Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Case Manager Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Medicare requires measurement of pulmonary artery pressure to confirm pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale for home oxygen coverage. This is because accurate diagnosis is critical when determining the medical necessity for home oxygen therapy, especially in conditions like pulmonary hypertension, which can significantly impact a patient's oxygenation status and overall health.

Pulmonary artery pressure measurements are obtained through various diagnostic tests, such as right heart catheterization or non-invasive imaging techniques. These methods provide objective data that healthcare providers can use to assess the severity of the condition. With verified pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale, Medicare is more likely to approve coverage for home oxygen therapy, which is essential for improving patients' quality of life and preventing further health complications.

Other methods like patient self-reporting symptoms or general blood pressure readings do not provide the specific clinical evidence needed to confirm diagnoses effectively. Additionally, a patient's oxygen usage history might offer insights into their oxygen needs but does not serve as a definitive measure of the underlying conditions requiring treatment.