Current Concepts in Supplemental Oxygen Therapy in Patients with COPD

Abstract

Long-term oxygen therapy can increase survival and improve quality-of-life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypoxemia. The indications and requirements for therapy have been defined by Medicare and are the standard for most third party payers. New reimbursement policies and changes in the Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) that were introduced in 1998 have substantially reduced reimbursement to oxygen suppliers (25% reduction in 1998 and an additional 5% in 1999) while removing the details of the medical prescription from the CMN except as transcribed by the oxygen supplier. This demands greater vigilance and knowledge by the physician and the requirement for transmission of a detailed medical prescription for oxygen equipment and therapy to the oxygen supplier prior to issuance of the CMN. New oxygen delivery systems are now available that allow greater freedom for patients and lower maintenance costs, but access to this new technology may be difficult without physician involvement.

Key Words:

home oxygen therapy - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease