Jumping Through Hoops

Monday, February 9, 2009

My doctor released me from the hospital on the condition that I receive 24-hour oxygen due to my recent bout of pneumonia and history of bronchitis. My wife and I were delighted to learn that we could get set up with a portable oxygen concentrator, a state-of-the-art device which is portable and rated for use on aircraft. We were even more delighted to learn that Medicare would cover the cost of this very expensive device ... and through a local provider. This machine, the SeQual Eclipse 2, was affectionately dubbed R2O₂ because of its appearance, and operates on AC, DC and battery.

Before flying to Portland, however, we needed to prove to the airlines that I had sufficient batteries for the length of my flights, based upon my specific oxygen flow rate requirements. So, Patti initiated a phone call to Alaska Airlines to determine what their policy was with respect to portable oxygen devices onboard their aircraft. She also arranged for a wheelchair to meet me at each airport, since I was changing planes in Seattle for a commuter flight to Portland.

After speaking with a specialist at Alaska Airlines, it was suggested that I might need as many as five (5) batteries, based upon the (incorrect) information they had received regarding my oxygen needs. Bear in mind that each of these batteries weigh about 4 lbs. and cost nearly $400.00 each. The additional weight I might be forced to lug around was almost as daunting as the $1600.00 loan we might need if they persisted with this unnecessary requirement. Based upon calculations from a table provided by the maker of my oxygen concentrator, we were certain that one (1) extra battery would be sufficient. After phoning Alaska Airlines again, we managed to convince them of my true flow rate needs which reduced the number of extra batteries to one (1), as originally thought.

Patti was then informed that we would need to speak with MedAir, a firm which handles and approves such requests on behalf of the airline. After paying a screening fee and providing my doctor's name, my date of birth, current medical condition, etc., they faxed a form to my doctor for his signature. We then picked up this all-important form to provide proper medical proof to Alaska Airlines at the time of my flight from Anchorage and all future flights. Without this form — no trip, and no Portland Jazz Festival.

We had no idea that we'd be jumping through so many hoops, and within such a short (3 day) time frame, immediately before my scheduled trip to Portland.