Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive and quick test which is designed to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. The test demonstrates if the heart and lungs supply enough to meet your body's needs.
The red blood cells in your body are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to your organs. However, suffering from lung or heart disease can lower the amount of oxygen in these cells. If the amount drops significantly, your body cannot work properly. In fact, organs such as your heart and brain require oxygen to be able to perform their job properly.
That’s why, your physician might recommend this test to discover whether you need to breathe in extra oxygen through a tube, also known as supplemental oxygen, or you will need to be treated for a heart or lung problem.
Why Would I Need the Home Overnight Oximetry Test?
The home overnight oximetry test is used to:
- Diagnose symptoms, such as shortness of breath
- Manage a heart or lung condition that could affect your blood oxygen levels, including heart failure, COPD, asthma, or pneumonia
- Track your blood oxygen level during the surgery
- Show if you need extra oxygen during exercise
- Demonstrate if your breathing stops while you sleep
- If you already use supplemental oxygen, the test shows if your oxygen flow is OK
The home overnight oximetry test is offered by VirtuOx which is a qualified provider and supplier of laboratory services. As CMS requires all claims for home oxygen therapy to be supported by a valid qualifying test, they released a new policy related to Patient Self-Administered Overnight Oximetry Testing.
According to the new guidelines, VirtuOx developed proprietary, web-based communication software that allows DME providers to be the courier of the oximetry testing devices (oximeters) to and from the patient’s home.
The DME provider then connects the oximeter to their PC and uploads the test data to VirtuOx’s HIPAA compliant servers. The proprietary software application creates a detailed report that is faxed to the patient's treating physician, who may then order home oxygen.
Oximetry tests may only be performed after a written physician’s order has been received by VirtuOx and the DME receives a copy of the report once VirtuOx confirms receipt of the patient signed Assignment of Benefits form.
Benefits of the Home Overnight Oximetry Test
The web application developed by VirtuOx can be used by any DME provider who creates an account through a VirtuOx customer service representative. The application is compatible with Non in, Respironics and VirtuOx VPOD oximeters.
The company offers both a 1-page summary report and a multiple page detailed report, which are easy to read and include data, as well as graphs. The DME providers can increase their oxygen patient census by using VirtuOx customizable marketing flyers, sample prescriptions and policies and procedures.
What’s more, DME providers can track their success by utilizing the Executive on Demand Dashboard. These tools allow providers to drill into and track: number of referrals per physician, number of qualified vs. non-qualified patients, DSO for tests and much more. This is the most comprehensive “dashboard” offered to DME’s who utilize online oximetry testing services.
What to Expect Before the Test?
You will first get the necessary equipment which you can either get from the clinic or you may need to pick them up from a home medical equipment provider. The equipment will likely include:
- An oximeter, which is the machine that records your blood oxygen level. It can be worn on your wrist like a watch or like a separate unit;
- An oxygen sensor that clips on your finger, and the cable connecting it to the oximeter;
- A booklet or paper that may be used to record when you start and stop the test, and any times you remove the finger clip to get up during the night;
What Happens on the Day of the Test?
On the day of the test, you will have to follow your normal daily routine. However, you should ask your physician whether you should take your usual medication. What’s more, if you use supplemental oxygen, the doctor will advise you if you should use oxygen during the test.
Get ready to go to bed and follow these steps:
- Attach the oxygen sensor, but make sure you remove any nail polish or artificial nail from the finger wearing the clip;
- Attach and secure the cable;
- Plug the cable into the oximeter;
- To help keep the clip from falling off your finger, you can use tape or a Band-aid to attach the cable to your finger;
- Turn on the oximeter if it doesn’t turn on automatically;
- When the oximeter turns on, you should see a screen come on with the date, time, and other readings;
- Note the time;
What Happens During the Test?
Try to fall asleep as you would usually do and leave the device working all night. If you feel the need to get up during the night, you can take the oximeter with you or unplug the cable and leave the oximeter by the bed. If you unplug the cable, remember to reattach it when you get back into bed, and make a note of the time. In case your finger becomes irritated from the sensor, move it to another finger and also note the time.
After the test is performed, you should:
- Turn off the oximeter and remove the clip when you wake up and write down the time;
- Make sure you don’t remove the batteries, as this will erase the results;
- Return the equipment and your notes, following your health care provider’s instructions;
- Follow-up with your doctor as advised to get the results and discuss next steps;