So I have been on O2 for the better part of nine years...

[WCGreen]

In order for me to breath, I need some outside help to get enough O2. They have these concentrators that are "rented" to the patients.

Now I looked up how much the device that I have been "renting", via insurance and co-payments.

I have had the same machine for about four years now. The insurance has been paying out about $56.00 a month for the unit and another $30.00 or so per month for the hoses and cannulas.

Here is the thing. The Unit I have costs a little over $1,100. That's if I buy it. Probably about another $50 or so to buy hoses and what not.

So, we have been paying, me and the Insurance Company more than $ 2,800 dollars to Rent a piece of equipment and all the extras.

And when I get off the O2, they will take the machine back to the shop, make sure everything is working and then send it out again for another round of cash...

And this is just one medical devise. Wonder how much they get on all the other stuff they "rent" out to at home patients.

It's a pretty good system, if you ask me....

[hedgehog]

1. How many people ever get off oxygen once they go on?

how long do people survive on oxygen? I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out that somewhere along the line, the insuracne companies profit by renting instead of buying. Does anyone know what Medicare's policy is?

[madamesilverspurs]

2. 12+ years for me on O2.

Medicare requires my provider to do regular equipment checks and upgrades. I have a concentrator, and a supply of small tanks for use outside of the home; those also come in handy during power outages. (Off point, but: I store those small tanks in, of all things, a wine rack that was discarded by someone who moved out of the building. The guy who delivers my oxygen cracks up every time he sees it and says he wishes all his customers had one; he's apparently had several near misses with stacked tanks falling.)

I, too, have been amazed at what Medicare and insurance pay for such equipment. BUT I do realize that those fees pay for the providers' requisite staff, including well-trained respiratory therapists.

I agree, it's a pretty good system.

[djean111]

3. If that device breaks, do you just get another one?

Do you automatically get upgraded to newer models?
I would factor in things like that - although yes I agree that in some cases this might be a racket.

[Jazzgirl]

4. I have a concentrator that I bought a few years ago.

I rarely have to use it now. I guess I am one of the few lucky ones that only needs it on rare occasions. My doctor tells me of all his patients that have this disease I am the only one that doesn't have to carry a portable tank or concentrator. I am supposed to sleep with oxygen but haven't done it in two years. I monitor my oxygen and so far it stays in the mid to upper 90%.

I'm not sure about repairs. I do need to replace the hoses and mask though.

[mahina]

5. I was charged over 400./ month for the same thing.

Insurance paid most of it. The machine cost @1000. new. Crazy.

[msongs]

6. same situation as rental cars. much better income than selling them outright nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. And it's certainly good for the company...

But it's also good for you.

It's great that you have it...

[TnDem]

8. Do you smoke?

Just curious?

[WCGreen]

9. Quit smoking 30 years ago....