Portable Oxygen Concentrators are everywhere lately- in TV commercials, magazine ads, even the news. We receive many phone calls from patients interested in these devices. Let's take a few minutes to talk about the who, what, and where of it all.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators are state-of-the-art pieces of equipment designed for patients that require oxygen so they can be mobile outside of the home.
Each patient has different needs at different points in his or her life. Please keep in mind that when you call a manufacturer to inquire about purchasing one of these devices, you're speaking with a customer service representative or sales person- not a clinician.
At Pro2, our Respiratory Therapists will assess your needs to make sure that the appropriate equipment is used at all times. If you or your loved one is able to use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator, our Therapist will advise you of this. Many patients do not maintain good oxygen levels on these portable devices, which means that Portable Oxygen Concentrators aren't for everyone.
There are drawbacks to the technology, such as limited battery life, the need to recharge batteries, and added noise. In many instances, portable oxygen cylinders may be the best answer for patients wishing to be mobile while on oxygen.
Please call us if you have questions and let us help you while you gather information at 716-667-9600.
Beneficiaries, caregivers, and health care professionals from around the country have been calling
People for Quality Care's Complaint Hotline to discuss the issues they're experiencing as a result of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program.
So far, they've fielded more than 900 calls which has resulted in over 400 complaints being categorized and sent to Congress and Medicare Ombudsmen!
The most frequent complaint heard so far is
general disgust over the need to change providers. See the table below for a full breakdown of the complaints received to date.
The most powerful weapon in the fight against the recent changes to home medical equipment policies for Medicare beneficiaries is
you.
Are you a Medicare beneficiary or caregiver? Do you have a Medicare complaint that needs to be heard?
The Medicare Complaint Hotline was created so you can share your concerns and complaints with Congress and important Medicare officials.
People for Quality Care's Medicare complaint reports will be sent biweekly to those officials who have the power to amend the program and return choice and access to better equipment and service to those who need it most.
If you have a Medicare complaint, please call the Medicare Complaint Hotline at 800-404-8702 today and make your voice heard.
A humidifier is a container that is filled with distilled water and attached to your oxygen concentrator to add moisture to the oxygen that you are breathing in.
If you are using a humidifier, it is essential that it is kept clean at all times. Bacteria can grow in the water or on wet surfaces of the humidifier. These bacteria can then cause an infection in your lungs.
It is also important to use distilled water and not tap water. Tap water contains minerals that will form deposits in the jar and the diffuser which could cause a blockage in flow leading to a malfunction.
Daily humidifier care:
- Wash your hands before refilling the humidifier.
- Empty, rinse, and refill your humidifier every day. Do not pass the maximum fill line!
- Avoid touching any internal part of the humidifier while refilling or disinfecting it.
- To avoid leaks, be sure to screw the top on properly and be sure the fitting is tightly attached to the oxygen unit.
Twice a week:
- Clean and disinfect your humidifier.
- Wash the humidifier in warm soapy water.
- After washing, submerge in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water. Allow to soak for at least 40 minutes.
- After soaking, washing your hands and remove the humidifier from the solution. Rinse thoroughly.
Be sure to discard your humidifier after one month and use a new one.
COPD has traditionally been thought of as a "man's disease". But since 2000, the number of women suffering from it has risen. Now it stands as the third leading cause of death in the United States, and more women are losing their lives to the disease than ever before.
New data shows over half of women with COPD in the United States aren't even aware that they have it. It's important that, if you suspect a problem, you speak to your physician immediately.
If you have been diagnosed, summer weather can be a difficult time to manage your symptoms. Here are a several tips to help you do just that.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that is light in color and sunscreen.
- Plan your activities around peak sun times. Early morning or late in the evening are the best times to be outside as it is usually not as hot. Pay attention to weather reports.
- Keep cool in an air conditioned building. If you don't have air conditioning, spend time at places that do like the library, mall, or a friend's home.
- Avoid strenuous exercise on hot, humid days. If you want or need to exercise, make sure to do it in an air conditioned facility.
- Take all medications as prescribed by your physician.
- Have friends or family members call twice a day during the hot summer months to make sure you're ok.
Source: COPD: The Heat is On. About.com COPD. Retrieved July 8, 2013 from http://copd.about.com/od/complicationsofcopd/a/copdandsummer.htm.
Summer brings warmer weather, swimming pools, and ice cream cones. But for those with asthma, it can be a trying time.
Changes in air quality caused by pollution and an abundance of pollen can trigger asthma symptoms. Here are some tips for patients with asthma to help cope with these conditions:
- Check the Air Quality Index before heading outside on especially hot, humid days. This can be done through your local weather station or by visiting the EPA's website here. Pay attention to the AQI which measures the amount of air mixed with pollutants as well as the pollen level.
- Use your inhaler, as advised by your physician, before you exercise. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed.
- If you plan to be outside for an extended period of time, always make sure you have your medication or fast-acting inhaler.
- Avoid sleeping with the windows open, if possible.
Source: Tips for Beating the Summer Heat for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers. Better Breathing Center. Retrieved June 17, 2013 from http://www.betterbreathingcenter.net/AboutDrReinheimer/FromtheDoctorsDesk/tabid/10760/ContentPubID/103605/settmid/39789/Default.aspx.