Pacific Pulmonary Service

PACIFIC PULMONARY SERVICES August 11, 2017 773 San Marin Drive Suite 2230 Novato, CA 94945 Phone: ###-###-#### Fax: [redacted] ppsc.com Revdex.com Serving Central California & Inland Empire Counties Attn: Bertha [redacted] 2600 W. Shaw Lane Fresno, CA...

93311 Via Facsimile ###-###-#### RE: Case ID #12293502 Dear Ms. [redacted], Thank you for notifying us that Ms. [redacted] reported a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) was not dispensed to her. I researched her account as soon as I became aware of the concerns Because this inquiry involves medical records, subject to Federal Privacy Laws, please note that no portion of this letter may be posted publicly. The patient's protected health information must remain private. During my research, carefully reviewed Ms. [redacted]' account. My research- indicated that oxygen therapy equipment and supplies were initially dispensed to Ms. [redacted] on June 18, 2015 in accordance with an order from Dr. [redacted]. The order from Dr. [redacted] indicated nocturnal use only. Because the order specified use during sleep only, the order did not include provisions for oxygen use outside the home (portability). My research also indicates that Ms. [redacted] is a beneficiary of Medicare. In order to receive Medicare benefits for oxygen portability; all Medicare beneficiaries are required to fulfill oxygen portability qualification requirements imposed by Medicare. A POC is dispensed to a patient when a practitioner has ordered that item for the patient, and when a patient has qualified for portable oxygen in accordance with Medicare portability qualification requirements. On July 7, 2017, PPS received an order for oxygen portability that specified oxygen cylinders and an oxygen conserving device. Even on a temporary basis, Ms. [redacted] indicated that she was not interested in portability with cylinders. On July 26, 2017, PPS received an order from Dr. [redacted] that specified a POC for oxygen portability. Our representatives worked to ensure we received all the documentation necessary to qualify Ms. [redacted] for oxygen portability in accordance with Medicare qualification requirements. All necessary documentation has been obtained and PPS anticipates receiving a POC from the manufacturer soon. Once the POC is received, it will be dispensed it to Ms. [redacted]. Our intention was not to inconvenience Ms. [redacted]. Instead, our intention was to dispense equipment in accordance with the order issued. In addition, we intended to help Ms. [redacted] avoid paying needlessly out-of-pocket for a service for which she would be likely to qualify. Best regards,  [redacted] Quality of Care Investigator Pacific Pulmonary Services 773 San Marin Drive, Suite 2230 Novato, CA 94945 ###-###-#### cc: [redacted], Regional Operations Manager [redacted], General Manager [redacted], Director of Compliance, Accreditation, Licensure & Credentialing