Name of the Procedure:

Stationary Liquid Oxygen System, Rental

• Common Name(s): Home Oxygen Therapy, Oxygen Concentrator Rental
• Technical Term: Stationary Liquid Oxygen System (HCPCS Code: E0439)

Summary

A stationary liquid oxygen system is a rental service providing a comprehensive setup for oxygen therapy at home. It includes a liquid oxygen container, regulator, flowmeter, humidifier, nebulizer, cannula or mask, and tubing, which deliver supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory conditions.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pulmonary Fibrosis, Severe Asthma, Chronic Hypoxemia.
• Goals/Outcomes: Increase blood oxygen levels, improve breathing, enhance quality of life, and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath.

Indications

• Persistent low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia)
• Difficulty breathing without supplemental oxygen
• Criteria: Patients with chronic lung conditions and documented need for continuous oxygen therapy

Preparation

• Instructions: No specific fasting or medication adjustments required.
• Pre-assessments: Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and oxygen saturation measurements.

Procedure Description

• Setup: Delivered and installed by a medical equipment provider at the patient's home.
• Components: Liquid oxygen container, regulator, flowmeter, humidifier, nebulizer, cannula or mask, tubing.
• Operation: The system converts liquid oxygen into breathable gas, regulated for the patient’s needs.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable, as this is a non-invasive procedure.

Duration

• Setup Time: 1-2 hours including delivery and installation.
• Usage Duration: As prescribed by the physician, typically long-term or lifelong for chronic conditions.

Setting

• Location: Patient's home

Personnel

• Medical equipment technicians for setup
• Respiratory therapists for usage training
• Physicians for ongoing medical supervision

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor skin irritation from the cannula or mask, Equipment malfunction.
• Rare Risks: Fire hazard from improper use near open flames, Freezing burns from liquid oxygen.
• Management: Regular maintenance checks, patient education on safety protocols.

Benefits

• Expected Outcomes: Improved oxygen levels and breathing, enhanced mobility and activity tolerance.
• Realization Time: Immediate improvements in oxygen levels; other benefits within days to weeks of consistent use.

Recovery

• Post-Care: Routine maintenance of equipment, monitoring oxygen levels.
• Recovery Time: Continuous use as prescribed; improvement in symptoms with ongoing oxygen therapy.
• Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups with a physician to adjust oxygen levels and address any issues.

Alternatives

• Options: Portable oxygen concentrators, compressed gas oxygen cylinders, medications like bronchodilators and steroids.
• Pros/Cons: Portable options provide more mobility but may offer less oxygen flow; medications may not be sufficient alone for severe hypoxemia.

Patient Experience

• During: Initial learning to handle equipment, feeling of relief with improved breathing.
• After: Potential for minor discomfort from wearing the cannula or mask. Continuous monitoring and adjustment for comfort and efficiency. Educated on using and maintaining equipment safely.