Oxygen is a Drug
Our Proactive Approach to Oxygen Regulatory Compliance
Medical Service Company (MSC) provides the best quality care to our patients through a great clinical experience as well as one that meets compliance requirements.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about oxygen being considered a drug, the need for an office visit and obtaining a new prescription each year.
Why is oxygen considered a drug?
Most of us know that you can't buy prescription-only medication without a doctor's updated order. The same applies to oxygen! In the United States, medical oxygen is regulated as a drug because of its significant effects on the body, and its therapeutic use for chronic conditions. Like any drug, its use needs to be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness, which is why MSC is required to have a prescription to dispense oxygen.
What is oxygen compliance?
Federal and insurance requirements for oxygen compliance mandate that patients using oxygen must complete an office visit and obtain a new prescription each year, as oxygen is classified as a drug. An annual office visit allows your healthcare provider to assess your current health status, evaluate the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This helps ensure that you are receiving the optimal care for your condition.
Why do I need a prescription for oxygen?
In addition to a prescription being a federal law, a prescription ensures that oxygen is used correctly and safely. It allows healthcare providers to monitor your condition, adjust the dosage if necessary, and prevent potential complications associated with improper use.
How will I know when my prescription expires?
MSC will send out reminders beginning 90 days before your oxygen prescription expires, prompting you to follow up with your doctor. Additional outreach will take place every 20 days and continuing until the expiration date. This ensures that you can schedule your appointment in a timely manner to continue your therapy without interruption.
What if my prescription changes?
If your prescription changes, please inform us as soon as possible by calling (800) 824-1400 so we can update our records.
Can I skip the annual office visit and still get my prescription renewed?
No, the annual office visit is necessary to renew your prescription. An annual office visit allows your healthcare provider to assess your current health status, evaluate the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This helps ensure that you are receiving the optimal care for your condition. Skipping the visit could result in an interruption of your oxygen therapy.
Should I notify MSC that I have an appointment scheduled?
Yes, we recommend notifying MSC of your upcoming appointment, so we can note it in your account.
What if appointments at my doctor's office are booked out farther than the expiration of my prescription?
MSC is committed to assisting our patients and offers flexibility during this transition via our proactive outreach program.
What if I can't make it to the office visit?
If you cannot attend the office visit, contact your doctor's office as soon as possible to reschedule. Please call (800) 824-1400 to update us with the rescheduled appointment date.
What happens if I do not comply with these oxygen compliance requirements?
MSC will work diligently with you to ensure uninterrupted therapy. However, if you remain non-compliant after our repeated outreach attempts, MSC will no longer be able to provide oxygen, tanks, supplies, or services to you and will have to pick up the equipment. This action is necessary because we must have a current prescription on file to continue providing oxygen. In addition, if a new prescription is not received and the doctor visit requirement is not met annually, your insurance will no longer cover the cost of the oxygen equipment, and you could be held financially responsible.
What if I no longer need the oxygen equipment?
At any point, if you no longer need the equipment, please contact your doctor to send a discontinuance of the oxygen prescription to MSC and then call us at (800) 824-1400 to schedule a pickup of the equipment.