Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Insurance's do we accept?
A. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid, HealthSpring, Integrated Health Systems, TechHealth, Blue Advantage, Humana Choice (Medicare PPO), and Humana Choice Care Network, and several more. Call for more information.
Q. Are home medical equipment items covered by my insurance?
A. Usually they are, however many factors are considered. A perscription will be required, and you must meet your insurance companies individual medical criterea for that item. Insurance and deductables may also be a factor to determine your actual out of pocket expense. We will assist you to navigate through this process to best insure that items will be covered.
Q. What Hospice Companies are we affiliat ed with?
A. We are contracted with Wiregrass Hospice, SpringHill Hospice, Aseracare Hospice and Mercy Medical Home Hospice.
Q. Is it safe to use home Oxygen?
A. Follow a few simple rules and it is extremely safe. Never smoke while using oxygen, keep all flames, sparks, oil, and oil based products at least 5 feet from all oxygen equipment and supplies, and store oxygen cylinders in a rack or lying down to prevent any chance of a fall.
Q. How much does my insurance cover?
A. It varies from insurance to insurance, however, m ost primary insurances cover 80%, if you have a secondary, or supplemental insurance, it should cover the remaining 20%. Also consider that you will usually have an annual deductable which must be met.
Q. How long does the battery last for a portable nebulizer?
A. The battery last for approximately 50 minutes.
Q. What kind of water do I use in my bubble humidifier or cpap heated humidifier?
A. The humidifier only works properly with distilled water, which can be purchased at any grocery store.
Q. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
A . Obstructive Sleep Apnea commonly known as OSA, is a respiratory disease where the airway becomes obstructed while the patient is sleeping. When sleeping, the airway is more relaxed, a mild obstruction which still allows air flow will sometimes cause snoring. OSA is far more serious because with OSA, the airway becomes completely obstructed and breathing ceases for periods ranging from 10 seconds to 60 seconds and beyond. This stoppage of breathing is called Apnea. This causes a mild to severe lack of oxygen to all vital organs of the body. Fortunately the brain usually recognizes the Apnea and opens the airway and breathing restarts. Unfortunately, this process is repeated numerous times per hour, causing the patient to get very little REM sleep. (REM "Rapid eye movement" is the deepest stage of sleep the body requires to feel rested and rejuvenated.) Symptoms include, morning headaches, snoring, daytime sleepiness, if you think you may have OSA, contact your physician.
Q. What is COPD?
A. COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, describes a number of respiratory diseases, like chronic bronchitis, asthma, and more. Commonly COPD refers to emphysema. Emphysema is a lung disease in which the alveoli or the tiny airsacs in the lungs are damaged. These microscopic airsacs are the point where oxygen enters the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide CO2 exit the bloodstream. The ability of the alvoeli to perform this function is compromised, causing the patient to have low oxygen level and high CO2 levels in the blood which in turn causes shortness of breath, and increased work of breathing.
Q. Do we rent wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other durable medical equipment without a perscription?
A. Yes. Private pay rentals are to be paid up front monthly. We do not prorate daily or weekly. (All respiratory equipment will require a perscription.)
Q. How long does the oxygen last in an M-6 (small) or E (large) cylinder oxygen cylinder?
A.
Liter per Minute | M-6 Standard Regulator | M-6 Conserving Regulator | E-Tank Standard Regulator | E-Tank Conserving Regulator |
1 | 2hrs 44min | 8hrs 13min | 11hrs 22min | 34hrs 6min |
2 | 1hr 22min | 4hrs 6min | 5hrs 41min | 17hrs 3min |
3 | 54min | 2hrs 44min | 3hrs 47min | 11hrs 22min |
4 | 41min | 2hrs 3min | 2hrs 50min | 8hrs 31min |