Home oxygen therapy: indications, administration, recertification, and patient education

As the use of oxygen therapy increases, primary care providers must become familiar with numerous aspects of home oxygen therapy, and they need to identify those patients who will benefit from this therapy. A number of oxygen systems are available today. A few helpful hints aid in providing effective, efficient, quality care to these patients in the primary care clinic. It is most important that health care providers know what is required to recertify a patient for oxygen therapy and how to properly complete the Health Care Financing Administration Form 484. Periodic evaluations are required by insurance companies and Medicare. This article discusses the identification of patients who will benefit from home oxygen therapy, administration, and recertification for home oxygen therapy.