The Cost of Breathing: Home Oxygen Therapy

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The cost of breathing: An economic analysis of the patient cost of home oxygen therapy

Gary M. Reisfield, MD

Department of Community Health and Family Medicine; Palliative Medicine Services, University of Florida Health Science Center—Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida

George R. Wilson, MD

Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida Health Science Center—Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida

Abstract:

The oxygen concentrator is a popular means of delivering supplemental oxygen to the home hospice patient. The technology is notable for its reliability, convenience, and ease of use. It is the most cost effective of the various oxygen delivery systems from the institutional standpoint. Cost effectiveness from the patient standpoint has not previously been reported. We present a brief analysis of the cost of operating such a device from the perspective of the patient and suggest possible ways of addressing this cost.

Full article (PDF):

http://ajh.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/21/5 ... type=HWCIT

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