O2 sats too old

Regina · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2011, 11:58 AM

We have a patient who is a nun who lives with her community. She had an overnight oximetry done on March 15th, but the doctor didn't order O2 for her until May 13th. The patient is elderly, and apparently the facility didn't follow up with the doctor. Not sure why the doctor let it go for 2 months either.
Anyway, is my only recourse to get the doctor to order another overnight oximetry? She only desats during sleep, so she doesn't qualify otherwise. Will Medicare cover another test?

Any guidance is most welcome!

Thanks!

Sleeping410 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2011, 02:25 PM

Sorry Regina, the overnight will have to be repeated.

Regina · #3 (**permalink**) 06-29-2011, 02:52 PM

Does anyone know if Medicare will cover another overnight oximetry?

Sleeping410 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-29-2011, 03:02 PM

Yeah, since they are procedures it's not nearly as complicated as getting a new piece of equipment....too bad it's not that easy for us.

Regina · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2011, 03:40 PM

agreed! Thanks for your help!