescribed oxygen therapy and you are eligible for Part B coverage, Medicare will cover your rental. Medicare’s coverage policies vary slightly from region to region, but generally Medicare Part B provides benefits at 80% of allowable charges. The patient is responsible for the remaining 20%, either directly or through their private secondary health insurance policy. Medicare will help pay for systems that furnish oxygen, oxygen storage containers, tubing and related supplies and oxygen contents.
Private insurance carriers vary even more. Call your insurance agent to clarify exactly what your policy pays towards home oxygen therapy.
Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator in my car?
Yes, there are newly designed portable oxygen concentrators on the market like the Simply Go Mini or Inogen G4 that are perfect for automobile travel. You can simply plug the unit into the car’s accessory outlet to maintain the charge of these units. The Simply Go Mini or Inogen portable oxygen concentrators can be placed out of the way, behind the front seat, allowing you to travel freely.
Can I take a portable oxygen concentrator on an airplane?
Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a select group of portable oxygen concentrators for air travel. Be certain to check with your air carrier first because not all airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators onboard. Check with your airlines website to see if they allow these units and what their requirements are. Most air carriers have a form that must be filled out prior to departure and must include your physician’s prescription.
Visit the travel page for medical oxygen that will direct you to each airline regarding oxygen on airplanes.
If Oxygen Is Prescribed with CPAP?
If your doctor has prescribed oxygen to use with your CPAP, instructions will be given to you on where to place the oxygen tubing on your CPAP circuit.
Have more questions about Oxygen use and the benefit you may have?
Please call and make an appointment with one of our friend Respiratory Therapists on staff. They will be happy to answer any questions you or your family may have.
