SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN?

[srlevine1]

What is the point where supplemental oxygen is recommended and supplied under Medicare? 
Does anyone use tanks or do they use oxygen concentrator?

[SarcasticDave94]

In my understanding, if a patient has lung disease like COPD, their oxygen level needs a boost. If the oxygen level is recorded as under 89% for 6 minutes, supplemental oxygen would be indicated. As for the type, bottles or concentrator, then it comes down to how much of the day oxygen is required and if the user is disabled in such a way so as they're not able to carry bottles.

[staceyburke]

When I got mine it was 88% or below for 5 minutes (that was at least 15 years ago) and if you met that they gave me a concentrator and bottles incase there was a power outage.  I still use the concentrator with a long tube.  The concentrator is in another room of the house and I don't hear it running at all.

[sauerkraut]

srlevine;
When I was diagnosed with sleep apena, My Dr. said I was a border line case for supplemental O2 at night ..
I believe My Dr. said O2 dropping to or below 88% for 10 minutes made Me eligible for supplemental O2 ..
I do not have lung or heart disease .. Just sleep apena .. I am retired and on medicare .. We talked about
using an O2 concentrator at night only .. Medicare would pay for the concentrator ..
I decided against it because of noise and space limitations .. Living in a 5th wheel I
have no room for the concentrator .. Like a cpac/apap machine there would be minimum use restrictions ..

For over night use I don't think O2 tanks would work very well .. I would expect needing a 80 cu. ft. tank for
over night use .. They are large and heavy approaching 150 lbs. or more ..
If someone already has breathing problems moving them would be a real chore !!

[srlevine1]

Many thanks all. -- Steve