 | With Insurance: There May Be Copays & Coinsurance up to Out of Pocket Maximum |
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 | Without Insurance: $5-$50 |
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 | Digital or Electronic: $50-$100 |
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| Peak flow meters are used to measure how well air is moving out of a patient's lungs. Taking peak flow measurements is an important part of managing asthma and other chronic lung conditions. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Peak flow meters can cost nothing (with insurance) or up to $100. Asthma specialty clinics often provide patients with a free peak flow meter, so patients can learn to manage their symptoms with the meter. Most insurance companies will completely cover the cost of traditional peak flow meters, which are those with a spring system that measures the rate of air output. Some insurance companies, such as Aetna, do not cover the cost of an electronic peak flow meter, because they consider them to be experimental. Patients should check with their insurance company before purchasing a peak flow meter. If insurance does cover the cost of a peak flow meter, typical insurance copays may apply. These range from $5 to $50, depending upon the company.
- Less expensive meters, such as the AirZone Peak Flow Meter which retails for $15.50, are often plastic with a spring system that measures air moving out of the lungs. The OmRon Peak Flow Meter, another plastic peak flow meter with a spring system, retails for $25.
- Digital or electronic peak flow meters, such as the Piko-6 which retails for $70, uses an electronic device to measure oxygen moving out of the lungs. The readout for the Piko-6 is digital, which insures that patients have an accurate reading. The Mircolife PF 100 Peak Flow Meter, which retails for about $50, is another digital peak flow meter that offers similar features.
What should be included: | - A peak flow meter purchase will include the peak flow meter and instructions for use. Some peak flow meters include a warranty, professional carrying bag and a peak flow daily recording chart.
- Digital peak flow meters will include a battery or charging station. Some digital peak flow meters also include software and computer connection cables. The software typically allows patients to chart measurements, so they can easily share their measurements with their doctor.
Additional costs: | - Peak flow meters need to be checked for accuracy annually at the doctor's office. This can include the fees associated with a check-up appointment. Check-up appointment costs can range from $25 to more than $500, depending upon the office. Insurance typically covers the cost of an annual preventative visit, though copays and deductibles will apply. Depending upon the state, the average person pays between $10 and $25 for a copay. If the peak flow meter readings are inaccurate, the meter will need to be replaced.
Shopping for oxygen tanks: | - :
- Shopping for a peak flow meter should begin at a doctor's office. When a patient is diagnosed with asthma or another chronic lung condition, a doctor typically recommends that peak flow meter measurements be taken daily. Often a doctor's office has peak flow meters available for purchase. Sometimes, the office will provide these free to patients. If not, a doctor can typically recommend a good brand.
- Peak flow meters can be purchased at most pharmacies, medical supply retailers and online. When purchasing a peak flow meter online, beware of retailers that are outside the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers other tips to consumers purchasing medical devices online, including talking to a physician or pharmacist before making an online purchase.
- Choosing between traditional and electronic peak flow meters may depend upon the insurance coverage. Patients should also consider ease of use and features, in addition to expense. Children could benefit from the electronic software that accompanies a digital peak flow meter, because of the charting options. For more information on selecting a peak flow meter, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers tips for using and purchasing a peak flow meter.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated October 2010 |
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