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what qualifies you for medicare coverage on a portable oxygen concentrator

by Meaghan Denesik III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

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. Medicare Coverage Requirements for Oxygen Concentrators

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.19 Nov 2021

Full Answer

Does Medicare pay for an oxygen concentrator?

Nov 19, 2021 · Although it helps pay for a variety of oxygen equipment and accessories, Medicare only covers portable oxygen concentrators under specific circumstances. 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 …

Does insurance cover portable oxygen?

Does Medicare cover portable concentrator?

What is the Medicare criteria for home oxygen?

If you own your own equipment, Medicare will help pay for oxygen, 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 aren't getting enough oxygen. Your health might improve with oxygen therapy. Your arterial blood gas level falls within a certain range.

What is a qualifying diagnosis for oxygen?

Qualification for receiving oxygen at rest If your patient has an arterial oxygen saturation SaO2(2 is subscript)≤88% or partial pressure of oxygen Po2(2 is subscript)≤55 mm Hg at rest, no further testing is required.

Can anyone use a portable oxygen concentrator?

Oxygen concentrators are medical devices required to be sold and used only with a prescription. You should not use an oxygen concentrator at home unless it has been prescribed by a health care provider. Giving yourself oxygen without talking to a doctor first may do more harm than good.19 Feb 2021

What is the difference between oxygen concentrator and portable oxygen concentrator?

Stationary oxygen concentrators have higher oxygen output and lower prices. Portable oxygen concentrators offer smaller size and less weight as well as greater flexibility with power sources. For oxygen patients requiring 5 or more liters of oxygen per minute, a home oxygen concentrator is the best choice.25 Nov 2015

Are oxygen concentrators covered by Medicare?

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.

How long does an oxygen supply last?

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 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.

What is Part B insurance?

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.

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 DME?

Once your DME has been approved, Medicare recipients with Original Medicare can expect to pay 20% of the approved amount plus the deductible for Part B. If you have Medicare Advantage or a Medicare supplement plan, otherwise known as Medigap, check with your plan administrator for any additional coverage that may apply.

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) includes coverage for medically necessary services and supplies, including benefits for durable medical equipment (DME). DME includes a wide range of medical equipment, including oxygen supplies, such as the systems, storage containers, tubing and associated accessories needed to transport the oxygen.

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.

How to Get A Portable Oxygen Concentrator

It is possible to get a portable oxygen concentrator without a prescription here in the USA. There are some on Amazon (link). You will not find any reputable brands or high quality portable oxygen concentrators there though. To get a quality one from a reputable brand you will need to have a valid prescription from a medical doctor.

How much will a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Cost?

If we do not account for insurance it will run you anywhere from $1000-2000 depending on what model and accessories you get. That’s the raw cost. Now, it is possible to get one covered completely for free.

What if I have a Medicare advantage plan?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will not be able to get any reimbursement from Medicare. Since your Health Plan is primary, if you want any insurance coverage you will only be able to order oxygen supplies from a local durable medical equipment vendor that is in network for your plan.

Things to Consider when purchasing Oxygen Devices

You may be interested in getting certain accessories for your portable oxygen concentrator. Things like extra batteries, carry bags, car chargers, and more. Some of these items can get very expensive. If you are interested in getting accessories we recommend you check out places like Amazon and Ebay.

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)

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

Who is Christian Worstell?

Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options. .. Read full bio

Does Medicare cover humidifiers?

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

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#N#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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