Adjustments to Monthly Oxygen Fee

If the prescribed amount of oxygen is less than 1 liter per minute, the fee schedule amount for stationary oxygen rental is reduced by 50 percent.

The fee schedule amount for stationary oxygen equipment is increased under the following conditions. If both conditions apply, contractors use the higher of either of the following add-ons. Contractors may not pay both add-ons:

a. Volume Adjustment - If the prescribed amount of oxygen for stationary equipment exceeds 4 liters per minute, the fee schedule amount for stationary oxygen rental is increased by 50 percent. If the prescribed liter flow for stationary oxygen is different than for portable or different for rest and exercise, contractors use the prescribed amount for stationary systems and for patients at rest. If the prescribed liter flow is different for day and night use, contractors use the average of the two rates.


b. Portable Add-on - If portable oxygen is prescribed, the fee schedule amount for portable equipment is added to the fee schedule amount for stationary oxygen rental.



Purchased Oxygen Equipment

Contractors may not pay for oxygen equipment that is purchased on or after June 1, 1989.



Contents Only Fee



Where the beneficiary owns stationary liquid or gaseous oxygen equipment, the contractor pays the monthly oxygen contents fee. For owned oxygen concentrators, however, contractors do not pay a contents fee.

Where the beneficiary either owns a concentrator or does not own or rent a stationary gaseous or liquid oxygen system and has either rented or purchased a portable system, contractors pay the portable oxygen contents fee.