AAHomecare, CHEST launch Oxygen Toolkit

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare and the American College of Chest Physicians have released an Oxygen Toolkit to support oxygen users and clinicians. 

“We’re excited to collaborate with the CHEST Foundation to educate patients with lung disease about oxygen therapy,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “Better-informed patients and caregivers will allow suppliers to more effectively support individuals who depend on home oxygen. These new guides are a terrific resource that will help patients and caregivers understand and confidently utilize these essential devices in their homes and when they travel.” 

The toolkit features four components: 

Complete oxygen therapy guide  

This provides basic information, including the benefits of oxygen therapy, a look into different systems and a guide for paying for therapy. 

Getting started  

This covers what to do before, during and after delivery of the equipment, with a focus on the relationship between patient and the durable medical equipment supplier. 

Trip planning guide: Traveling with oxygen therapy 

This provides everything someone traveling with supplemental oxygen would need to know for traveling by car, bus, train, cruise ship and by plane. 

Does your patient need oxygen therapy?  

Written for clinicians, this covers determining how to know if your patient needs oxygen therapy, how to order systems and how to educate a patient. 

“Driven by our commitment to make an impact on the quality of life of patients, the CHEST Foundation creates quality resources such as the Oxygen Toolkit for people who are grappling with navigating their day to day, while managing their disease,” says Ian Nathanson, MD, FCCP, president of the foundation. “Equally, we recognize that there are knowledge gaps of our own membership—writing a prescription that meets reimbursement criteria—and are committed to eliminating all the barriers patients face.” 

The guide is available here on the CHEST website.