Anyone Ever Had Insurance Cover Nightly Oximeter

[EasySleep]

After taking the time to read the 3 pages of this thread, I don't find the original question from the OP answered?
What types of oximeters are covered by insurance or medicare, if any?

[Crimson Nape]

I would interpret the lack of response to mean that no one who has read this thread has had insurance cover an oximeter.

- Red

[EasySleep]

Ouch... it is strange as the Respironic machines include a port for an oximeter and also their own oximeter product. I was hoping someone who uses that setup micht chime in. Certainly, the whole goal of CPAP therapy is to provide secure oxygen supply to the patient by controlling obstacles, so being able to monitor the oxygen level seems to be a really primary data monitoring need, I'm surprised it has taken so long for CPAP machine manufacturers to include oxygen monitoring, (in fact I don't know if Respironics is the only one?)

[Crimson Nape]

Resmed CPAPs have an oximeter port, but the complete setup to use it costs as much or more than the CPAP. Several members here have installed these modules, but on their own dime. I would guess the oximeter option is more prevalent in hospitals, nursing homes, and extended care facilities. After all, you can buy a recording oximeter for one-tenth the cost of these oximeter modules. You just have to manually insert the data into OSCAR.

- Red

[ahuman]

What types of oximeters are covered by insurance or medicare, if any?

Many insurers will cover only a loaner oximeter for a night or two. There probably are insurers that will buy it out right or do a rent-to-own model as with the CPAP machines. Insurers have varying DME/CPAP policies as some do not require 90-day CPAP machine compliance. However, the DMEs who are in-network (I've tried the local offices of the ones in-network for me) will not sell the oximeter and will not even try to submit a claim. My insurer tells me to have a DME supplier submit a claim so I'm going in circles.

[cmpman1974]

Many insurers will cover only a loaner oximeter for a night or two. There probably are insurers that will buy it out right or do a rent-to-own model as with the CPAP machines. Insurers have varying DME/CPAP policies as some do not require 90-day CPAP machine compliance. However, the DMEs who are in-network (I've tried the local offices of the ones in-network for me) will not sell the oximeter and will not even try to submit a claim. My insurer tells me to have a DME supplier submit a claim so I'm going in circles.

Most DMEs are pretty greedy and won't go out of the way at all.  They buy the cheapest crap possible to offer customers.