| Oxygen Bulletin for Physicians |
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There has been a change to the Medicare coverage for oxygen equipment that all physicians should be aware of. The change became law in 2006 but did not affect patient access until 2009. Prior to 2006 Medicare paid for oxygen equipment monthly, for as long as it was medically necessary. The new law has made oxygen a “capped rental” item. Now oxygen is paid for by Medicare for 36 months. The first affects of this new law became apparent to patients in January, 2009 (36 months from 2006). Under the new plan, Medicare will pay for oxygen for 36 months. At the end of that time, the patient keeps the equipment as longs as it is medically necessary. The provider of the equipment is required to maintain the equipment up to month 60 (5 years). Problems arise when the patient needs to travel, or becomes dissatisfied with the service they are receiving. Under the new rules, the patient cannot change to another provider after month 36. Further, it is the new provider’s discretion whether they will accept a patient who has used a portion of their 36 months of coverage. We are finding that patients are attempting to switch their service to us, and are unable because coverage has been exhausted. We urge you to contact us with any new patients to your practice who require oxygen therapy. It should be noted in your chart the month they came to you at and where it falls in their 36 month cycle. This will allow you to move the service if you believe it is warranted. It will also help prepare the family should the patient move to another area not serviced by their existing provider. |