Access to and funding for domiciliary oxygen therapy in Australia

Eligible prescribers, funding and clinical criteria for subsidised domiciliary oxygen therapy vary between Australian states and territories and, in some cases, from region to region within a state or territory. Obtain details from the relevant state or territory Health Department. Some websites with information on domiciliary oxygen therapy include:

• Queensland Health Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS)
• New South Wales EnableNSW Home Respiratory Program
• Victoria State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP)
• South Australia Health Home Oxygen Therapy Policy Guideline
• Western Australia Health Respiratory Health Network

Oxygen therapy for patients admitted to a high-level residential care facility is federally subsidised; a social worker may need to organise funding.

Oxygen therapy for patients who receive a Department of Veterans’ Affairs pension is subsidised through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

For patients who pay for their own oxygen therapy, any registered medical practitioner can prescribe treatment.