Regulator (E1353) – Medical HCPCS Procedure

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Oxygen Regulator
• Technical Term: Pressure Regulator for Oxygen Delivery Systems

Summary

An oxygen regulator, designated by the HCPCS code E1353, is a device used in medical settings to control the flow of oxygen from a tank to a patient. It ensures that the correct amount of oxygen is delivered at a safe pressure.

Purpose

The oxygen regulator is essential for patients who require supplemental oxygen due to conditions that result in low blood oxygen levels. This includes chronic respiratory diseases like COPD, acute conditions such as pneumonia, and other chronic health issues impacting respiration. The goals are to maintain an adequate oxygen level in the blood and improve the patient's overall breathing efficacy.

Indications

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Severe asthma
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pneumonia
• Congestive heart failure
• Post-surgical recovery necessitating supplemental oxygen

Preparation

• Patients may need to undergo an assessment of their oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter or arterial blood gas (ABG) test.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are required prior to using the regulator.

Procedure Description

1. Assessment: The patient’s oxygen requirement is assessed and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
2. Assembly:
   • Attach the regulator to the oxygen tank.
   • Ensure all connections are secure and check for leaks.
3. Adjustment:
   • Set the regulator to the prescribed flow rate (measured in liters per minute, LPM).
4. Application:
   • Connect the oxygen tubing from the regulator to the patient's oxygen delivery device, such as a nasal cannula or mask.
5. Monitoring:
   • Continuously monitor the patient’s oxygen saturation and adjust as necessary.

Tools & Equipment: Oxygen tank, oxygen tubing, nasal cannula or mask, and the oxygen regulator.

Anesthesia/Sedation: Not required.

Duration

The setup and adjustment typically take about 10-20 minutes. The duration of oxygen therapy varies depending on the patient’s medical needs and can range from a few days to lifelong management.

Setting

The procedure can be performed in various settings:

• Hospital
• Outpatient clinic
• Home setting with a healthcare provider’s guidance

Personnel

• Respiratory therapist
• Nurse
• Healthcare provider (physician or nurse practitioner)

Risks and Complications

• Common: Minor skin irritation from tubing.
• Rare: Device malfunction or improper flow rate leading to too much or too little oxygen delivery, potential fire hazards if used near open flames.

Benefits

• Improved oxygenation and relief of symptoms associated with low blood oxygen.
• Enhanced quality of life and physical capability.
• Benefits may be realized immediately, especially if the patient was experiencing significant hypoxia.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care involves regular monitoring of oxygen levels.
• Patients must follow guidelines on oxygen tank handling and regulator usage.
• Routine checks and maintenance of equipment are critical.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to check the patient's progress and adjust oxygen flow rates if needed.

Alternatives

• Oxygen concentrators: Machines that extract oxygen from the room air. They are more suitable for home use but may not be as portable.
• Liquid oxygen systems: Portable but more expensive and require regular refills.

Pros and Cons:

• Regulator and tank: Portable but less convenient for long-term home use.
• Concentrators: Convenient for long-term and home use but limited portability and require power source.
• Liquid Systems: Highly portable with constant flow but higher cost and regular refill requirement.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Minimal discomfort, some mild inconvenience from wearing the nasal cannula or mask.
• After Procedure: Patients will feel the immediate impact of appropriate oxygen supplementation, including easier breathing and reduced fatigue.
• Pain Management: Generally not required, but adjustments can be made for comfort regarding the fit of the oxygen delivery device.

Comfort measures include properly fitting the cannula or mask and ensuring that the equipment is maintained and functioning correctly to prevent discomfort or irritation.