Respiratory Care
Oxygen Concentrators
Basic Oxygen Concentrator Information:
There are 2 types of Oxygen Concentrators; Stationary Concentrators and Portable Concentrators. Each of these has its’ own features and benefits. (Liquid Systems also called Helios Systems are not Concentrators but also supplies Oxygen continuously)
There are many manufacturer models of Oxygen Concentrators and related accessories. Each Concentrator has different features, yet all types provide the user with the ability to receive Oxygen on demand. If you plan on using your Insurance benefits to pay for this type of equipment, there may be specific guidelines and reimbursement coverage’s that will predict which concentrator your may receive. Unless you meet all guidelines, you may not be fully covered for reimbursement by your Insurance Company. Your Oxygen Provider may only provide specific types of Oxygen Concentrators due to the reimbursements of most Insurances being drastically reduced within the last 2 years.
Most all insurance companies reimburse for the Stationary Oxygen Concentrator. Medicare only reimburses this equipment for 3 years or 36 months.
Leading manufacturers’ product offerings have provided the latest technology and include many benefits for users. Respiratory Equipment improvements include energy savings power systems that run quieter than models designed 5 years ago. Some of the product offerings have features such as long-lasting components, patient-friendly design and lightweight maneuverability.
Basic Information about the benefits of Oxygen
Adequate oxygenation is necessary for optimal organ/body function. Chronic low oxygen levels put an additional strain on the heart and lungs. Supplemental oxygen has proven helpful in the treatment of Cardiopulmonary Disease such as, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Asthma, and Emphysema) Congestive Heart Failure, Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension.
Oxygen is a Drug:
Oxygen is a prescribed drug and must be prescribed by a doctor. The amount of Oxygen you receive must also be prescribed in the doctors order by a specific liter flow per minute or LPM. The flow of the Oxygen cannot be prescribed as a range of flow such as 2- 4 LPM. The prescription must state a specific flow such as 2 LPM or 4 LPM. If it is done completed this way, we are unable to deliver or supply this oxygen.
Special Note for Residents and Travelers to State of Florida: (Donna, place this information on the traveling page as well as the Oxygen page)
In the State of Florida, we are governed by the Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy and Affordable Medical Supply follows all the State and Federal Guidelines for the delivery and supply of Oxygen to all our customers. One of these rules requires we have an actual 3 x 5 prescription by the doctor each and every year. That means, if you are a patient or user of Oxygen with Affordable Medical Supply, you must have a new prescription on file each year in order for us to service you with your Oxygen needs. Not all states have this same ruling. If you are traveling to the State of Florida for any reason and need to rent Oxygen from us, we cannot use the standard Certificate of Medical Necessity from Medicare. Please Note that in order for us to remain compliant with the State rules, you will have to provide us with a prescription from your doctor that was written within the year.
Stationery Concentrators
All Stationary Oxygen Concentrators provide the user with a continuous supply of oxygen. These concentrators are most commonly used during the night so the user has a constant supply of Oxygen during sleep. The amount of Oxygen Supply you receive can only be prescribed by your doctor. Patients with respiratory diseases and are in need of a continuous supply most commonly use an Oxygen Concentrator. The most known pulmonary diseases are COPD, CHF, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
There are many styles of Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Some of these are capable of continuous oxygen flow and others are not. If they are not continuous, you cannot use them for night time usage for sleeping. All portable concentrators have batteries for portability and a plug for the batteries to recharge or for usage while not traveling. These batteries may not last as long as you need while traveling. Please check with each style to make sure it meets your needs. Most Portable Concentrators are based on a PulseDose supply of Oxygen. Please click here foe the understanding of PulseDose.
Respiratory Equipment Coverage
Question: Are Oxygen Concentrators, CPAP and Nebulizers covered by Medicare?
Answer: Oxygen Concentrators, CPAP and other respiratory products such as Nebulizers are Capped Rentals thru Medicare. Oxygen Concentrators are only paid by Medicare for 36 months. ( See Capped Rental Explanation)
Question: If you purchase a Portable Oxygen Concentrators will Medicare reimburse me?
Answer: No. Medicare does not allow for, or provide, coverage for both a home oxygen concentrator and additional Portable Oxygen Concentrator. If you are interested in obtaining a Portable Oxygen Concentrator, please call us and we can assist you in all the various models and help you choose one that nest suits your needs.
NOTE: Reminder: It is Hurricane Season on Florida for 6 Months of each year. June 1st thru November 30th. You may want to ask and invest into a Portable Oxygen Concentrator if you are a COPD, CHF, or other respiratory disease patient.
Question: What does capped rental mean?
Answer: For the majority of products covered by Medicare, 80% of the rental is covered for 13 continuous months of use. Most secondary insurers pick up the remaining 20%.
- Products covered as capped rental of 13 months:
- Hospital Beds.
- Manual Wheelchairs.
- Patient Lifts.
- Some Support Surfaces such as Low-Air-Loss and Alternating Pressure mattress.
- Oxygen Concentrator capped rentals through Medicare are only covered for 36 months of use.
After Medicare has paid for 13 months of continuous use, the supplier may transfer the title to the beneficiary.
Special Note: This rule does not apply to Oxygen Concentrators.
Question: What if my Insurance Coverage is not through Medicare? Will it be covered?Answer: Most Private Insurances such as BCBS, Aetna and United Healthcare PPO Insurances have longer rental periods. There are too many rules and guidelines for each policy variation to list, so please make sure you have all your current information ready when you call so we can verify all your benefits and explain your coverage fully.
Sample List of Equipment and Supplies for Oxygen Users:
A sample list of Oxygen Equipment and supplies are: Stationary Oxygen Concentrators, Oxygen Home Filling Systems, Oxygen Tank Cylinders in various sizes, Oxygen Regulators, Conserving Regulators, Portable Oxygen Concentrators, Liquid Fill Systems (Helios), Airline Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators and all the related attachments and accessories such as; oxygen tubing, various nasal cannulas, oxygen masks, tubing swivels, y-connectors, oxygen humidifier bottles, oxygen nipples, non re-breather masks,
