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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> O2 Emergency
        
(Message started by: rolo65 on Oct 24^th, 2007, 9:39pm)

Title: O2 Emergency
Post by rolo65 on Oct 24^th, 2007, 9:39pm

I think my new F'n INS doesn't pay for O2, and that’s F'ed up beyond belief.

They don’t know how bad I need!!!!that $hit!!! :(

PO’ed and sucking wind on the thought! :o

Rolo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by Ray on Oct 24^th, 2007, 10:41pm

Roland:

I understand how you feel. If you are sure that their policy does NOT cover you for O2, call your Dr's office and ask to speak with the nurse. When you speak with the nurse, ask if the doctor can put in a either a "prior authorization" and/or a statement of "medical necessity".

If that proves to be insufficient, there would be an appeal's process. Call the insurance company, ask to speak with a supervisor. Get their name/employee ID. Ask them to send you and your doctor any documentation needed to file for an appeal.

There are documents on this and the OUCH site that are in medical journals stating the efficacy of Oxygen use to abort Cluster Headaches.

Speak with your oxygen supplier, see if they can cut a deal. Lastly, others here are using welding Oxygen, and they can probably help you get set up, if all else fails.

I do agree it sucks to have to go through all these steps when you have to deal with life and CH.

Wishing you success,

Ray

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by Gator on Oct 24^th, 2007, 11:54pm

Yup, what he said. Go through your doc to get a letter of medical necessity and follow the appeals process.

If all else fails, I actually pay less for welder's O2 without insurance than I paid for medical O2 with insurance. YMMV

Good luck.

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by luveemom on Oct 25^th, 2007, 10:31am

Hey Rolo,
This is a shot in the dark, but do ya know any firefighters or Emt's??? My hubby's on the FD and I am an EMT and it is one way to get free o2.......just thought I would ask.....sometimes people don't think of it as an option......sorry bud that sucks that insurance won't pay.......mine doesn't either >:(

HUGS
Alicia

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by DennisM1045 on Oct 25^th, 2007, 9:30pm

Hey Rolo,

There is a great article on how to get around Insurance restrictions in the June 2007 OUCH-US News Letter here:

http://www.ouch-us.org/newsletters/2007/06-07/06-07.pdf

It gives the best description I've ever seen on how to fight them at their own game. Good luck bro and don't take no for an answer.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by rolo65 on Oct 29^th, 2007, 6:03pm

Looks like they are going to pay. They wanted me to switch to Aprea but my current O2 Supplier said they got it ok'ed. Thank you Saint Peter for waiting to see me later. ::)

Rolo.. :-/

PS; Is the fitting on a welder’s tank different than the medical M tank? I am thinking about getting my own tank and regulator so I never have to worry about it again. >:(

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by Ray on Oct 29^th, 2007, 6:35pm

I'm glad that you've gotten the insurance s#|+ worked out and the O2 ok'd.

I hope that others will be along soon to answer your welding O2 question.

Ray

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by Sandy_C on Oct 29^th, 2007, 7:11pm

I have a welders tank, stands about 3,5 to 4.0 feet high. Got my regulator info from folks here, got my clustermask from folks here. Everything fit perfectly. As far as I know, everything fits just like medical tanks.

But, hopefully, someone else will be along shortly to confirm.\

Sandy

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by slacker032 on Oct 29^th, 2007, 7:59pm

I'm somewhat on the same boat. I actually don't have insurance but will gladly pay for O2 out of my own pocket. What is the difference in cost between medical and welding O2?

Can anyone recommend a good medical O2 supplier in southern California (preferably the San Fernando Valley) with all the requisite equipment? I tried contacting Clustermasx at the site but have yet to receive a response.

Also, do I need a prescription if I go the welder route? Are there any logistical differences between the two? Any drawbacks to using welding O2?

Title: Re: O2 Emergency
Post by Not4Hire on Oct 29^th, 2007, 10:59pm

no slacker, you don't need a 'script for welders o2, but if you go this route, DO NOT tell the welders gas house that you are using the oxy for anything but WELDING. They will not deal with you, for liability reasons. Folks here will help you with regulators, fittings, information, and LOTS of support.

There's a WEALTH of information here and at the OUCH site.
GO LOOK FOR IT

TANSTAAFL*

*(ThereAin'tNoSuchThingAsAFreeLunch)...R.Heinlien et al