Category: Portable oxygen concentrators
By John Andrews
Updated Fri June 22, 2012
SIZING UP POCS
The ideal system?: While some oxygen patients could rely on a portable oxygen concentrator as their sole system, most manufacturers believe that the POC is a nice complementary unit to a stationary concentrator or transfilling unit. Because POC models vary so widely in terms of flow, weight and battery life, the ideal POC will differ from patient to patient.
PRIMING DEMAND
Consumers want POCs: Oxygen system manufacturers acknowledge that a key driver to the portable unit's success is demand from consumers. While the desire to have a POC represents retail sales potential for respiratory providers, they also face stiff competition from direct-to-consumer websites that are bypassing the HME supply chain.
DITCHING DELIVERY
Parking the van: The lower reimbursement floor has forced oxygen providers to take a hard look at the necessity of maintaining a fleet of trucks and drivers for conventional oxygen delivery. High overhead is a killer in the cost-sensitive oxygen business and cutting that expense could mean the difference between survival and failure.
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