Oxygen exists in almost everything we consume and use. It is present in the air, blood, organs, red blood cells, and water. So what happens when humans lack oxygen? What is oxygen therapy? And how much does it cost?

What is oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy, also known as supplemental oxygen, is a form of treatment that provides patients with extra oxygen intake to their blood flow and lungs. It is only available through a prescription from a doctor.

Oxygen therapy can be in 2 ways:

Hospital oxygen

This is for patients who are in critical condition that require high levels of oxygen intake. It is usually applied through the nose, mouth, or tube placed in your trachea. An incision will be made to your windpipe in severe cases, and an oxygen tube will be inserted in the cut (known as a Tracheotomy). 

Home oxygen

This treatment is for patients who constantly require oxygen for low-level intake. It comes in the form of a small portable device known as a “Portable oxygen concentrator” that helps users with their daily lives. This treatment comes in other ways as well – a face mask or nostril tube connected directly to an oxygen tank that can be filled with gas or liquid oxygen. 

Doctors will prescribe oxygen therapy for patients who have:

• COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a group of lung diseases that lower air intake and output.
• Pneumonia: An infection on one or both lungs that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with liquids or pus.
• Sleep apnea: A common disease that causes breathing to stop for seconds or minutes; it mostly occurs before or during sleep.
• Cystic fibrosis: An inherited disorder that leads mucus to become thick and sticky. The thick mucus can block airways, encourage bacteria growth, and cause breathing problems.
• COVID-19: As of recently, severe COVID cases call for assisted breathing and or oxygen therapy to maintain steady vitals.
• Heart failure
• Asthma

Oxygen concentrators and tanks can ignite and fuel fires. So cigarettes, oil, and any flammable material should be kept away from oxygen devices. Generally speaking, they pose no risk to the patient’s health. However, they have reported side effects such as;

• Dry and bloody nose
• tiredness
• Headaches

Oxygen therapy cost without insurance

Hospital oxygen: Patients who require oxygen therapy for emergencies can expect $250 to $450 per treatment.

Home oxygen: Oxygen concentrators are essential for long-term oxygen therapy, and they cost $2500 on average; second-hand OCs are available for a lower price, around $1400. 

Oxygen therapy cost with insurance

Insurance companies provide coverage for oxygen therapy through copay after meeting the yearly deductible. Clients should be relieved to know that they will only need to pay around $100 per session for hospital oxygen treatment. Furthermore, oxygen concentrators can be 80% cheaper when covered by insurance providers. If you want to know which insurance plans cover Oxygen therapies, you can consult our experts free of charge.

Since 1917, The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified oxygen in its essential medical supplies list. Oxygen therapy is a necessity for many patients who have breathing difficulties. As of recent times, we can notice its importance with oxygen machines being the main defense line against COVID.