can someone tell me what the 5 percent rule that qualifies a pt for oxygen in the home according to medicare?

Posted on November 21, 2009 by admin

it involves a pulse oximetry reading of at least 5 percent of the night. Help I am confused

You have to document a Saturation of 88% or less on room air while sleeping for approval for O2 @ night. You must show a Saturation of 88%or less during the day for continuous oxygen.
This has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time. If your Saturations are less than 90% you are already in danger. To wait until it’s <88%, I believe, too late. But you can’t fight the system.
God bless.

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One Response to can someone tell me what the 5 percent rule that qualifies a pt for oxygen in the home according to medicare?

  1. Dave says:
    November 21, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    You have to document a Saturation of 88% or less on room air while sleeping for approval for O2 @ night. You must show a Saturation of 88%or less during the day for continuous oxygen.
    This has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time. If your Saturations are less than 90% you are already in danger. To wait until it’s <88%, I believe, too late. But you can’t fight the system.
    God bless.
    References :