• A pulmonary diagnosis
• Pulse Oxymetry or ABG
• Written order for O2

When you order oxygen for your patient their insurance sets the coverage criteria. In general, the patient needs to have a pulmonary diagnosis and a qualifying arterial blood gas (ABG) test, or pulse oxymetry.

In general, oxygen is covered when the patients resting pulse oxymetry, on room air, is 89% or below. For ABG tests, the PO2 result must be 55 or below.  It should be noted that Medi-Cal only permits ABG tests while Medicare will allow either.

For most patients, oxymetry is the best option as it is non-invasive. You can record oxymetry done in your office, or we can arrange for overnight testing.