HOME OXYGEN-THERAPY

Major clinical benefits from long-term oxygen therapy have been docume nted in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypoxe mia and are assumed to be similar in patients with hypoxemia from othe r cardiopulmonary diseases. The medical indications and requirements f or reimbursement of therapy have been defined by the Health Care Finan cing Administration with input from the concerned medical community, a nd home oxygen is readily available in most areas of the United States . The physician has an important role in prescribing and assuring that appropriate therapy and equipment are provided to meet the medical ne eds of each patient. Because home oxygen therapy is now commonly presc ribed by primary care physicians, there is an increased need for physi cian education The technology for oxygen delivery has advanced conside rably in recent years, allowing patients tb live more active lives whi le receiving continuous oxygen therapy.