Oxygen concentrators

[gwalchmai]

Anybody have any experience with these? My step-dad needs one and we're wrangling with the VA and medicare to pay for it. I have no experience with 'em and thought someone here may have tips regarding the beaurocracy. 

[Ricordo]

To deal with the VA, contact his US representative or senator. Preferably senator.

They deal with that on a daily basis. Including issues with Medicare.  

[gwalchmai]

Oh, yeah. Thanks! Marjorie's our congresscritter. Of course, our senators are now commies so may be no help, but I'll try.  

[LostinTexas]

Commies want votes.

For which is better or worse. If memory serves, there are only a very few manufacturers, no matter the label. I have never heard of them going out. I'm sure they do, but of the folks we saw, even though briefly, most never complained about the machine malfunctioning. Some did complain they couldn't get flow from the machines, but had 200 feet, literally, of hose. It don't work like that.

I never dealt with VA on these, but had a friend that opened a medical supply store. They did all the paperwork for the clients. I know that things had to be provided to them, but they worked with the doctors, insurance, .gov, and who ever. It seems he said it wasn't too big a deal, but I don't know what that means exactly. They may think it simple where you or I would see an insurmountable maintain of red tape. If you have an advocate, let them be the advocate.

Good luck.

[ChuteTheMall]

I don't know about the VA, but make sure the unit you get can be recharged in the car, even if it's for someone who doesn't drive.

[Fog]

They show up used cheap from time to time. 

I'm keeping my eye out for a cheap used one to feed enriched air to my brazing torch.