An oxygen concentrator is a machine that adds oxygen to the air. The oxygen levels depend on the concentrator, but the goal is the same: helping patients with severe asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart conditions breathe better.
Typical costs:
- An at-home oxygen concentrator costs between $550 and $2,000. These concentrators, such as the Optium Oxygen Concentrator which has a manufacturer’s list price of $1,200-$1,485 but sells for about $630-$840 on websites like Amazon , are heavier and bulkier than portable oxygen concentrators. The cost of at-home oxygen concentrators depends on the brand and the features. The Millennium M10 Concentrator, which costs about $1,500, offers patients the ability to vary oxygen delivery rates, up to 10 liters per minute, and has an oxygen purity indicator light.
- Portable oxygen concentrators cost between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on weight of the concentrator, features offered and the brand. For example, the Evergo Respironics Concentrator costs about $4,000 and weighs about 10 pounds. The Evergo also has a touch-screen display, up to 12 hours of battery life and comes with a carrying bag. The SeQual Eclipse 3 , which costs about $3,000, is a heavier model that can easily double as an at-home oxygen concentrator. The Eclipse weighs about 18 pounds and has between two and five hours of battery life, depending on the patient’s oxygen dosage.
- Insurance typically covers oxygen concentrator purchases if a patient’s medical history shows a need. Typical copay rates and deductibles will apply. The average deductible ranges from $1,000 to more than $2,000, and average copays range from $15 to $25, depending on the state.
What should be included:
- An oxygen concentrator purchase will include the oxygen concentrator, electrical cord, filter, packaging, information about the concentrator and, typically, a warranty that lasts between one and five years. Some oxygen concentrators will also include tubing, an oxygen mask and a carrying case or cart. Portable oxygen concentrators will also include a battery.
Additional costs:
- Because a home oxygen concentrator relies on electrical power, users can anticipate an average increase of $30 in their electric bills.
- Oxygen concentrators require a physician’s prescription, so patients will need to schedule an appointment with their doctor. Typical doctor’s fees, ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the individual office, will apply. For those with insurance, typical copays range from $5 to $50.
- Some oxygen concentrators come with an oxygen mask and tubing, but many do not. An oxygen mask, along with the tubing, costs between $2 and $50. More expensive masks are latex free with specialized holes that allow carbon dioxide to escape. Pediatric oxygen masks and tubing can cost up to $225.
- Portable oxygen concentrators require a battery pack. An extra pack is recommended, which can cost between $50 and $500 depending on the oxygen concentrator and the battery life. Batteries may need to be replaced annually.
- Portable oxygen concentrators may require a carrying case or cart. These can cost between $40 and more than $200.
- Oxygen concentrators use a filter, which will need replacing; filters cost between $10 and $50. The expense varies, depending on the type of filter and oxygen concentrator. The Evergo replacement filters cost about $40.
Shopping for oxygen concentrators:
- Oxygen concentrator purchases require a physician’s prescription, so patients should start by scheduling an appointment with a doctor. Patients should be sure to ask about how many liters per minute they need their oxygen concentrator to dispense. Most concentrators operate at one liter per minute. Some have variable output options. Patient should also ask their doctor if they have any specific brand recommendations.
- Oxygen concentrators can be purchased online or through a medical supply retailer. Ask if the retailer provides a tutorial for oxygen concentrator use. Experts say that patients should never buy a used oxygen concentrator.
- Active Forever offers tips for purchasing the best oxygen concentrator for each individual patient.
Post time: Sep-29-2022