CHRONIC LUNG-DISEASE - WHEN TO PRESCRIBE HOME OXYGEN

Long-term oxygen therapy has become increasingly common in the treatme nt of hypoxemic patients with chronic lung disease. Its main benefit a nd indication is to prolong survival. Oxygen therapy is also recommend ed for patients with exercise desaturation or sleep desaturation in th e presence of hypoxemic complications. Some patients may experience im provement in pulmonary hemodynamics, exercise duration, work of breath ing, sleep, and neurologic function. Once a patient meets the criteria for oxygen prescription, you will need to complete a medical necessit y form and choose from one of three types of delivery systems. Your ro le also includes re-evaluating patients at 1 and 3 months to determine the need for continuing therapy.