A study published in the February 2009 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care documents the cost-effectiveness of long-term oxygen therapy. According to study author Yuji Ova, MD, Department of Pulmonary and Environmental Medicine of the University of Missouri, Columbia, "Continuous oxygen therapy for patients having COPD with [severe resting hypoxia] is very cost-effective compared with other technologies and surgical procedures used to extend life or to improve the quality of life."
In addition, she concludes, "The cost-effectiveness of LTOT can be improved by prescribing LTOT to patients who will receive substantial benefit, by improving patient adherence, by re-evaluating the initial prescription in a timely fashion, and by providing adequate support for services and maintenance. There is substantial room for improvement in the current Medicare policies regarding LTOT reimbursement."
View a PDF of the study.