Supplemental Oxygen: More Resources
Education and Support
Getting the right oxygen equipment for you takes time and effort. Find information and support from other oxygen users at a local Better Breathers group, Interstitial Lung Disease support group or pulmonary rehabilitation program.
To find an ILD support group near you, go to http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/life-with-pf/support-groups.
Cost Savings
People with special energy needs due to oxygen concentrators in the home may qualify for lower gas or electric rates. One example is PG&E's Medical Baseline Program.
Oxygen is an IRS-approved medical expense. Also, the cost of electricity used to operate your oxygen concentrator may be deductible. See IRS publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.
Traveling to High Elevations
For elevations of cities throughout the world, see worldatlas.com.
Safety
The Food and Drug Branch of the California Department of Health Services regulates the quality, purity, labeling, manufacture, sale and advertising of oxygen for medical use and its delivery systems in accordance with the Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law (California Health and Safety Code Sections 26000 through 26851).
Continue reading
If you have concerns about unsafe or illegal practices by manufacturers or sellers of oxygen for medical use or its delivery systems, notify the following agency:
Department of Health Services
Food and Drug Branch
1220 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-6921
Get Involved
There are an estimated 1.5 million supplemental oxygen users in the U.S., although the exact number is unknown.
There is strong evidence that supplemental oxygen can improve overall health and quality of life. It's important that Medicare oxygen equipment guidelines reflect the needs of supplemental oxygen users. If you are unhappy with the current rules and regulations associated with supplemental oxygen equipment, you may write to your congressperson:
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation advocates for those with interstitial lung disease:
Supplemental Oxygen Index:
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
