There has been an increased number of requests to SAIL for palliative with optional equipment devices (in particular access to a POC) as “tanks are heavy for seniors” or “not compatible with the patient’s active lifestyle” or “long tubes are not practical in care homes”. Prescribers have been expressing concern to SAIL about having to do renewal paperwork three times a year. SAIL Home Oxygen End Stage Palliative coverage is intended for patients whose life expectancy is counted in days or weeks; this is why palliative coverage is for 4 months and why POC's are a limited option for palliative funding. Before recommending palliative coverage for a patient who may not be end stage, review the SAIL Policy and the Home Oxygen Tester Handbook for appropriate criteria. If long term continuous testing has already been approved, applying for palliative funding may not be necessary. Always assess the advantages/disadvantages of palliative vs. long-term funding, especially considering that eventually palliative criteria will become more restrictive. |
