The Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997
reduced payment allowances for home oxygen by 25 percent effective
January 1, 1998, and an additional 5 percent effective January 1,
1999. As a result of these fee schedule reductions, the BBA
requires a study be made of issues relating to home oxygen
equipment. The study primary objectives are: To evaluate any
changes in access to and quality of home oxygen equipment provided
to Medicare beneficiaries as a result of the fee schedule reduction
and to describe current physician practices in ordering and
prescribing home oxygen services.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.