Results of the Wachovia 2008 Sleep Survey — a partnership with HME Business, Respiratory Management’s sister publication — reveal a slowdown of the sleep market. According to the study, HME providers expect their sleep revenue to grow by 10 percent in the next 12 months vs. 11 percent last year.
Whether you’re currently carrying liquid oxygen or you’re in one of the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the competitive bidding program, chances are you’re examining the viability of liquid. While there are many clinical benefits of this modality, especially from a patient standpoint, traditionally, the costs for providing liquid have been prohibitive. If you’re reconsidering liquid or just looking for a way to stay profitable, here are some things you should know.
- By Elisha Bury
- Jul 01, 2008
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, OSA is estimated to occur in 1 to 3 percent of otherwise healthy preschool children. Peak prevalence is between the ages of 2 and 6, though OSA can occur at any time between infancy and adolescence. Sleep apnea is thought to be equally prevalent among boys and girls.
- By Lunzeta Brackens
- Jun 01, 2008
Lately, the oxygen business has sounded like the refrain of a country-western song. We've lost funding thanks to cuts, and further losses are pending as Congress threatens to peel back the rental cap even further to 13 or 18 months. With the announcement of winning bidders in the first round of competitive bidding and the projected savings for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of 22-32 percent in some areas, many providers may well lose their oxygen business altogether, even if they didn't lose the bid.
For the past year, the mantra Work smarter, not harder has been heralded as the solution to reimbursement woes. Manufacturers have rolled out technology to reduce deliveries, and GPS technology bent on improving delivery efficiencies is no longer the domain of meandering travelers. But as providers vie for business-sustaining theories to put into practice, which oxygen avenue makes the most sense for the bottom line?
- By Elisha Bury
- Jun 01, 2008
Oxygen Studies: Providers Talk Oxygen Modalities
There are a number of reasons why these children have a hard time breathing while asleep: impaired muscle tone (either increased, decreased or fluctuating); reduced respiratory function due to distorted chest shape; decreased compliance of the chest wall and muscles involved in breathing; increased saliva function and cough reflex; poor movement control; moving into positions that make breathing difficult and that are hard to get out of; and central apneas that may occur because of disturbed neurological function.
- By Lunzeta Brackens
- Jun 01, 2008
Oxygen Studies: Providers Talk Oxygen Modalities
- By Lunzeta Brackens
- May 13, 2008
- By David Kopf
- May 13, 2008
- By Kathryn Hansen
- May 01, 2008
Surgery is scary business for most patients, but patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea have something extra to worry about. Anesthesia and post-operative pain medications in conjunction with sleep apnea could cause fatal complications. Because of this danger and the growing prevalence of sleep apnea, diagnosing patients prior to surgery is of the utmost importance. Respiratory providers can play a vital role in educating anesthesiologists about the dangers of undiagnosed sleep apnea. Integration of a sleep apnea management program could reduce the risk of an adverse event during a sedated surgery or procedure experience. In the following article, Kathryn Hansen discusses the merits of such a plan and what respiratory therapists need to know about patients at risk.
- By Kathryn Hansen
- May 01, 2008
The following studies show a link between sleep and fibromyalgia.
- By Elisha Bury
- May 01, 2008