Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Domiciliary Oxygen Program?
The
Domiciliary Oxygen Program is funded by the Department of Health Victoria. This program provides people with a permanent or long-term disability/health condition, as well as those who are frail aged, with subsidised funding towards the cost of medical oxygen gas and associated equipment.
What types of oxygen equipment does the Domiciliary Oxygen Program help to fund?
The Domiciliary Oxygen Program helps to fund:
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Portable oxygen cylinders
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Stationary concentrators
-
Portable oxygen concentrators
-
Associated equipment accessories
What will it cost?
There
is a maximum annual subsidy for medical oxygen gas and associated equipment. Supply
is based on your Respiratory Physician's assessment; various packages may be
funded to a maximum of $200 per month. If the subsidy does not cover the full
cost of the medical oxygen gas and associated equipment, you or a third party
will need to pay the remainder.
How do I find a Respiratory Physician?
You will need to be referred to a Respiratory Physician by your General Practitioner (GP).
Am I eligible?
You are eligible for funding if you:
- Are a permanent Victorian Resident or hold a temporary or permanent protection Visa or are an asylum seeker
- Have a long-term health condition/disability and/or are frail aged
- Do not receive other government funding (i.e. a Home Care Package)
- Are not an in-patient of a public or private hospital or permanent resident of a residential care facility
- Cannot claim equipment through your private health insurance policy
- Have not been released from hospital or an extended care centre within 30 days, where equipment required is related to the hospital admission
What do I do if the oxygen equipment I am using breaks down?
You can call either the oxygen Supplier, Air Liquide Healthcare directly on 1300 36 02 02 or SWEP on 1300 747 937 and one of the SWEP staff will liaise with Air Liquide on your behalf.
How do I apply for the program?
You
will need to be assessed by a specialist Respiratory Physician. Your Respiratory Physician will complete an online application form based on your needs and submit it on your behalf.
What happens after my application is submitted?
An
administration officer will triage and process your application.
Once your application is processed, a letter will be sent to you
informing you of the status of your application.
SWEP will place an order with the oxygen Supplier,
Air Liquide and they will arrange the delivery.
What are my responsibilities towards the oxygen equipment?
By accepting oxygen equipment from SWEP you agree:
-
The equipment is issued on a loan basis for as long as you need it
-
To keep the equipment in good order and repair
-
The equipment is provided for your use only
-
You cannot re-lend the equipment or give or sell it to anyone else
-
You cannot modify or use the equipment inappropriately.
The equipment must be used
as prescribed by your Respiratory Physician.
What should I do when I no longer require the oxygen equipment?
SWEP requires your Physician to notify us in writing that you no longer
require your oxygen equipment. SWEP will arrange for the equipment to be collected by the Supplier, Air Liquide Healthcare.
What do I do if I run out of oxygen or the power goes off?
You should have the number of your oxygen supplier, Air Liquide Healthcare, readily available in case you run out of oxygen or the equipment is faulty.
You should register with your phone and electricity providers that you have a concentrator at home to ensure that your services are reinstated quickly.
Please refer to the power failure emergency
planning checklist provided by Air Liquide Healthcare.
Will my electricity bill increase?
Yes, your electricity bill will increase however, electricity
companies provide a concession. Your electricity company can provide you with a
concession form which needs to be signed by your Respiratory Physician or
Nurse.
Safety considerations when using home oxygen
- It is not safe to use your oxygen equipment when smoking. Smoking is contradictive to your oxygen therapy. If you are smoking your oxygen therapy funding will cease.
- It is not safe to use your oxygen within 2 metres
of an open flame (e.g. when cooking).
- When bathing/showering - oxygen tubing can get wet,
but you need to ensure that the oxygen concentrator or cylinder remains dry.
- Cylinders should be limited and secured against movement during transport. Well ventilated vehicles or trailers should be used in preference to enclosed ones. Regulators and other accessories should be detached from the cylinder.
Please
ensure you familiarise yourself with the Air Liquide Healthcare Product User
Manuals, Frequently Asked Questions and 'Cylinder Safety Basics Guide' for the safe handling, transporting and storing of cylinders.
How much oxygen should I use and when?
Your Respiratory Physician
will prescribe oxygen therapy/equipment to meet your needs, including the flow rate and duration of use.
Your Respiratory Physician will decide whether you
need oxygen at home and/or when you leave the house.
Can I increase my oxygen flow if I get more breathless?
You should not change the flow rate prior to checking with your nurse or physician. Your Respiratory Physician
may require you to have more tests to determine your ongoing needs.
What do I do if my ears or nose become sore?
If you are experiencing discomfort from your oxygen equipment speak to Air Liquide Healthcare or your local pharmacist for advice.
Can I go on holidays with oxygen?
Various
transports have different regulations about their use with oxygen. Please contact
the appropriate business (airport, boat, train, bus) about their regulations
well in advance of your holiday.
Contact SWEP on
1300 747 937 at least two weeks in advance to going on holiday to ensure that
arrangements for your oxygen supply can be made before you leave.
Please note that if the quote for your oxygen
supply whilst on holidays exceeds the maximum subsidy allowance, you will be
responsible to privately fund the cost of your oxygen whilst travelling.
Carry the contact numbers of your Respiratory
Physician, SWEP and Air Liquide Healthcare
when you travel.
Quicklink
Please see the Applying for Dop section or call
SWEP on 1300 PH SWEP (1300 747 937) or (03) 5333 8100 for further information.
