Pricing Policy for Medical Oxygen and Potential Savings

Medical oxygen is essential in modern medicine.

This study analyzes the pricing policies and costs of medical oxygen in Quebec, provides elements of international comparison, and explores the potential savings through the optimization of oxygen therapy practices.

It combines a narrative literature review, an analysis of administrative and financial documents, as well as administrative data obtained from representatives of the healthcare sector in Quebec.

The literature review highlights the challenges of producing, storing, and distributing medical oxygen, which have been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A very large disparity in pricing policies is also noted among healthcare systems, especially when cylinders are predominantly used. In Quebec, costs vary according to production methods, logistics, and contractual clauses. Optimizing oxygen therapy practices would allow significant savings, particularly by reducing oxygen consumption through various strategies.

The study shows the complexity of managing medical oxygen costs, amplified by limited competition and rigid contractual clauses. International comparison highlights the importance of infrastructure, while optimizing oxygen therapy practices offers significant savings potential. To reduce costs, it is recommended to improve distribution management, adopt more flexible contractual clauses, and strengthen competition.

To optimize medical oxygen use, actions to undertake from managers and clinicians are highlighted.