| It's a matter of breath and death! |
"COPD is a disease characterized by a progressive airflow limitations caused by an abnormal inflammatory reaction to the chronic inhalation of particles. (...) From a review of data from all over the world, it is clear that tobacco is not the only cause of COPD." (Chest, 117/2/Feb. 2000 Supplement) "Although COPD is a leading cause of illness and death, its recognition as a public health problem has been slow to evolve despite the rising mortality rate for COPD and the decline in death rates for most of the cardiovascular diseases. For example, between 1966 and 1995, the age-adjusted death rates for coronary heart disease and stroke declined by 45% and 58%, respectively, whereas the death rate for COPD increased by 71%!" (Chest, 117/2/Feb. 2000 Supplement) "COPD is a major and increasing health problem, which is predicted to become the third commonest cause of death and the fifth commonest cause of disability in the world by 2020. While there have been major advances in the understanding and management of asthma, COPD has been relatively neglected and there are no current therapies that reduce the inevitable progression of this disease. However, because of the enormous burden of disease and escalating healthcare costs, there is now renewed interest in the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms and a search for new therapies, resulting in re-evaluation of the disease. Despite its enormous global importance, there has been relatively little research into COPD and it is the most underfunded disease in relation to the global burden of disease." (N Engl J Med 1999;340:1881-1887) "....data from....US study suggest that 10% of persons with COPD account for > 70% of all medical care costs. International studies of trends in COPD-related hospitalization indicate that (...) admissions per 1,000 persons per year for COPD have increased in all age groups > 45 years of age. These trends reflect population aging, smoking patterns, institutional factors, and treatment practices." (Chest, 2000; 112:5S-9S) While the death rate for COPD continues to rise (nearly 125,000 in 2002), the funding for research decreases each year. See recent statistics. The Global Obstructive Lung Disease Initiative, initiated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the World Health Organization, aims to raise awareness of the increasing burden of COPD, decrease morbidity and mortality, promote further study of the condition, and implement programs to prevent COPD. It is your responsibility as a citizen and a patient - if you happen to be one - to demand that the governments and legislative bodies worldwide launch a massive campaign to find effective treatment and possibly cure for this debilitating and deadly disease. You owe it to yourself and to the future generations. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ AMERICAN THORACIC SOCIETY HAS RATED COPD-ALERT AMONG THE BEST ON THE WEB IN TWO CATEGORIES @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ INFORMATION ABOUT OXYGEN EQUIPMENT LONG-TERM OXYGEN THERAPY (LTOT) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| SM |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Disclaimer and Privacy Information All registered trademarks and trademarks that appear on this Web site are the property of their respective owners. Banners of organizations displayed on the site's pages are used for linking (often reciprocal) purposes only and not as advertising. This site is not funded by any organization or an individual. All costs are borne by the owner. COPD-ALERT 2000 Last Update April 24, 2008 |
 |
|
LYN COLE OUR MEMBER IN ALA COLORADO "RUN THE REGISTER" Click here UPDATED BELOW MIKE McBRIDE RUNS MARATHONS ON OXYGEN |
 |
| CHECK IF YOU MAY HAVE COPD!!! <><><><> USERS OF PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS PLEASE TAKE AN IMPORTANT SURVEY AT LTOT <><><><> OZONE ALERT <><><><> SUPPORT FUNDING FOR COPD PROGRAM AT CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL |
 |
GET SUPPORT FOR HOME OXYGEN PATIENT PROTECTION ACT REINTRODUCED IN CONGRESS H.R. 621/S. 1484 MORE COSPONSORS NEEDED!!! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| CMS CHANGES OXYGEN REIMBURSEMENT Changes to the reimbursement for oxygen and oxygen equipment by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) went into effect on the first day of 2007. For many respiratory professionals, the most noteworthy modification is the 36-month cap on oxygen reimbursement, after which title for the equipment would transfer to the beneficiary in accordance with the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 Monthly reimbursements have also changed. According to the CMS, individuals requiring both stationary and portable oxygen would receive the revised stationary payment of $177, in addition to one of two proposed portable equipment payments (of either $32 or $64), during the initial 3-year period. In addition to the new stationary payment, CMS has also proposed new national monthly oxygen rental rates of $32 for portable add-ons; $64 for oxygen generating portable equipment add-on for portable concentrators or transfilling systems; $101 for stationary contents delivery; and $55 for portable contents delivery. The entire CMS document is available online (launches PDF). SOURCE: RT Magazine, Respiratory Report, Feb. 22, 2007 |
 |
|