Editor's Note

Battle Cry

• By Elisha Bury
• Mar 01, 2007

Change, it’s not something mankind does well. We seek refuge in a routine that feels comfortable and secure like a well-worn blanket.

But a world built on the predictable does not progress, and the respiratory market is bent on progression.

As the Bush Administration seeks to further reduce the rental term for oxygen from 36 months to 13 months, change has forced the industry to go to battle. To the Bush Administration, 36 and 13 represent only the bottom line in a budget, but the industry understands that lives are riding on the outcome of this legislation.

Rather than hang our heads low, however, the industry has stepped up advocacy efforts, even launching a campaign from the show floor of Medtrade last fall. The American Association for Homecare has commissioned a study to prove to the Powers That Be that providing oxygen therapy is less about the rough cost of equipment and more about vital service that helps an elderly COPD patient with limited hand dexterity operate and maintain a complex system.

Providers are personifying that study by getting consumers involved and inviting members of Congress to visit their stores to talk with patients firsthand about the effects of these two little numbers. They are proving that respiratory products are not merely devices — they are life-saving devices.

Change also has brought revolution to the sleep market. Today, more consumers are talking about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and seeking treatment than ever before. The entire health field — from cardiovascular surgeons to bariatric physicians — is taking notice of the effects of OSA and working to improve the lives of their patients.

In fact, the focused study of the disorder has brought to light other forms of sleep apnea. Devices are already being manufactured to address the nuances of complex sleep apnea and promote better outcomes. Every day, the knowledge base for sleep apnea expands and every day, patients’ lives are changing for the better.

Providers and respiratory therapists are relentless about changing the compliance rate and much has been done to foster that effort. The American Sleep Apnea Association has diligently monitored a forum that encourages CPAP users to talk about compliance issues. Two competitors — Respironics and ResMed — have joined forces in a public awareness campaign to get the word out about how CPAP therapy can improve the lives of patients (www.sleepapneainfo.com).

I noticed this remarkable change on a recent trip to Baltimore. My husband’s uncle, a career Marine, asked about my recent promotion to editor of Respiratory Management. I began discussing topics at the heart of the magazine — oxygen, sleep — and he immediately chimed in with, “CPAPs, right?” What impressed me was the way he talked about his condition. He praised the respiratory therapist and provider that helped solve his compliance issue — with a CPAP that ramps up the airflow so he can fall asleep more comfortably. There was no tone of embarrassment, no secrecy.

Since coming into this industry two years ago, I have been constantly wowed by the devices on the market. I have talked to providers who beam with pride about the work they do. Despite constant setbacks to reimbursement, providers have not lost the faith that their work is changing lives. Constantly, I hear the chatter of ideas on finding new ways to preserve rather than cut the service component. I have no doubts that despite the changes ahead, the respiratory industry will emerge victorious because the pursuit of excellence is at the very core of its existence.

For our part, Respiratory Management will be with you every step of the way — fighting alongside you and arming you with the information to fight harder.

This article originally appeared in the Respiratory Management March/April 2007 issue of HME Business.