Changes to the reimbursement for oxygen and oxygen equipment by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) went into effect on the first day of 2007.

For many respiratory professionals, the most noteworthy modification is the 36-month cap on oxygen reimbursement, after which title for the equipment would transfer to the beneficiary in accordance with the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005

Monthly reimbursements have also changed. According to the CMS, individuals requiring both stationary and portable oxygen would receive the revised stationary payment of $177, in addition to one of two proposed portable equipment payments (of either $32 or $64), during the initial 3-year period.

In addition to the new stationary payment, CMS has also proposed new national monthly oxygen rental rates of $32 for portable add-ons; $64 for oxygen generating portable equipment add-on for portable concentrators or transfilling systems; $101 for stationary contents delivery; and $55 for portable contents delivery.

The entire CMS document is available online (launches PDF).