What kind of Insurance do you have?

Its a daily topic... What insurance do you have? The first question I ask patients when they come in the door at Oxygen Plus Medical Equipment is what insurance do you have? Often times they hesitate or question what they have. I always ask to see the insurance card. Looking at the card is always the best to insure correct information. It amazes me that most often they have no idea what coverage they have. The biggest problem is that they don't not only know what coverage they have but where they can get supplies or treatment. Sometimes, people are enrolled in an HMO that dictates where they can go and receive services and treatment. It is also common that the person has no idea what their copay is or deductible is. Not only is it imortant to know your benefits prior to receiving treament or services but it's essential to know where you can go. Insurance doesn't always cover all services or treatment. Most people over 65 years old have Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
However, Medicare only covers 80% of services under Part B benefits. So additional secondary insurance is necessary to cover the remaining balance incurred. It is CRUCIAL to call your insurance provider prior to receiving any benefits or treatment and know your policy. For more information call Oxygen Plus at 734-429-7444. Visit us at 98 N.Ann Arbor, Saline, MI 48176
On the web at www.oxygenplusmichigan.com

Holiday Time...what makes you happy?

As I am sitting here thinking about the holidays and reflecting the last few weeks I'm wondering just how others spend their time leading up to the holidays and what makes one really feel happy . I have shopped for family, shopped for charity, read Christmas cards and thought about sending Christmas cards. I often wonder why do we do all of this. Today, I was sitting in my store and a customer came in and gave Ronda a small box with my name on it. I said to Ronda my respiratory technician whats that? Ronda said, "remember Mary( changed the name for privacy)?" I said of course she went on to tell me that Mary had dropped off those gifts for us. Because we had been so helpful to her and she wanted to say thank you! At that moment I realized that small act of kindness and appreciation is what encouraged me to enter the health care profession and keeps me in it today. That was more than an act of kindness. It was thoughtful, genuinely nice and so sincere. It had nothing to do with the actual gift it was the thought and effort behind it. I guess that is why we shop often too much at Christmas, send cards, etc... We want to make others feel that small amount of kindness. So I guess when I'm feeling unappreciated I need to remember Mary! Consider" paying it forward" and brighten someones day. It really makes a difference. If every person took a few minutes to "pay it forward" can you image what the world would be like? I can.....

Just in time for Christmas..mobility equipment!

Where the plus means more!

We carry lift chairs,mobility equipment, safety equipment and much more! Most people do not know that most insurance companies do reimburse for some equipment. However, if not there are many items that make a great gift. We will help facilitate getting the order from the doctor and will even deliver the item. We are located downtown Saline at 98 N.Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI. http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/.

Feel free to call us at 734-429-7444

What Does the Color Pink Mean to You?

Though pink is famed to be the least masculine color of all, this October, like many before, professional athletes across the country will be wearing it proud. Breast Cancer Awareness month has been gaining more attention as the years have passed and for good reason.

Did you know one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime?


By attracting media attention to the staggering statistics related to breast cancer, it enables women to get checked early, and to do so often. Starting in women’s twenties, every woman should have an exam every three years. By the time a woman reaches 40, it should happen yearly. Prevention is the key to early diagnosis and increases the survival rate dramatically.

Because breast cancer affects so many, our store carries numerous products that help survivors heal with dignity and have a little fun too. We offer a wide array of wigs, breast forms, bras, head scarves, and more. We carry products from Anita, American Breast Care, and Trulife.


Products can be purchased online, with free shipping for orders over $150, or in our store located at 98 N. Ann Arbor Street, Saline, MI, 48176. Visit online at www.oxygenplusmichigan.com.

Related Links/Sources:


http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp

http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/CancerScreeningGuidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer

http://www.nfl.com/pink

What kind of Insurance do you have?

     It's truly amazing to me that almost everyday I have someone call me or stop into Oxygen Plus and not know or realize what insurance they have. Often they do not know what benefits they have. It's important to verify what coverage you have before any major purchase. Being in this business for many years now I have learned a tremendous amount about reimbursement and 'tricks" to billing. We are happy to assist with any questions. Regarding specific insurance questions I often recommend for the patient to call their individual insurance company prior to coming into the store and get an explanation of their policy. It is much easier for the patient to call and get details of their policy then it is for the provider to. You should ask what your deductible is and your copay. Often those amounts will have to be paid up front.

      At Oxygen Plus we have no problem getting details and an explanation of benefits for the patient but this may take some time. I also have to have basic information including insurance number, date of birth and name of the patient. Please feel free to stop by our store we are located at 98 N.Ann Arbor St. Saline, MI  48176
     If you have Medicare it only pays for 80% of medical and equipment. So, it is important to purchase a secondary insurance plan to pay for the 20% that isn't covered. I often see BCBS,United Healthcare, AARP as secondary insurance. There are many plans that you can choose from.
We recommend researching three company plans before deciding on what is the best for you. Visit www.medicare.gov for more information and explanation on coverage and specific plans.

     Please feel free to call us at 734-429-7444 or visit us http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/

PATIENTS FIRST ALWAYS!

     It's interesting to me how some health care professionals think....my question is what makes them think that way? Yesterday, I had a potential patient call me to inquire about renting a piece of mobility equipment for one week to go on a trip. This person had "ordered" a power chair from a company an hour away. It had been 5 weeks and they still didn't have the chair. I usually can get a chair within 7 days to a patient. The hold up is normally the physician. If it takes longer I am usually waiting on the physician to prepare necessary documents. I explained the procedure to the prospect.
      I also told him that I do not do short term rentals except for existing patients. Also, if he wasn't satisfied with the current arrangement I would be more than happy to help him. But, I wasn't trying to force him into anything because after all it was his choice where to receive equipment. However, he stated his doctor referred him to this medical equipment company.
     There is several concerns with this situation. First of all, the patients has the right to choose where to receive care and equipment. Medicare is very clear on this policy. This is not tolerated or endorsed. There is nothing wrong with giving a "list" of references or referral sources but it should be made clear that the patient has the right to choose. I can understand with smaller pieces of equipment the desire to buy long distance however, for longer items such as a scooter or power chair it is a good idea to look local first. After all, equipment can break and need minor repairs.
     So, I would ask myself is that company that is far away going to respond fast and efficiently? I often receive long distance opportunities if I know servicing is going to be difficult I often refer them to a local company. After all, the PATIENT is first. If your looking for equipment check out  http://www.pridemobility.com/ .They are the leader in scooters, power chairs, and lift chairs. Their service and follow-up is impeccable. For more information on billing and reimbursement please call 734-429-7444 or visit  Oxygen Plus at http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/. We are always happy to help!

More space ,bigger location

We are so happy to be in our new place! We have tripled our space and as a result much more new stuff. We have several new scooters, walkers and rollators to try! We have also expanded out store. Several customers had been requesting more daily aids and bath equipment. In the WOMENS BOUTIQUE we have added more wigs, and are now carrying Anita products as well. Among several others items we are pleased to have Lift chairs from http://www.pridemobility.com/

Please stop by and see us! Our new address is 98 N. Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176. Phone number 734-429-7444

Make simple changes to update and maintain safety in your SENIOR home

Most of us eventually need to make changes to make living easier for older adults. Regardless, if the aging population live with family or independently there are easy things to do to make living day to day comfortable and safe.

First, often decluttering is the easiest thing to do. Older adults have reduced reflexes and balance. So removing items that aren't being used and clearing hallways make a home more safe. Next, adding safety equipment in the bathroom can reduce the risk of a bathroom accident. For example, safety grips, hand railings, and tub equipment can be great ideas. Adding a light fixture or lamp throughout several rooms can be helpful. Recent studies have shown that by the age 60 the average person requires 15 more times lighting than when they were 50. Having a night light in each room can also aid in seeing.

According to the Home Safety Council falls are the leading cause of all nonfatal home injuries. So by removing throw rugs and making sure there is nothing on the floor that someone could trip on could prevent a unnecesary fall from occuring. Staging a mobility aid in the home such as a walker or cane is also a great idea. Thinking ahead and being prepared can not only lengthen the time the older adult can live in their home but it can also help protect them injury.

Most of the items mentioned can be easily found at your local home medical equipment company or call 734-429-7444. VISIT http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/.

What is Relay for Life?

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate lives of people who have battled cancer,remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school or park. Each team is asked to have someone on the track all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight.

The next question is always what happens at Relay For Life? There is an opening ceremony, luminaria ceremony, fight back ceremony and closing ceremony. There is entertainment during the day, kids activities and fundraising opportunities throughout the event. Each team has their own fundraising and "mission" for the event.

There are several ways to get involved people can have a team, be apart of a team, participate in the planning and coordination of the event or just come and enjoy all the fun!

Relay For Life raises funds to support the American Cancer Society mission of saving lives from cancer by helping people stay well, helping people get well ,by finding cures, and by fighting back.

We are so excited to be having the FIRST Relay For Life in Saline, MI this year. It is July 30th -July 31st. For more information contact Theresa Likert at OxygenPlus Medical Supplies http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/ . You can also visit our team page http://bit.ly/lSv0b2

Diabetes who pays for what?

I am often asked by patients, "where can I get my supplies and who pays for it"?

Self-Management education for diabetes is provided by a team of health professionals who may include your docot, nurse educator,dietitian,case manager,pharmacist or social worker.

Diabetic monitors,lancets and diabetic shoes are provided my home medical equipment companies and pharmacies.
Medicare,Medicaid and most state regulated health insurance plans reimburse with the appropriate paperwork for diabetic monitors,strips,lancets and diabetic shoes. For more information contact http://oxygenplusmichigan.com or call 734-429-7444

Helpful hints to prevent Diabetes

Are you prediabetic? Are you at risk? If you say yes to any of these following questions you are at risk....Are you 45 years of age or older? Do you have a parent,brother or sister with diabetes?
Are you African-American,Hispanic,or Native American? Are you overweight? Do you get too little physical activity? Do you have high cholesterol?

So if you ansered yes to any of the above questions you need to take action NOW.
Here are a few things to help. The first thing is increase your daily physical activity. You want to start slow and increase activity daily. The normal amount of activity is usually 20 minutes. This can be walking, running or even simple cleaning around the house or yard. The next thing is eat healthy. Try eating a well-rounded breakfast it's the most important meal of the day. Continue eating every 4-5 hours and eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Eat whole fruits instead of fruit juice. Another easy change is switching to lowfat dairy products. If you have high blood pressure you want to talk to your doctor immediately. Limit salt intake and exercise will help along with any medication that is prescribed. Along with treating high blood pressure you want to consider your cholesterol also. Decreasing intake is important in managing cholesterol. The last concern is stress. Managing stress is vital to minimizing health problems. Finding ways to relax is key. Often exercise can help as well.

Many of us are at risk for Diabetes 2,but by taking action, we can prevent the disease. Prevention can delay Diabetes and complications associated with it. For more information please call your doctor or health professional. For more information on diabetic supplies contact http://oxygenplusmichigan.com or 734-429-7444.

A Pain in the Neck!

The American Pain Foundation states,"neck pain is the 3rd most common ailment among people". Most people at some point in their life can relate to neck or back pain. As people age it's even more important for older adults to stay mobile. By keeping flexible and mobile it can help prevent injuries. Often neck pain can be caused by another problem and also lead to other more serious problems. Neck and back pain can lead to long-term ailments and be debilitating.

Studies show 2 out of 3 Americans will suffer from neck or back pain. Often the two problems are related. Preventative care can be crucial. There are several factors that lead to neck and back pain. For starters poor sleep, incorrect posture and performing tedious functions can aid to pain and other injuries.

It's often that medication is given to relieve pain. Anti-inflammatories, pain relievers and muscle relaxers are among the most popular to relieve pain. However, there are other alternatives to medications. Sometimes pain control is not enough. Often the use of assitive devices are recommended. Such as a cervical or lumbar pillow, a brace or specific traction devices may be ordered . It is often that a medical professional may recommend physical therapy as well.

A chiropractor or medical doctor may also suggest massage therapy. It can help to relax the muscles and help with pain. As always if pain persists call your physician immediately. Early diagnosis can make a difference. For more information on assistive devices visit www.oxygenplusmichigan.com
Oxygen Plus is located in Saline, MI at 734-429-7444