Medicare Blog

how does inogen get medicare approval for their units

by Michael Lang Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

The requirements include: Documentation from your doctor that you have a severe lung disease or that you are not currently getting enough oxygen. Evidence that your health will be improved by oxygen therapy. An arterial blood gas level that falls within a certain (low) range.

Does Medicare cover inogen?

Does Medicare Cover Inogen? Inogen is a portable oxygen concentrator, which is a device that is used for oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy involves using a medical device to provide individuals with more oxygen, helping the patient breathe better. Medicare may cover Inogen and other oxygen therapy tools if you meet specific criteria.

Can I get a prescription for inogen?

If your physician determines that Inogen is medically necessary for maintaining your health, they can write a prescription for it. Medicare may help pay for the device if you have been diagnosed with a lung condition, such as COPD, asthma, pneumonia, or others.

How does inogen 4 work?

Inogen 4 is designed to be used with a nasal cannula and can maintain an appropriate flow rate with up to 25ft of tubing. The device operates with the company’s Intelligent Delivery Technology, which controls the pulse dose according to certain environmental factors, such as during sleep or daily activities.

Is the inogen 4 considered durable medical equipment?

Currently, portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen 4 can be considered durable medical equipment if the Medicare recipient has a qualifying medical need to use one. Your doctor may need to provide documentation of your current health needs and any related lab work that can prove you would benefit from oxygen supplementation.

Will Medicare pay for the purchase of a portable oxygen concentrator?

If you own your own equipment, Medicare will help pay for oxygen contents and supplies for the delivery of oxygen upon meeting Medicare conditions including doctor recommendation, failing arterial blood gas level range and other alternative measures have failed.

Is inogen FDA approved?

Inogen Wins FDA Approval For Innovative Home Oxygen Concentrator.

Are oxygen concentrators FDA approved?

At this time, the FDA has not approved or cleared any oxygen concentrators to be sold or used without a prescription. When using an oxygen concentrator: Do not use the concentrator, or any oxygen product, near an open flame or while smoking.

What is a qualifying diagnosis for oxygen?

SpO2 = 89% and qualifying secondary diagnosis, or SpO2 ≤88% for at least 5 cumulative minutes during a minimum 2 hour recording time, taken during sleep (nocturnal, stationary oxygen qualification only).

What are the flow settings on an inogen G5?

Inogen One G5 when you are traveling With the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator that will not be a problem, as this device offers pulse flow settings of 1-6. That being said, if the setting is set to 6 the battery's life span will not last as long as it would if the setting was set to 2.

What portable oxygen concentrator are approved by the FAA?

Per the Federal Aviation Administration, certain portable oxygen concentrators are permitted onboard the aircraft, including Inogen One, Sequal Eclipse, Airsep Lifestyle.

Does using oxygen make your lungs weaker?

Home oxygen therapy is not addictive and it will not weaken your lungs. You will get maximum benefit by using oxygen for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor. There is a range of oxygen equipment available.

Which is better oxygen tank or oxygen concentrator?

In most cases, when considering an oxygen concentrator vs. oxygen tank, an oxygen concentrator is easier to use, less costly in the long run and better able to provide a reliable source of oxygen for most patients.

Which of the following conditions qualify a patient for Medicare reimbursement for oxygen therapy in the home?

Oxygen equipment is covered by Medicare for patients with significant hypoxemia who meet the medical documentation, laboratory evidence and health conditions specified in the Medicare national and local coverage determination policies.

What is the Medicare requirement for oxygen saturation?

An arterial PO2 at or below 55 mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or below 88 percent, taken during exercise for a patient who demonstrates an arterial PO2 at or above 56 mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or above 89 percent during the day while at rest.

What are the accepted values to qualify a patient for home oxygen use?

An SpO2 of 90% or higher is considered normal. An SpO2 of 88% or higher is considered acceptable. So, an SpO2 of 87% or lower means you might benefit from home oxygen therapy.

How long do portable oxygen concentrators last?

While this varies based on the model and manufacturer, portable oxygen concentrators generally last from four to seven years. If you rent one, howe...

Can portable oxygen concentrators work 24/7?

Some models can function around the clock, depending on whether it uses continuous flow or pulse flow. Several models can even last for days on a s...

How do I know which type of portable oxygen concentrator is right for me?

This is a question best left to your doctor. When prescribing you portable oxygen, he will inform you of the amount of oxygen you’ll require, and h...

What is inogen used for?

Inogen provides a much needed boost of oxygen for individuals with a variety of health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart failure, pneumonia, sleep apnea, and much more.

What is the oxygen saturation level for Inogen?

In order to qualify for oxygen therapy like Inogen, your oxygen saturation level must be below 88 percent and the total oxygen level must be below 55 mg Hg. If you fit either of these requirements, you may be a good candidate for oxygen therapy.

How does an oxygen concentrator work?

These units work by continuously drawing in air, purifying it, and concentrating the oxygen for instant use. This prevents the need to purchase refills or buy replacement canisters.

What is covered by Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B insurance covers medically necessary services, supplies and durable medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators, tanks, refills, tubing, masks, storage devices, and more. All of these pieces of equipment can be covered as long as they are deemed necessary for use in your home on a daily basis.

Is sleeping equipment covered by Medicare?

Devices that are only needed for sleeping are generally not covered. Out-of-pocket costs can vary significantly based on your doctor’s order for the equipment, and whether you visit a Medicare-approved provider who accepts assignment.

Does Medicare cover Inogen?

Medicare Coverage for Inogen. In order for your Medicare benefits to help pay for the cost of Inogen, your physician will need to document your symptoms, including the extent of your oxygen needs. Some of these symptoms may include changes in your heart rate, coughing or wheezing, changes in behavior or mood, and breathing rate.

What is an Inogen 4?

The Inogen 4 device is described as a small, lightweight and quiet oxygen concentrator that can connect via Bluetooth with the company’s own mobile app. It can be powered by a single or double battery or it can be plugged in to provide continuous oxygen support around the clock.

What is the cost sharing obligation for Medicare Part B?

With Medicare Part B insurance, cost-sharing obligations for recipients in need of durable medical equipment usually include meeting the deductible and paying 20% of Medicare’s approved amount for that equipment.

How is oxygen used at home?

When used at home, oxygen therapy is usually administered to a patient via a nasal cannula or a face mask that is connected to an oxygen source. The type of oxygen source a patient uses can depend on a variety of factors. Common types of at-home oxygen therapy devices include: Oxygen concentrator. These devices can be bulky ...

Why do people need oxygen?

People who experience both chronic and acute respiratory issues may need to use supplemental oxygen in order to breathe easier and prevent their symptoms from worsening. Oxygen therapy can be provided in a clinical setting or through portable devices like the Inogen 4.

Is Inogen 4 a durable medical equipment?

Currently, portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen 4 can be considered durable medical equipment if the Medicare recipient has a qualifying medical need to use one. Your doctor may need to provide documentation of your current health needs and any related lab work that can prove you would benefit from oxygen supplementation.

What Is Inogen?

People who need supplemental oxygen therapy may be interested in portable oxygen concentrators such as Inogen. These units continuously concentrate oxygen from the air. The unit's user breathes in the supplemental oxygen, usually through a nasal cannula attached to the Inogen unit.

Does Medicare Cover Inogen?

Medicare covers portable oxygen concentrators, including Inogen, for beneficiaries who qualify under Medicare rules. Inogen is covered as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B.

How Much Does Inogen Cost?

The price of portable Inogen units starts at around $2,295, and the cost for a new model with a lifetime warranty is $3,495, as of 2021. The initial cost is higher than for a less-portable traditional oxygen canister system. However, Inogen doesn't require the user to purchase more oxygen, and Inogen units last for many years.

How Much Does Medicare Pay for Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

Original Medicare does cover Inogen, but the beneficiary is responsible for the Part B deductible and a 20% copay. Medicare Part B generally requires beneficiaries to rent, rather than purchase, an oxygen concentrator. The concentrator and supplies must come from a Medicare-approved supplier. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage.

How does Inogen work?

Depending on your exact situation, you might be able to get traditional oxygen or liquid oxygen therapy through Medicare more easily than portable oxygen. However, Inogen portable oxygen has strong advantages over other kinds of therapy: 1 There are no refills to worry about. 2 The machines are small and light enough to carry on a daily basis, giving you the freedom to go where you like. 3 Keeping the unit running is as easy as charging the battery (and it’s always a good idea to keep a spare charged battery on hand, too.) 4 Many portable oxygen concentrators are FAA approved for use on flights.#N#Cleaning and maintenance is easy.

What percentage of Medicare deductible is for oxygen equipment rental?

Other alternative measures have failed. If your paperwork is approved and Medicare agrees to pay for oxygen equipment rental, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies.

How long does Medicare cover oxygen?

After that period is up, your supplier must provide oxygen equipment and supplies to you for an additional 24 months for a total of five years, so long as you have a medical need for oxygen.

Does Medicare cover oxygen concentrators?

The answer to this is, technically, yes. Medicare covers durable medical equipment ( DME), and Inogen oxygen concentrators fall into this category that also includes blood sugar monitors, walkers, and infusion pumps.

Can you rent an oxygen concentrator?

Some suppliers offer an option to rent rather than buy a portable oxygen concentrator. This can be particularly helpful if you only need the concentrator for a short time, like before or after surgery. Renting isn’t usually a good long-term plan, as the cost of renting over a longer period often ends up higher than if you’d bought the machine.

Can you get oxygen through Medicare?

Depending on your exact situation, you might be able to get traditional oxygen or liquid oxygen therapy through Medicare more easily than portable oxygen. However, Inogen portable oxygen has strong advantages over other kinds of therapy: There are no refills to worry about.

Does Medicare pay for oxygen?

Medicare covers the rental (but not purchase) of oxygen equipment. Medicare will generally pay for oxygen if: Your doctor says you have a severe lung disease or you’re not getting enough oxygen. Your health might improve with oxygen therapy. Your arterial blood gas level falls within a certain range.

Even Better With Oximedical

We are proud to carry the Inogen One G5. Its a sweet little machine for oxygen therapy patients. But can we make it even better? We think so! When you purchase your Inogen One G5 from OxiMedical Respiratory, you also receive:

About Inogen One Oxygen Concentrators

Inogen Oxygen concentrators are used by people who have difficulty breathing or cannot breathe independently. Oxygen concentrators are useful against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , cystic fibrosis, or neuromuscular disorders.

Medicare Deductible And Coinsurance

Since portable oxygen concentrator and other oxygen equipment falls under the category Durable Medical Equipment and is covered on Medicare Part B. It says that you need to pay 20% of the Medicaid-approved amount , and then the Part B deductibles will apply.

Does Medicare Cover Oxygen For Copd Treatment

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and your doctor determines that oxygen therapy is medically necessary for you, Medicare will help cover your oxygen equipment.

Can I Change Homecare Providers To Get A Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Again, the answer is a bit complicated. Your Medicare oxygen benefit runs on a 5-year cycle. During the first 3 years, your homecare provider can bill Medicare the full benefit amount for your home and portable equipment. They receive about $125 per month for all oxygen equipment.

Medicaid And Medicare Coverage On Pocs

Both Medicaid and Medicare indeed cover the rental for oxygen equipment and other accessories, which is classified as Durable Medical Equipment if your primary care physician prescribed it for home use. However, to get you covered for free rental of POC, you must meet the following conditions.

Understanding How Medicare Pays

improves their quality of life Dont let your oxygen prescription change your life! Stop feeling confined to your home. A portable oxygen concentrator will allow you to continue to work, travel, play sports, participate in hobbies, socialize and maintain your independent lifestyle while finding it easier to comply with your oxygen therapy. ×

What is an Inogen One?

The Inogen One can help you discover what it is like to enjoy improved freedom, mobility and independence, all while receiving your oxygen treatments. If you are concerned about how to get an oxygen tank in and out of your home or car, a portable oxygen concentrator is a great choice for you.

How long can you rent oxygen with Inogen One?

You will pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount, with the Part B deductible still applying. You will be able to rent your oxygen equipment for 36 months, after which time your supplier must continue to provide oxygen equipment ...

What is the oxygen saturation level for home oxygen therapy?

Typically, to qualify for home oxygen therapy, you must have either: An arterial blood gas (PaO2) at or below 55 mm Hg or an oxygen saturation at or below 88%, taken at rest (awake) An PaO2 at or below 55 mm Hg, or an oxygen saturation at or below 88%, taken during sleep for a specified duration for a patient who demonstrates a PaO2 at or ...

How to qualify for home oxygen therapy?

To qualify for home oxygen therapy, consider taking the following 5 steps: Talk to your doctor about whether you have a qualifying medical condition for getting oxygen at home. This includes a lung condition or other condition that impairs your breathing . You may qualify for home oxygen therapy if you have symptoms and/or findings related ...

What to do if oxygen is not clear on prescription?

If you are not clear on your prescription, contact your doctor’s office so they can clarify the information for you before you look for your ideal oxygen delivery device .

What does a doctor say about supplemental oxygen?

Your doctor provides a prescription saying that you require supplemental oxygen and/or have a severe lung disease. Your medical documentation indicates that you are mobile in your home and would benefit from the use of a portable system. Alternative treatments have failed.

How long can you rent oxygen?

You will be able to rent your oxygen equipment for 36 months, after which time your supplier must continue to provide oxygen equipment and related supplies for an additional 24 months, and up to 5 years, as long as you have a medical need for oxygen. Even with state of the art equipment like the Inogen One, Medicare offers rental coverage ...

Medicare Deductible And Coinsurance

Since portable oxygen concentrator and other oxygen equipment falls under the category Durable Medical Equipment and is covered on Medicare Part B. It says that you need to pay 20% of the Medicaid-approved amount , and then the Part B deductibles will apply.

Will Medicare Pay For My Portable Oxygen

A lot of our customers seek the best oxygen equipment available. As you may know, your private insurance and Medicare do not always think the same. Medicare will provide only a rental reimbursement for medically necessary oxygen equipment Medicare does not provide for the purchase of oxygen equipment.

Does Medicare Cover Inogen Portable Oxygen

The answer to this is, technically, yes. Medicare covers durable medical equipment , and Inogen oxygen concentrators fall into this category that also includes blood sugar monitors, walkers, and infusion pumps.

Why You Might Need An Oxygen Prescription

Because every cell in your body relies on oxygen to function properly, a doctor will prescribe supplemental oxygen if they find that you are not getting sufficient oxygen on your own. You might receive your oxygen prescription from your primary care physician, a palliative care doctor or a pulmonologist.

What Does Medicare Cover For Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Medicare does cover medical equipment and oxygen devices but the key is they do not cover the cost to purchase this equipment outright. They cover a rental agreement where oxygen equipment can be rented to you monthly for a 36 month agreement.

B Durable Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment like oxygen pumps are covered under Medicare Part B. Part B covers not only equipment but also many other outpatient services like doctor visits, lab testing, diagnostic imaging, medical supplies, and even outpatient surgeries.

Will Medicare Cover My Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The answer to this question is sorta. Medicare has always paid a set amount towards medical oxygen equipment, however, in 2013 their reimbursement rate was reduced by 50%. Usually, durable medical equipment providers cover the cost of equipment up front and bill Medicare for it later, but this made it too expensive for most supplies to cover POCs.

How much does Medicare pay for oxygen tanks?

If you use oxygen tanks or cylinders that need delivery of gaseous or liquid oxygen contents, Medicare will continue to pay each month for the delivery of contents after the 36-month rental period, which means that you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for these deliveries.

How long does Medicare provide oxygen?

If you have Medicare and use oxygen, you’ll rent oxygen equipment from a supplier for 36 months. After 36 months, your supplier must continue to provide oxygen equipment and related supplies for an additional 24 months. Your supplier must provide equipment and supplies for up to a total of 5 years, as long as you have a medical need for oxygen.

What is Part B for medical equipment?

Oxygen equipment & accessories. Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. covers the rental of oxygen equipment and accessories as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Medicare will help pay for oxygen equipment, ...

What is Medicare approved amount?

Medicare-Approved Amount. In Original Medicare, this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid. It may be less than the actual amount a doctor or supplier charges. Medicare pays part of this amount and you’re responsible for the difference. , and the Part B deductible applies.

How long does a supplier own equipment?

The supplier owns the equipment during the entire 5-year period . If your medical need continues past the 5-year period, your supplier no longer has to continue providing your oxygen and oxygen equipment, and you may choose to get replacement equipment from any supplier.

Does Medicare pay for oxygen?

Medicare will help pay for oxygen equipment, contents and supplies for the delivery of oxygen when all of these conditions are met: Your doctor says you have a severe lung disease or you’re not getting enough oxygen. Your health might improve with oxygen therapy.

Does Medicare cover oxygen equipment?

If you meet the conditions above, Medicare oxygen equipment coverage includes: Systems that provide oxygen. Containers that store oxygen. Tubing and related oxygen accessories for the delivery of oxygen and oxygen contents. Medicare may also pay for a humidifier when it's used with your oxygen machine.

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