OIG Conducts Home Oxygen Study

WASHINGTON–The HHS Office of Inspector General is currently
conducting a survey among home oxygen providers, the American
Association of Homecare reported, and industry leaders fear it
could lead to further cuts in reimbursement rates.

In its weekly newsletter, AAHomecare said it is concerned the
survey “will not fully capture all of the services that accompany
home oxygen therapy, especially services that do not routinely
require documentation.”

Many states were hit with hefty oxygen cuts earlier this
year–the average rate reduction was 8.6 percent for stationary
oxygen and 8.1 percent for portable units–and some providers are
concerned that CMS will cap reimbursement of oxygen
concentrators.

To view the association’s response, stated in a letter to the
OIG, visit www.aahomecare.org.