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It is best to rely on oxygen providers that fellow COPD patients tell you about. The folks in your local COPD support group would be happy to offer guidance in making your choice.

Expect straight answers to these questions before you make your choice.

1. What Type of Systems They Offer
   Expect the provider to help you choose a system that meets the flow rate prescribed by your doctor. “Ask whether they provide both liquid and compressed,” says Wilson. “Most don’t provide liquid oxygen. You'll more than likely only be offered compressed." Some will also provide newer systems of which you have to ask about.
   Liquid is a better choice if you are subject to loss of power and/or live in a mobile home. Make sure you know the features and costs of each system before you choose. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
    
2. What Extras They Include
   The provider should offer a number of cannulas, tubing, swivels, humidifiers, and other extras with each system. “People need unique sizes,” says Tony Hamel, a transplant receiver, oxygen user, and member of the on-line support group COPD International. “Some of the larger ones do not have as much comfort. But there are light ones that aren’t as hard on your nose and ears.” Be sure you have enough tubing to move around your home. Also be sure you have enough swivels to keep it from knotting. Some provide tubing and cannulas if you purchase oxygen from them. They should also include batteries. “That’s part of the deal,” says Wilson. “People often forget about the batteries, and providers sometimes don’t mention them.”
    
3. If They Offer Training for Both the Patient and the Caregiver
   The best system in the world will not help you if you do not know how to use it. Ask about getting trained. This training is not only for you but you for your care-giver as well. Web surveys show that only a third of all providers include care-givers in their training.
    
4. How Often Their RT Makes Home Visits
   Find out if they will arrange to have a respiratory therapist (RT) visit you at home. The RT will check the flow rate and answer any questions you have. They often visit once a month.
    
5. How to Keep up the System
   You need to ask about any training they offer for you and your care-giver. As part of your training, an RT will show you how to change and clean the filters. You will also be shown how to perform other simple chores to maintain your system. Any extra up keep depends on the type of system you have. Wilson points out that getting an oxygen system is a lot like getting a new car. “We think we’re buying a car, but we’re really buying a service.” “We expect to drive the car. And if it breaks, we expect the seller to fix it. It’s the same with an oxygen system.”
    
6. If They Respond to Emergency Calls
   The only correct answer is “at once, 24/7.” If you have a concentrator, you should be equipped with a back-up system in case there is a power outage. Both you and your care-giver should know how to use the back-up system. You may need to tell the power company in advance that you need oxygen. They will make sure that you are first to receive power in an outage. “When the power goes out and you don’t have oxygen, you can’t walk very far and you can’t think very clearly,” cautions Wilson. The time for step-by-step crisis planning comes long before a real crisis occurs.
    
7. If They Refill Oxygen Tanks, or if They Outsource the Job
   “Ask if the provider fills their own tanks or sends them somewhere to be refilled,” says Hamel. “If the tanks have to be sent somewhere, you run the risk that they won’t be on hand when you need them.”
    
8. If They Arrange for Service During Travel
   “Most providers will give you some help when you travel,” says Wilson. This help does not extend to airline or boat travel. For the most part, airlines give you little choice. It is either that you use their provider on their airplanes, or don’t use any at all. Your provider should offer their service in airports.
   For auto travel, select a provider who will offer service at any place. If you do not arrange for this, or you may have big problems trying to schedule refills. Compressed tanks may take a week or so to refill in some places. Some may gladly loan you tanks while they refill yours. The only problem is that more than likely they will want you to return the loaners. This means that you would have to return the same way and this may cause schedule problems. Also, make sure that your car in big enough to fit your needs.
    
9. How Many Sites and Office Branches They Have
   There are two nation-wide providers (Apria and Lincare). Some of the smaller providers will work with others to help out during travel. Contact your insurance company to find out about other options. Of course, more branches mean more ease for you.
    
10. If They Are Accredited
    By 2007, all providers bidding under Medicare must be accredited