For those of you without insurance, how much are you paying per tank (E) and who is your provider?

Slacker,

I've used Apria and I've used Lincare.  The closest Lincare to you is in Glendale/burbank

614 South Glenwood Pl.
Burbank, Ca. 91506

also look up Apria near you..

When I had Insurance they both charged me 42.00 for a refill.  That was OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!!  I made an appointment to have a sit down with the manager and told them I do not use 02 for COPD or anything like that.  I explained what CH is,  in a abbreviated way.

I asked them in a "oh-so-nice-way...if we could make an agreement to leave the Ins. out of it and I asked them if 10.00 per e-tank would be o.k.   They said yes.


BOTH times I did this with both companys.  Apria is my supplier now and they are great.  When I moved to No. Calif...they honored that agreement.  You just have to be firm and a little tear in your eye doesn't hurt either.

Please let me know how you make out.  

Linda, who used to live in Burbank.   ;)

After a year of EXHAUSTIVE research, I started using welding oxygen. It is, in every way identical to medical O2 with the exception of the tank itself.

A "T" size tank refill costs me $19.00 here in Texas. It holds more than 14 "E" size tanks that I refill myself. This approach also allows me to carry a tiny little portable tank in a camera type bag.

I'm not suggesting that you do this, but it has served me well to kill virtually every attack - and I'm not the only one.

If I don't get banned for suggesting this, take a look here: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Marc

Linda_Howell wrote on Jul 21^st, 2009 at 7:26pm:

When I had Insurance they both charged me 42.00 for a refill.  That was OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!!  I made an appointment to have a sit down with the manager and told them I do not use 02 for COPD or anything like that.  I explained what CH is,  in a abbreviated way. I asked them in a "oh-so-nice-way...if we could make an agreement to leave the Ins. out of it and I asked them if 10.00 per e-tank would be o.k.   They said yes. BOTH times I did this with both companys.  Apria is my supplier now and they are great.  When I moved to No. Calif...they honored that agreement.  You just have to be firm and a little tear in your eye doesn't hurt either.

Slacker,

Listen to the above...it's golden...

Will try to make this short...it's sorta, kinda the same...

27 year ch vet here...24 of those using O2 (3 yrs undiagnosed). Have been using Lincare (or a bought out co) for all of those. Because my insurance would NOT cover O2 "for THIS condition"..their words... (a$$hats!)...I did the following...

For 22 of those..I used Linda's method. No eyelashes to bat, no cute, petite charm she posseses...I naively presented myself as a customer who NEEDED help! My fortune to find managers (6 at least) with a SOUL! Got my tanks for yrs at $10, then slowly up to $12, then $14. Two yrs ago that changed, new mgr insisted I apply for insurance (which to my surprise was finally approved (lots more detail not necessary here). Classless witch who will not acknowledge my presence during visits, like I have leprosy... (hey, I pick up my own tanks, no delivery required), not even a hello. I now know why...they charge insurance $45 freaking dollars per tank..of which ins pays $30+ and I pay $1.10/per). Good for me...OUTRAGEOUS for insurance co...no wonder we are in the mess we are in...

Anyway, NOT trying to discourage you here...it can be a cold impersonal world out there...just be prepared, be sincere, be prepared to WALK...and I pray you find someone with a soul!

AND, if I didn't live in a second floor apt...I would be right there with Marc...

Best,

Jon

Hey Linda,

I'm actually going to the Lincare in Burbank right now but they won't charge me less than $15 per tank - which is getting pretty expensive.  I'm considering the welding oxygen route now.  

Thanks for your input guys.  I love the O2 but it can get pricey during a bad cycle!

One more question - is there a consensus method for using oxygen? Breath rate, in through the nose, out through the mouth, etc?  I've the read the oxygen info FAQ but I'm wondering if there are more specific ways to be more efficient in killing a hit.

What Marc said.  I have a lifetime lease on my tank.  If the tank needs new anything it's on their dime.

          Potter

slacker032 wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2009 at 12:40pm:

One more question - is there a consensus method for using oxygen? Breath rate, in through the nose, out through the mouth, etc?  I've the read the oxygen info FAQ but I'm wondering if there are more specific ways to be more efficient in killing a hit.

The trick is to hyper-ventilate on 100% O2 for a few minutes - it doesn't take long. Whether you choose a mask or mouthpiece doesn't change the above statement, it's a matter of comfort.

The flow rate required varies by the person. I need 35-45 lpm. Some folks need more, some less. I would not suggest starting at less than 25 lpm.

Remember that some people report that they get complete success with 8 lpm too.

Marc wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2009 at 4:40pm:

slacker032 wrote on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 12:40pm: One more question - is there a consensus method for using oxygen? Breath rate, in through the nose, out through the mouth, etc?  I've the read the oxygen info FAQ but I'm wondering if there are more specific ways to be more efficient in killing a hit. The trick is to hyper-ventilate on 100% O2 for a few minutes - it doesn't take long. Whether you choose a mask or mouthpiece doesn't change the above statement, it's a matter of comfort. The flow rate required varies by the person. I need 35-45 lpm. Some folks need more, some less. I would not suggest starting at less than 25 lpm. Remember that some people report that they get complete success with 8 lpm too.

To hyperventilate, should I take long, deep breaths or short, quick ones?

Long and deep vs. short quick is sort of a personal choice I think  ;)

I would suggest deep breathing to help exhale as much of the CO2 from the lower part of your lungs as possible, but I'm not convinced that makes a big difference - as long as you are forcing yourself to breathe rapidly.

Marc

Gotcha.  Thanks Marc.

I use Apria Healthcare in Oxnard, CA. I haven't yet figured out their pricing. The first delivery was 4 E-tanks, a 15 LPM regulator and a cart for which they billed my insurance $122 (in May). A week later they delivered 24- E tanks and billed my insurance $122 (June). A month after that they delivered 20 E-tanks and billed my insuance $122 (July).

The conclusion I have reached (so far) is that O2 is $122 per month, no mattter how many tanks I use?