You get home oxygen through a prescription from an authorized prescriber at a hospital.
Home oxygen therapy involves using a device in your home to breathe in air that contains more oxygen than normal. This is typically done using a mask or a tube connected to the oxygen device. It's important to understand that you can't simply buy home oxygen; it needs to be prescribed by a qualified medical professional.
Who Can Prescribe Home Oxygen?
According to the reference provided, home oxygen must be prescribed by an authorized hospital prescriber, including:
- A respiratory consultant
- A pediatrician
Steps to Getting Home Oxygen
While not explicitly stated in the provided reference, here's a general overview of how you would get home oxygen therapy:
- Consult a Doctor: If you're experiencing symptoms that may indicate a need for supplemental oxygen (like shortness of breath), consult with your general practitioner who can refer you to a specialist if necessary.
- Hospital Assessment: A respiratory consultant or pediatrician at the hospital will assess your condition. They'll conduct tests to determine if home oxygen therapy is necessary.
- Prescription: If home oxygen is deemed necessary, an authorized prescriber (such as a respiratory consultant or a pediatrician) will write a prescription.
- Oxygen Equipment: Once you have a prescription, a medical equipment company will provide the necessary oxygen equipment, like a concentrator, cylinders, tubing, and masks or nasal cannulas.
- Training and Setup: You will be trained on how to safely use and maintain the oxygen equipment at home.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your healthcare team will monitor the effectiveness of your oxygen therapy and make adjustments if needed.
Important Note: It's essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding oxygen usage and safety. Do not adjust your oxygen flow rate without consulting your physician.
In summary, getting home oxygen requires a medical assessment and a prescription from an authorized hospital prescriber. This process is designed to ensure you receive the right amount of oxygen and use the equipment safely.
