1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

nebulizing albuterol and saline

Posted by donnaturn @donnaturn, Dec 14, 2022

I have had shakiness after nebulizing albuterol 2.5mg/3ml. The last time I saw my pulmo. He suggested using only half the vial, which has helped some. He also said that we could change to a lower dose when I need a refill. Have any of you experienced the same thing and what dose is most commonly prescribed? Also, I think I have read on this site that nebulizing saline causes coughing. I have problems with that often and have to stop and cough and drink before resuming. It is frustrating because it just makes the session longer. I am using 7% saline. Has anyone had less coughing with 3%? Also, I assume 3% is less effective and perhaps I should put up with the coughing if the 7% does a better job. I appreciate any advice. Thank you. Donna Turnbaugh

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totty | @totty | Dec 19, 2022

Nebulizer’s nor Albuterol and saline are covered by my husband’s Medicare but I think I read somewhere that if the physician would write a prescription for these and use a specific code that these are would be covered.
Is anyone familiar with this?
Thanks,
Totty

REPLY
2 replies
becleartoday | @becleartoday | Dec 20, 2022
In reply to @totty "Nebulizer’s nor Albuterol and saline are covered by my husband’s Medicare but I think I read..." + (show)
@totty

Nebulizer’s nor Albuterol and saline are covered by my husband’s Medicare but I think I read somewhere that if the physician would write a prescription for these and use a specific code that these are would be covered.
Is anyone familiar with this?
Thanks,
Totty

Jump to this post

If your husband has MAC lung disease, the Healthwell Foundation will help pay co-pays and supplemental insurance premiums. I’m not sure if they would specifically cover nebulizers and saline, but it’s worth asking them.
Best,
Linda Esposito

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hcroom | @hcroom | Dec 20, 2022

I had such awful coughing fits from nebulizing hypertonic saline that my pulmonologist took me off saline altogether. I can't tell you what a relief it was. I have had asthma for 60 years and have "mild bronchiectasis." Now, I nebulize albuterol with an Aerobika device and follow that with 2 puffs of Symbicort generic. I haven't missed the saline. Hope this helps.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 20, 2022
In reply to @totty "Nebulizer’s nor Albuterol and saline are covered by my husband’s Medicare but I think I read..." + (show)
@totty

Nebulizer’s nor Albuterol and saline are covered by my husband’s Medicare but I think I read somewhere that if the physician would write a prescription for these and use a specific code that these are would be covered.
Is anyone familiar with this?
Thanks,
Totty

Jump to this post

Oh my, I apologize. I wrote you a long answer yesterday, only to have my computer shut down before I could push "Reply"

Please know - if prescribed by a doctor, Medicare Part B covers nebulizer, Albuterol & saline. If your husband has Medicare Part B or an "umbrella" Advantage Plan or a supplement, IT IS COVERED. Two things often happen - pharmacists submit it under Part D (prescription drugs) - which is incorrect, and it gets rejected. Or, the wrong diagnostic and dispensing codes were used.

Here is the official 2022 information from the government:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=52466#
Feel free to share this with your care team.
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
poodledoc | @poodledoc | Dec 20, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Oh my, I apologize. I wrote you a long answer yesterday, only to have my computer..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Oh my, I apologize. I wrote you a long answer yesterday, only to have my computer shut down before I could push "Reply"

Please know - if prescribed by a doctor, Medicare Part B covers nebulizer, Albuterol & saline. If your husband has Medicare Part B or an "umbrella" Advantage Plan or a supplement, IT IS COVERED. Two things often happen - pharmacists submit it under Part D (prescription drugs) - which is incorrect, and it gets rejected. Or, the wrong diagnostic and dispensing codes were used.

Here is the official 2022 information from the government:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=52466#
Feel free to share this with your care team.
Sue

Jump to this post

Sue, Thanks for the link but really why does Medicare have to be so complicated with this. Has anyone had Medicare pay for a specific Nebulizer? Bill

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 20, 2022
In reply to @poodledoc "Sue, Thanks for the link but really why does Medicare have to be so complicated with..." + (show)
@poodledoc

Sue, Thanks for the link but really why does Medicare have to be so complicated with this. Has anyone had Medicare pay for a specific Nebulizer? Bill

Jump to this post

Yes, they paid for my replacement Pari Vios. And they routinely pay for all of my neb solutions -levalbuterol, budosenide, douneb & 7% saline - depending on what I need at the moment.
Sue

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