Oxygen therapy

I am specifically considering pulmonary conditions such as asthma or various chronic respiratory ailments...
To ensure this doesn't remain merely a theoretical assertion, I suppose perhaps one of you might have some personal experience to share, or maybe you know where one could actually purchase equipment here in the US—assuming Medicare might even provide some sort of reimbursement for it. I am looking for things like a small oxygen tank with a mask or perhaps an oxygen concentrator.
Best regards!

He could probably just call the Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Just a heads-up: you really have to be careful when it comes to oxygen therapy, especially if you're dealing with chronic lung issues!!

Medicare will cover an oxygen concentrator or those oxygen tanks if they decide there’s a valid medical reason for it. Of course, "valid reason" is a pretty flexible term... if you know what I mean... khm, khm...

If you're looking for high-quality gear for any kind of oxygenation or ventilation needs, you should check out Medtronic—ask for Mr. Grgac. Just give the company name a quick Google search and you'll easily find their address and phone number.

Scott Allen10 said:Be extremely careful with oxygen therapy! Especially for those with chronic lung disease!!

I concur with Scott Allen10. Oxygen isn't some toy; for chronic lung patients—asthmatics especially—it can be life-threatening if used incorrectly.

A patient with chronic lung issues should already be under the constant supervision of a pulmonologist. That specialist determines exactly when permanent oxygenation, or home oxygen therapy, becomes necessary based on specific clinical parameters. These metrics are clearly defined. It is incredibly foolish for a patient to experiment with oxygen on their own before that happens. First, additional testing is required—including an oxygen titration test to determine the most beneficial flow rate for the individual. Once that's done, you receive documentation which, along with your medical history, is submitted to Medicare. From there, you are provided with a home oxygen concentrator for use (there may be some out-of-pocket co-pays, though I am unsure of the exact amount). The equipment remains the property of Medicare, which also ensures the device receives regular servicing. Over the last decade, this process has functioned smoothly, and getting the equipment is relatively quick. There is absolutely no reason to attempt to source this yourself, particularly without a specialist's recommendation.

allegra said:I’m with Trevor on this one—oxygen isn't some casual thing you just mess around with. For chronic lung patients (especially those battling asthma), it can be life-threatening if handled incorrectly!

A chronic lung patient is almost certainly under the constant supervision of a pulmonologist who uses specific clinical metrics to decide when it’s actually time for long-term oxygenation—basically, home oxygen therapy. These parameters are strictly defined, and frankly, it’s just plain reckless for a patient to start experimenting with oxygen levels on their own... before that happens, there are necessary diagnostic tests (like an oxygen titration test to figure out the exact flow rate that works best for the individual). Once that's done, you get a specific form which, along with your medical history, you submit to Medicare. From there, you get issued a home oxygen concentrator to use (there might be some out-of-pocket costs involved, though I don't know the exact amount). The equipment itself belongs to Medicare, and they handle all the regular maintenance and servicing. Over the last decade, this whole process has worked quite smoothly, and you can get the device set up relatively quickly—so there really is no reason to try and source your own (and absolutely no reason to do so without a specialist's directive).

We really need to consolidate these threads—asthma, airway obstructions, therapies, and oxygen should all be in one place. It would stop all this fragmented information and unnecessary clutter.
At the end of the day, oxygen therapy is always a last resort—doctors know exactly why, much like they do with corticosteroids, because of the side effects.
I agree, we have to be extremely cautious with oxygen.
Best...🙂