Letter to the US Congress: Four Pillars for Supplemental Oxygen Reform – Wescoe Foundation among dedicated patient-advocacy organizations
Patients need changes to the way that they receive supplemental oxygen. The lung health community has come together in support of Four Pillars for Oxygen Reform.
Approximately 50% of people living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) who use supplemental oxygen report having problems with their oxygen. Examples of these problems include not receiving the type of oxygen equipment ordered by their doctor, unreliable service and delivery, a lack of education on how to use supplemental oxygen, and being given too few oxygen refills to meet their needs.
The Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis has joined over 20 other patient, professional, and industry groups to advocate for changes to how oxygen is provided. Key elements of these “Four Pillars for Oxygen Reform” include:
- Creating a patients bill of rights
- Ensuring that patients have access to liquid oxygen when necessary. Liquid oxygen is important because it provides patients who need high flow oxygen with a lightweight and portable option. Without liquid oxygen, many people on high flow oxygen struggle to leave the house or are limited to just a couple of hours outside of the home.
- Covering respiratory therapy services for people who use oxygen. Respiratory therapists are trained to provide education and specialized support to patients who use oxygen.
CLICK HERE: FOUR PILLARS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN REFORM – January 2024