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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> O2 problem with medical supply house
        
(Message started by: mc_ashes on Mar 14^th, 2008, 9:37am)

Title: O2 problem with medical supply house
Post by mc_ashes on Mar 14^th, 2008, 9:37am

Okay, so I got an O2 prescription from my doc (not written so specifically, no flow rate, no non-rebreather, etc.) and took it to the medical supply house with the information I obtained from this site. Basically, they understood what I needed but claimed first that my insurance would not cover the costs because I didn't have an O2 "sat" test and second that they didn't have the equipment I required. Their regulators provide only up to 5 LPM and their largest bottles are the "D" size. I explained that the O2 was for pain management not because I had respiratory problems and I would likely fail an O2 sat test. They understood, but, still insisted that the sat test was the criterion the insurance used to determine if they would pay. Anybody out there with Blue Cross using O2 for pain management and getting them to cover some of the costs? I asked for an estimate of costs going the cash route and the quote I was given was ~$200./mo +$14 per bottle of O2.

Now, being an engineer and not an economist nor a medical specialist I've determined, based on the information found here, that I can purchase everything I need except the O2 and bottle relatively cheaply (and I'll actually own it rather than be renting it). I am also confident I can assemble everything. My problem then is the O2 and bottle. I see two options, convince the med supply folks to get me an "M" tank or go the other route (commercial O2). At this point, it looks to me like it will be more cost effective to go with commercial O2 but I have some questions.

Is commercial O2 really safe? How difficult is it to obtain and transport, should I make friends with a welder and work it out through a "middle man"? I'm just a bit uneasy strolling into Ricky's Welding Shop and saying "Hey guys, my uncle sent me down here to pick up a bottle of O2 for him, can you fix me up?" OR will this approach really work?

Damn, ya think ya got what ya really wanted for your birthday (O2 script) but just doesn't work out the way ya thought it would.

Thanks for the input
Mark

Title: Re: O2 problem with medical supply house
Post by DennisM1045 on Mar 14^th, 2008, 10:22am

In order to get the O2 covered by your insurance your Dr needs to put some specific info on the script. Namely, 15lpm flow rate and specifiy a non-rebreather mask. He should also indicate that the O2 is for relief of acute cluster headache attack. Without that the supplier can't get you what you need.

Your other problem will be finding a supplier that can supply your needs. Not all of them have high flow regulators on hand. However, if they know they insurance will reimburse them they can get their hands on one pretty quickly.

It took a couple of tries with my supplier before I got it all straightened out. But it all starts with a proper perscription. Without that your dead in the water.

Good luck...

-Dennis-

Title: Re: O2 problem with medical supply house
Post by Batch on Mar 14^th, 2008, 4:02pm

Mark,

Dennis is spot on with his comments...

A good reference you can send your neurologist form Michigan Headache & Neurological Institute (MHNI) follows:

http://www.mhni.com/faqs_high_oxygen.aspx

V/R, Batch

Title: Re: O2 problem with medical supply house
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 14^th, 2008, 4:15pm

Mark, when you get the problem of getting a tank straightened out and if they want to charge you an outlandish amount for the regulator, PM me and I will send you a regulator that goes to 15 lpm as well as a proper non-rebreather mask and hose.

Linda

Title: Re: O2 problem with medical supply house
Post by RichardN on Mar 14^th, 2008, 9:04pm

Mark

Call around some other med supply houses. I find it odd they don't carry "E" tanks (3' tall, 4" diameter), which is the most commonly used med tanks, seen in all hospitals and docs' offices.

I pay a flat rate of $10 ea . . . keep twelve and one "B" tank (small tank that will fit in a backpack). My supplier furnished my first regulator and I bought the second off ebay for about $40.

Just get the script for the 02. Once you have your tanks, everything else can be had without the bureaucratic BS.

Be Safe, PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: O2 problem with medical supply house in the
Post by Ob1kanobee on Mar 15^th, 2008, 12:48am

read my post on "Cheap Oxygen" in the "cluster headache specific" section. I just posted it recently.

Title: Re: O2 problem with medical supply house
Post by Whipsmart on Mar 15^th, 2008, 10:33am

Try a different medical supply place. I have BCBS. I have the teacher's variety which here in Michigan pays for everything. :)

When I first got oxygen I went to the closest supply place. They told me that my insurance wouldn't cover it. I told them that my insurance pays for everything and that they should bill my insurance. They wouldn't try. I asked them to call my insurance. They wouldn't. Normally I would have left, but I was in pain and wanted my damn oxygen! I asked them if I could call. They agreed.

I waited on hold for a minute or two and talked with a great rep. I told her the issue and her exact words were, "we pay for everything". I handed over the phone. They set me up with a tank (smaller than the one I have now). They complained that I'd go through oxygen quickly and it should be used for respiratory therapy. I gritted my teeth and listened. They tried giving me a regulator that went up to 5. They finally gave me one that went to 10.

When I needed a refill, I went to another supplier. It was night and day. I called in the info. I stopped by to sign some paperwork. They gave me chocolates and a calendar. They said, "Oh, you have clusters? We're so sorry. We'll take care of you." The driver delivered the oxygen to my house within thirty minutes. He carried it up the stairs to the spot and put a mat under the tank so it wouldn't mess up the carpet. He also gave me the regulator that goes to 15, extra non-rebreather masks, and extension tubing.

Sorry this is so long, but there are good service providers out there. Your BCBS coverage will depend on the type you have. There are many different flavors. I would call them directly. I would also deal with a place that specializes in oxygen.

Title: Re: O2 problem with medical supply house
Post by mc_ashes on Mar 15^th, 2008, 3:05pm

Thanks for the feedback everyone, this is all good information that I'll use to get what I need.
Whipsmart - the experience you describe is precisely the one I had Tuesday (they must be using the same play-book). I'll find another supplier AND I'm going to ask my neuro to tune-up the perscription. That is, add specified flow rate (15 LPM) and non-rebreather mask, as well as the statement "for relief of acute cluster headache attacks" thanks for the tips Dennis.

Mark

Title: Re: O2 problem with medical supply house
Post by Jonny on Mar 15^th, 2008, 3:17pm

If things dont work out, just PM me! ;)