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what are medicare requirements for concentrator

by Brandi Christiansen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If you are 65 or older, you have a documented disability or you have end stage renal disease, you are eligible for Medicare. From there, see your doctor to ensure you meet all the criteria for getting your portable oxygen concentrator covered by Medicare. Medicare oxygen equipment is rented for 36 months.

For Medicare to cover portable oxygen concentrators (POC), your doctor must certify that you have a near-constant need for oxygen AND are mobile within your home. You must also meet all other requirements to qualify for an oxygen system.Nov 19, 2021

Full Answer

What type of concentrator do I Need?

Nov 20, 2021 · Medicare coverage for durable medical equipment specifically states that beneficiaries must require said equipment for use in the home. For Medicare to cover portable oxygen concentrators , your doctor must certify that you have a near-constant need for oxygen AND are mobile within your home.

How much does Medicare pay for oxygen concentrators?

Nov 19, 2021 · The difference is in that word, "portable." Medicare coverage for durable medical equipment (DME) specifically states that beneficiaries must require said equipment for use in the home. For Medicare to cover portable oxygen concentrators (POC), your doctor must certify that you have a near-constant need for oxygen AND are mobile within your home.

What is a home concentrator?

Jan 23, 2019 · Medicare does cover supplemental oxygen therapy if prescribed by your physician. The equipment for patients only needing oxygen nocturnally is a home or stationary concentrator. Patients needing oxygen 24 hours per day will be provided both a home concentrator and a portable solution.

What do you need to know about oxygen concentrator?

Oxygen concentrators may be categorized by whether they are portable or stationary. Oxygen billing criteria 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.

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Does Medicare pay for a concentrator?

Medicare covers the rental of oxygen concentrators and other oxygen equipment for up to five years, as long as you continue to have a medical need for oxygen therapy. If you have Medicare Part B, you will rent your oxygen concentrator from a DME supplier for 36 months (three years).

What conditions require an oxygen concentrator?

Here are some conditions that may require supplemental oxygen, either temporarily or long-term:
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Pneumonia.
  • A severe asthma attack.
  • Cystic fibrosis.
  • Sleep apnea.
Jun 3, 2021

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.

Why do some oxygen concentrators require a prescription?

Requiring a prescription ensures that you receive regulated medical grade oxygen, and helps to provide you with precise directions for how and when to use your oxygen to safely receive therapeutic benefits.

What is the Medicare requirement for oxygen saturation?

Room air at rest (awake) without oxygen. If this qualifies with an ABG less than or equal to 55 mm Hg or O2 saturation (fingertip pulse oximeter) equal to or less than 88%, no further testing is needed. If the patient does not qualify, then steps B or C below would be required.

Can you get too much oxygen from a concentrator?

Deciding to use an oxygen concentrator without a prescription can lead to serious health problems, such as oxygen toxicity caused by receiving too much oxygen. It can also lead to a delay in receiving treatment for serious conditions like COVID-19.Feb 19, 2021

Will Medicare pay for portable oxygen concentrators?

If you are eligible for Medicare as a primary or secondary insurance, they will cover the costs of your POC rental which is considered Durable Medical Equipment, if coverage criteria is met. Your local social security office can help you apply for Medicare. Medicaid may also be an option for coverage.

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

While, Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) doesn't cover portable oxygen concentrators, some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may help pay for portable oxygen tanks, depending on the plan.Jun 16, 2021

Is a pulse oximeter covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover pulse oximeters. Some private insurance plans do cover pulse oximetry services. For instance, Aetna's Medicaid plan in Pennsylvania considers pulse oximetry for home use a coverable service under specific diagnostic criteria such as chronic lung disease.May 26, 2020

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.Feb 19, 2018

How much does an oxygen concentrator cost?

New home oxygen concentrators vary in pricing and usually cost between $595 and $2000 depending on batteries and other accessories. Customers can opt to purchase a used home oxygen concentrator, with prices that range from $395 to $1500 depending on the hours, warranty and condition of the unit.

When should oxygen be administered?

Oxygen is indicated for all breathless patients. Oxygen is indicated in a patient with saturation 98% on room air. Oxygen is indicated in a patient who is suffering an acute MI who has saturation of 90%. Oxygen should be given to all patients having an acute stroke regardless of oxygen saturation.

How To Pay For A Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Portable oxygen concentrators are great devices for those with a medical need for oxygen who live an active, on-the-go lifestyle. After choosing to buy a portable oxygen concentrator, youll likely have some questions, especially related to how youll pay for the device.

What Equipment And Accessories Are Covered By Medicare

If you meet all the requirements, Medicare Part B will pay for specific equipment needed to provide oxygen therapy in your home.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent An Oxygen Concentrator

Costs can vary significantly depending on what kind of oxygen concentrator you want to rent, what kind of insurance coverage you have and whether or not you meet the criteria to have your rental covered by insurance.

Group I Criteria Include Any Of The Following

An arterial PO2 at or below 55 mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or below 88 percent taken at rest , or

Overview: Qualifying For Home Oxygen

First, if you want to receive home oxygen treatment youll need to meet the following criteria:

What About Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Unfortunately, Medicare will not pay for a portable oxygen concentrator if you are already using Medicares oxygen rental benefit. The reason for this is that Medicare pays the supplier the same amount whether the supplier gives you a portable tank or a portable concentrator.

Medicare Home Oxygen Lcd Coverage

For any item to be covered by Medicare, it must 1) be eligible for a defined Medicare benefit category, 2) be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member, and 3) meet all other applicable Medicare statutory and regulatory requirements.

Medicare Part B provides coverage for durable medical equipment like portable oxygen concentrators - if you meet the qualifications

Although it helps pay for a variety of oxygen equipment and accessories, Medicare only covers portable oxygen concentrators under specific circumstances.

Medicare Coverage Requirements for Oxygen Concentrators

All durable medical equipment coverage is through your Medicare Part B benefits. Therefore, the first requirement to qualify for DME is to be a Part B beneficiary.

What Does Medicare's Oxygen Equipment Coverage Include?

If you qualify for oxygen equipment, Medicare coverage includes a system to provide the oxygen, containers for oxygen storage, and oxygen-related accessories like tubing. If you need to use a humidifier with your oxygen machine, Medicare may also help pay for that.

How Much Does Oxygen Equipment Cost?

Medicare Part B covers oxygen equipment rental instead of an outright purchase. You must first meet the Part B deductible before Medicare begins paying its share. In 2022, the Medicare Part B deductible is $233.

What Does Oxygen Equipment Rental Include?

Medicare oxygen equipment is rented for 36 months. In addition, medical equipment suppliers must furnish the oxygen equipment and related supplies for an additional 24 months if necessary.

What Happens After 36 Months?

If you still need oxygen after renting the equipment for 36 months, your medical supplier must continue maintaining the equipment and furnishing supplies for up to 5 years (this includes the initial 36-month period).

When Is Home Oxygen Prescribed?

Your doctor may prescribe home oxygen if you have a medical condition that reduces blood oxygen levels. This is known as hypoxemia.

Do portable oxygen concentrators need to be specific?

It does not need to be a specific brand, type or solution.

What is a home concentrator?

A patient needing oxygen only nocturnally will be provided a home or stationary concentrator. A home concentrator is typically a 30 - 50 lb piece of equipment. Here is a range of home concentrators. Unfortunately, there is no requirement on the weight, size, noise level or energy efficiency of the equipment so there can be quite a range.

Does Medicare cover oxygen therapy?

The answer to this question is NO. Medicare does cover supplemental oxygen therapy if prescribed by your physician. The equipment for patients only needing oxygen nocturnally is a home or stationary concentrator. Patients needing oxygen 24 hours per day will be provided both a home concentrator and a portable solution.

Can you select a provider for Medicare?

Patients can select their Medicare provider (like you can select your doctor), but a provider is not required to provide a specific brand or portable solution. We hope this helps provide you with a few clear facts on Medicare and supplemental oxygen coverage. There are two additional videos on Medicare coverage.

What is the only requirement for oxygen?

The only requirement, of course, is that it provides medical grade oxygen that meets your medical needs. Any of these models could be provided. A patient needing oxygen 24 hours per day will be given both a home or stationary concentrator as just described AND a portable solution.

What is a portable oxygen concentrator?

A patient needing oxygen 24 hours per day will be given both a home or stationary concentrator as just described AND a portable solution. By definition, a portable oxygen solution allows a patient to leave home and be mobile. The most common portable solution is tanks.

What is Medicare responsible for?

The Medicare provider is responsible for making sure the equipment is in good working order and that it meets the requirements prescribed by your doctor.

What is oxygen concentrator?

Oxygen concentrators are medical devices that concentrate the oxygen in room air and delivers it to patients who have significant hypoxemia. Oxygen concentrators may be categorized by whether they are portable or stationary.

Do you need a WOPD for a portable oxygen concentrator?

No, the following items do not require a WOPD: oxygen concentrators (E1390 or E1391), portable oxygen concentrators (E1392) and portable gaseous equipment (K0738). While a WOPD is not required for these specific items, a detailed written order (DWO) is required prior to billing for other oxygen equipment.6

Does Medicare cover oxygen equipment?

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.

How long does Medicare pay for oxygen concentrators?

If you have Medicare Part B, you will rent your oxygen concentrator from a DME supplier for 36 months (three years). After that period, your supplier will continue to provide coverage for an additional 24 months (two years). If you need to continue using the equipment after five years, you will begin a new five-year contract with ...

How long does Medicare cover oxygen?

Medicare covers the rental of oxygen concentrators and other oxygen equipment for up to five years, as long as you continue to have a medical need for oxygen therapy. If you have Medicare Part B, you will rent your oxygen concentrator from a DME supplier for 36 months (three years). After that period, your supplier will continue to provide coverage ...

What equipment does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers oxygen equipment rentals for use in your home, including equipment such as: 1 Systems that provide oxygen 2 Containers that store oxygen 3 Tubing, masks, mouthpieces and other supplies and accessories that deliver oxygen 4 Servicing, maintenance and repairs of equipment and supplies

Does Medicare cover humidifiers?

Servicing, maintenance and repairs of equipment and supplies. Medicare may also cover humidifiers if used along with your oxygen equipment.

Does Medicare cover oxygen therapy?

Other health conditions that could require you to need medically necessary oxygen therapy can include: As mentioned above, Medicare Part B will cover the rental of your oxygen concentrator and other equipment only if it is prescribed by your doctor for use in your home.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) cover all the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and may also offer additional coverage for things like dental, vision, prescription drugs and more.

What is a portable oxygen concentrator?

It is a mobile device used by healthcare providers to provide oxygen therapy for those in dire need of it. The device is appropriate for individuals whose oxygen concentrations are less than the level of ambient air. The portable oxygen concentrator (POC) bears a resemblance to a home oxygen concentrator but differs in size and mobility.

Does Medicare cover Inogen One G3?

As stated above, Inogen One G3 is a portable oxygen concentrator and most of you might have heard that Medicare does not cover such devices. The answer isn’t entirely straightforward; Medicare cannot purchase a POC for individuals placed on oxygen therapy.

Can Medicare purchase a POC?

The answer isn’t entirely straightforward; Medicare cannot purchase a POC for individuals placed on oxygen therapy. However, these individuals can benefit from a Medicare oxygen equipment rental offer.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, ...

Description Information

Please Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service.

Transmittal Information

03/1987 - Clarified coverage criteria for home oxygen use including portable and stationary oxygen systems. Effective date 04/13/1987. (TN 13)

General Information

CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.

Article Guidance

NON-MEDICAL NECESSITY COVERAGE AND PAYMENT RULES For any item to be covered by Medicare, it must 1) be eligible for a defined Medicare benefit category, 2) be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member, and 3) meet all other applicable Medicare statutory and regulatory requirements.

ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity

The presence of an ICD-10 code listed in this section is not sufficient by itself to assure coverage. Refer to the section on “ Coverage Indications, Limitations and/or Medical Necessity ” for other coverage criteria and payment information.

Bill Type Codes

Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type.

Revenue Codes

Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination.

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